When it comes to minor aches and pains we almost always reach for a bottle of Advil to make them go away. Sure, it is an easy way to get rid of a headache but it is not very healthy.
These painkillers are considered NAIDs. NSAID stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are the most common pain relief medications on the planet and more than 30 million Americans use them every single day. These painkillers work on a chemical level to block the effects of special enzymes. They block your cox enzymes and in term, your body stops making as many prostaglandins which reduces the pain as well as swelling in some cases. For a better explanation on how these work please watch the video below.
Here in the United States, we are dependent on these NAIDs to be able to function from day to day. This is a disaster, to say the least considering that NAIDs are terrible for our health. Do you use NSAIDs?
Most Common NSAIDs:
- Diclofenac (Voltaren)
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Naprosyn (Naproxen)
- Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)
These have all been linked to things like cardiovascular risks, bleeding of the digestive tract, kidney issues, and increased blood pressure. It is almost impossible to find a drug that is not overrun with extreme side effects. Now, of course, you’re probably thinking Tylenol is safe because I did not list it above however it is not safe. I did not list Tylenol above because it is not considered a NSAID. In case you are not aware taking too much Tylenol is actually the most common cause of acute liver failure in the US.
Along with liver failure Tylenol (acetaminophen) offers us many different unhealthy side effects. Research has shown that this drug has dulling effects on your emotional responses. The research actually suggested that this ‘medicine might be altering brain activity, for instance, the activities associated with serotonin (our happiness so to say.) So, yes you may get rid of your migraine but you will also be saying goodbye to your liver and your feelings in some cases. For some people, serious skin reactions are a possibility with acetaminophen as well.
Skin Reactions Known As:
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS): This generally starts out with flu-like symptoms and turns into a blistering rash. Skin layers will be peeling away in sheets and you may even lose some of your hair or fingernails. This is often fatal.
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS): This is another one that begins with flu-like symptoms, it turns into a purple or red rash that of course blisters and causes the top layer of your skin to come off. This can lead to things like blindness, internal organ damage, serious infections, and in some cases death.
- Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP): This condition is one that usually resolves within two weeks once the acetaminophen is stopped. It causes many pustules to appear on the skin and is not fun at all.
These drugs are not doing anything for us in the long run and we need to cut them out of our lives. Sure it may seem inconvenient to some but to those who actually care about the health of themselves and their loved ones this is a piece of cake. There are tons of different natural alternatives to Tylenol and Advil, so many that I am going to have to pick my favorite three and leave it at that.
Natural Alternatives to Advil and Tylenol:
This is one amazing herb. It is an anti-inflammatory and offers help when it comes to pain relief. Steeping fresh ginger in boiling water as tea is my most favorite way to use it. This works wonders on a headache and will have you feeling better in no time at all.
This is one of the most amazing antioxidants that we know of. It has a multitude of anti-inflammatory properties and in most cases is more effective than NSAIDs. You will need a larger dose of course, which is fine when you consider the side effects of NSAIDs.
This is one fantastic herb (Indian frankincense) that will rid you of your joint pain quickly. If you are dealing with rheumatoid arthritis this is the herb for you.
I hope that this article has you at the very least considering other options when it comes to over the counter pain relief. You deserve a long healthy life. Don’t let things like Tylenol hold you back.