The purpose of Functional Medicine is to help people find the root cause of the dis-ease in their body and help them address it so that they can find health and vitality.
Sometimes, the root cause is shocking. There is a trend that I am noticing. A trigger that I am seeing over and over again is a minor injury. It could be a sprained ankle, pulled muscle, or tweaked back. Nothing overtly life-shattering that is being treated with NSAIDS, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are sold over-the-counter. And not even large doses of these drugs. Recommended doses taken once or twice a day over the course of weeks.
Months later, a new symptom or dis-ease rears its head. This could be allergies, asthma, gastro-intestinal dysfunction such as IBS, or even an auto immune dynamic like arthritis or something much worse.
Over-the-counter medications can be dangerous. In the case of these types of painkillers, the have an effect on the lining of the stomach and small intestines which leads to nutrient malabsorption, a weakening of the immune system, and intestinal permeability, which is also known as leaky gut.
In addition, NSAIDS are also responsible for suppressing the synthesis of inflammatory molecules known as prostaglandins. These molecules are responsible for causing swelling so when they are suppressed there is less swelling and therefore, less pain.
Prostaglandins are also responsible for strengthening the immune system, regulating kidney function, and promoting the secretion of stomach acid. When there is dysfunction of the kidneys, this promotes hypertension and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
WHEW!
So, the next time you have an injury of feel the need for a painkiller, please remember two things:
- Why are you in pain? Pain is a message from your body and instead of being quick to squash it and move on with your life, ask, “Why am I having this pain?”
Are you getting a message to slow down?
Is there something that you ate that caused joint or muscle pain? Frequently, this is the body’s response to a food. Something that your body is reacting to but that you have not stopped to identify. It is likely, if you are in chronic pain, to be a food that you eat frequently.
- Instead of reaching for an over-the-counter pain killer, what could you do instead?
There are other options. Curcumin is a derivative of turmeric and this is a very anti-inflammatory substance. Instead of reaching for the NSAIDS, take 500 mg of curcumin 2 times per day to reduce the pain. Unfortunately, curcumin is not easily absorbable so for maximum benefit take a curcumin that is combined with a fat-soluble substance or treated by a process that makes it more bio-available. I recommend taking a Meriva form of curcumin for the most benefit.
Another natural pain killer is bromelain. This is actually an enzyme that is found in pineapple stems and is available as a supplement. I typically recommend someone take 250 – 500 mg twice a day to help with pain and inflammation.
If you track your symptoms back and realize that you had been taking NSAIDS for a period of time, don’t despair. They are reversible and I look forward to helping you reverse the damage that has occurred.
I can be reached at Just Breathe by calling 508-366-8292 or through email at justbreatheasaltroom@gmail.com.
