Natural Pain Relief Without Ibuprofen - By Vikas Garg, MD, MSA
Dr. Vikas Garg practices Pain Medicine in Logan and Murray, Utah. Pain medicine is concerned with the prevention of pain, and the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients experiencing pain. Pain medicine physicians use a broad-based approach to treat all pain disorders, ranging from pain as a symptom of disease... more
Ditch the ibuprofen, it does more bad than good.
Many patients take NSAIDs, like ibuprfen and aspirin, to relieve their pain. However, taking too many NSAIDs can damage the lining of your gut and feed bad gut bacteria. Instead of taking ibuprofen or aspirin, there are several natural pain relievers that can keep your inflammation to a minimum.
Here are some examples you can use to relieve pain.
Eat willow bark
Willow bark contains salicin, which is very similar to one of the main ingredients in aspirin. It can ease most cases of inflammation, and can be either chewed or used to brew tea.
Add tumeric to your diet
Turmeric isn't only used for curry. It contains curcumin, which is an antioxidant that protects the body from molecules that can damage cells and tissues.
Start eating cloves
Cloves might be used to spice up foods, but it can also treat nausea and common colds. They can also relieve headaches and toothaches.
Try acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese practice that relieves bodily pain by balancing its natural energy. Acupuncturists insert thin needles in your skin to help relieve your pain, and it has been proven to be very effective.
Use heat and ice packs
It's time to go back to basics—applying heat and ice directly on the source of pain can also relieve it.
Incorporate whole grains into your diet
Barley and lentils are whole grains that have a ton of antioxidants and fiber. They keep your digestive system healthy and maintain blood sugar levels.
