A very serious question for you today …
Do you regularly take any kind of pain meds?
I ask, because there’s one VERY popular one that is causing quite a commotion in the media … and could prove to be deadly.
Make sure to read every word of today’s article. I’ll also give you a few all-natural alternatives that could work just as well.
Have you seen the big story that appeared in the Associated Press a few weeks ago?
As it turns out, Johnson & Johnson – the makers of Tylenol – have added a lukewarm warning to their bottles of Extra Strength Tylenol. [1]
On the cap of the bottle, the warning will read:“Contains acetaminophen.
Always read the label.”
Care to know why they’ve added this almost harmless-sounding warning?
Because acetaminophen – the active ingredient in Tylenol – is the leading cause of sudden liver failure in America!
So what are you to do if you have pain?
Avoid taking acetaminophen if you can.
Instead, try any one (or more!) of these natural pain remedies that can be just as effective, without the nasty side-effects:
White willow bark: This is nature’s original “aspirin.” It has incredible anti-inflammatory power and is longer-lasting than regular aspirin. Also, it’s been used for ages, even in the time of Hippocrates (400 B.C.), in Ancient Egypt, and in traditional Chinese medicine. The main compound responsible for the pain relief is salicin – the compound that was studied by the drug companies to create aspirin. You can find it at your local health food store.
Capsaicin: This is the compound responsible for the “heat” in peppers. Some studies suggest that it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has seen positive results in those suffering from certain kinds of arthritis. You can choose to simply eat foods with a little more spice, or take a simple capsaicin supplement, usually sold as a form of Cayenne Pepper.
Ginger: This Asian spice has powerful pain-fighting capabilities. In one study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that it can reduce the sensation of pain by up to 25 percent [2]. You can choose to eat fresh ginger root, or take it in supplement form, as a powder. Both should work just as effectively.
Arnica: This flower is related to the sunflower, and it can be a very potent pain-fighter. In one study, published in the journal Rheumatology International, researchers found that arnica gel applied on the skin was just as effective as ibuprofen gel. [3] This one can also be found at many grocery stores and health food stores.
So there you have it. Pain relief without all the nasty side-effects that can come with over-the-counter options.
Staying pain-free will help you keep consistent with your workouts … and stay healthy and fit for years to come.Oh, and one more thing – if you’re serious about managing your overall health and fitness, why not take advantage of your FREE Fitness Consultation? (an $87 value)
During this consult, you’ll receive detailed information on how to get fit and trim that’s tailored to YOUR body.
There’s no obligation and it’s totally and completely free. To sign up, click here.
References:
[1] http://bigstory.ap.org/
[2] Ozgoli, G., Goli, M., Moattar, F. “Comparison of Effects of Ginger, Mefenamic Acid, and Ibuprofen on Pain in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea,” J. Altern. Complement. Med. Feb. 2009;15(2):129-32
[3] Widrig R, Suter A, Saller R, Melzer J., “Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomised, double-blind study.” Rheumatol Int. 2007 Apr;27(6):585-91. Epub 2007 Feb 22.