By Matthew Lewis, MD
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, can be purchased just about anywhere without a prescription. The types of drugs that fit into this category are aspirin and Advil, or drugs such as Aleve and Celebrex, which do require a prescription.
People take these types of drugs regularly to reduce pain or inflammation, and it is generally assumed by the public that the adverse effects of NSAIDs are mild, maybe causing an upset stomach. But in June of 1999, the prestigious New England Journal of Medicineissued this statement:
“It has been estimated conservatively that 16,500 NSAID related deaths occur among patients with arthritis every year in the United States.”
If deaths from gastrointestinal toxic effects from NSAIDs were calculated separately from other adverse reactions to prescription drugs, these effects would constitute the 15th most common cause of death in the United States. Yet these toxic effects remain a “silent epidemic” with many physicians and most patients unaware of the magnitude of the problem.
Did you know that preventable chronic conditions—including heart disease and diabetes—are inflammatory in nature? At the root of heart disease and diabetes lurks inflammation. Inflammation causes five cardinal signs: pain, swelling, heat, redness and loss of function.
This is the reason physicians commonly recommend NSAIDs. They temporarily reduce inflammation, thus reducing pain. However, the underlying cause of inflammation remains, creating a terrible burden on the body.
Think about it. If the root cause of inflammation were gone, you would find the NSAID to be unnecessary. For those of us who continue to take NSAIDs, it should be understood that lurking below the surface is a precursor to many chronic conditions, inflammation.
Inflammation can be treated or prevented using natural supplements, fresh herbs and the correct diet. For example, turmeric is a wonderful antioxidant that is known to reduce inflammation. Vegetables are also anti-inflammatory. There is little processing needed for these types of foods. On the other hand, sugar is inflammatory.
Using fresh foods is actually a boost to the environment in your body and ecologically. Why? Less processing equals less carbon footprint. The idea is to proactively stay healthy, so you don’t develop the perceived need to turn to these drugs. If you experience pain, the first thing you should ask is: What does it mean?
Pain is a sign that something has changed. It is the body speaking to you and telling you that something is not right. Taking drugs, however, does not solve the problem, it just helps you ignore the fact that there is a problem. And if you take enough drugs, it creates new problems. I think we all understand that the less drugs we take, the better off we are. Rather than taking a bunch of aspirin, why not instead incorporate things into your lifestyle that will help? It makes good sense and can literally save your life.