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NSAID’S a cautionary tale

Published May 9th, 2014 in HN4U Blog, Inflammatory Illnesses

Millions of Americans routinely take over the counter medications known as NSAIDs which stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). These anti-inflammatory medications come under the brand and generic names;

Ibuprofen (e.g. brand names Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

Naproxen (e.g. brand names Aleve, Naprosyn)

COX-2 inhibitors (e.g. brand name Celebrex)

NSAIDs comprise a large class of drugs used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In addition to aspirin, there are currently several types of both non-prescription (over-the-counter) NSAIDs and prescription brands of NSAIDs.

These medications do not come with a red warning label, alerting you to the potential dangers. NSAIDs are known to damage kidney and liver function in some individuals, and in April 9, 2014 warnings were posted on Medscape, a physician news site, posted the following headline: NSAIDs Linked to Higher Atrial Fibrillation Risk – “Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs appears to be associated with an increased risk for atrial fibrillation (AF), even after adjustment for ventricular end-diastolic dimension, known to be increased with NSAID use, a new study confirms.

Patients using NSAIDs for 2 to 4 weeks had a 76% higher risk of developing AF compared with those who hadn’t taken these pain medications, researchers found.

The underlying mechanism connecting NSAID use with AF isn’t clear and “deserves further attention,” the authors conclude. AF a common arrhythmia in the elderly, is associated with stroke, heart failure, increased mortality, and reduced life expectancy. NSAID use has also been associated with myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. Other recent studies have suggested that NSAID use may increase the risk for AF, the researchers note.”

It is not uncommon for clients to report the use of these medications, and I myself have used them on occasion for pain associated with injury or headache, but I have always increased the amount of water consumed during those times to reduce potential kidney damage. It wasn’t until the posting of this information that my healthcare provider and I put together the connection with potential heart risks. Something every perimenopausal woman should be mindful of.

If you have a history of heart problems, or kidney disease please take this information to heart, speak with a knowledgeable pharmacist like the owner of Northwest Compounding and your healthcare provider, before taking NSAIDs further.

Natural pain relievers

Nature is filled with herbs and foods that reduce inflammation, the down side is these options take longer to take effect, and the volume needed to feel results is higher than a once daily prescription medication. Some individual’s will need to continue prescription anti-inflammatory’s, and with the incorporation of traditional pain products like Boswellia serrata, tumeric, una de gato, MSMand proteolytic enzymes, the need for ever increasing medication dosages and risks may be reduced.

Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, a tree native to the mountainous regions of the Middle East and related to the tree that yields frankincense referenced in the bible. It’s trunk is slashed to permit the flow of a resinous gum, which is also known as guggulu and locally called shallaki (Sanskrit). After collection, the resin is cured in specialized bamboo baskets before being broken into pieces and graded according to color and shape. Boswellia serrata has a very pleasant, exotic scent when burned as incense alone or in combination with other resins.

Active Constituents: The gum oleoresin consists of essential oils, gum, and terpenoids. The terpenoid portion contains the boswellic acids that have been shown to be the active constituents in boswellia. Today, extracts are typically standardized to contain 37.5–65% boswellic acids.

SOME SPECIAL FEATURES : Boswellia has been shown to be as effective and, in many cases, better than drugs like Phenylbutazone and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations for treating Asthma and Arthritis.

So before you pop another Advil™, or Aleve™ for the pain in your back, consider your options: Be diligent about following the recommendations of you care provider. Increase your water consumption through mineral waters which help improve kidney function. Reduce inflammatory foods in your diet including polyunsaturated oils and follow the biblical example of Boswellia for pain relief, there are no known medication Sid effects to this herb and it is safe for dog’s as well.

 

To your Good Health through ancient wisdom.