Tame the Flame: Natural Remedies to Manage Pain & Reduce Inflammation
Recently I attended the AANP (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians) Convention at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. Four days of educational sessions from some of the most respected voices speaking on the theme, “Composing Effective Patient Care.”
An enlightening lecture I attended titled, “How Do I Get Off These Drugs, Doc,” presented by Letitia Dick, BS, ND and Christie Fleetwood, ND, R.Ph. covered nutrient depletions caused by Rx drugs and how to support them; detoxifying the suppressed patient; replacing Rx drugs with nutraceuticals, homeopathics, botanicals and glandulars; bringing the patient to their highest level of health; and addressing therapeutic order, which consists of:
Consider this: Approximately 15,000 people die each year from illegal street drugs. Over 100,000 are killed each year from prescription medications! Deaths caused by overdosing on painkillers now surpass murders and fatal car accidents in the U.S.
Did you know that 75 percent of all visits to most medical doctors end with a prescription? Pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars a year to market their drugs. Prescription medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone are narcotic opioids, just like heroin and these drugs are vastly overprescribed and highly addictive.
Even pregnant women are being prescribed toxic pain medications! According to a study in Anesthesiology, more than 14 percent of pregnant women were prescribed opioids for pain at some time during their pregnancy! “Heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone are all classified as opioids because they exert their effect by attaching to the opioid receptor found in our brain and spinal cord,” according to Dr. Wilson Compton, deputy director of the US National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The Top Reasons People See a Doctor
Up to ninety percent of doctor visits are due to stress. The truth is that many of these “lifestyle diseases” can be alleviated, completely reversed and health restored with attention to cleaning up the diet, lifestyle, exercise, the appropriate nutrients and identifying the root cause.
| * Digestive complaints | * Pain | * Insomnia |
| * Hypothyroidism | * Diabetes | * Clotting issues |
| * High cholesterol | * Osteoporosis | * Hypertension |
| * Benign prostate hypertrophy | * Asthma | * Headaches & migraines |
| * Anxiety, depression, bi-polar | * Infections | * Skin problems |
An estimated 116 million U.S. adults suffer with chronic pain – that’s twice as many people that have strokes, cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined. Pain is the most common reason people seek medical advice. When we get hurt or suffer an injury, this is defined as acute pain whereas an ongoing degenerative condition that continues to cause discomfort is described as chronic pain.
Pain meds are one of the most overprescribed drugs in the U.S. Misuse of prescription pain medication leads to abuse, addiction, and comes with a laundry list of serious side effects. As the nutritionist for The River Source (a holistic drug and alcohol treatment center), they confirm that detoxing an addict off of oxydocone/oxycontin is the most challenging of all drugs, more so than heroin, cocaine or alcohol.
A commentary published in The FASEB Journal argues that “patients should be diligent and demand proof of safety and benefit before beginning any treatment regimen for chronic pain, as some treatments have very little scientific evidence that they actually alleviate the conditions for which they are prescribed. Patients should ask their physician to provide results from published, placebo-controlled studies proving that the proposed remedy is both beneficial and safe.”
According to Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, “when doctors don't know what's causing a patient to experience chronic pain, desperation can set in. That desperation, however is no excuse for pushing the boundaries of the Hippocratic Oath by diagnosing a patient with a poorly defined health condition, like chronic Lymes disease for which the only remedies are unproven and may only cause more harm."
Aside from Rx drugs for pain, there are hundreds of OTC pain relievers such as Ibuprofen, including Motrin and Advil, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDS. These OTC drugs do not come without side effects.
A study published in the Journal of Restorative Medicine found evidence that increased acetaminophen use in children appears to be a major cause of the epidemics of autism, ADHD and asthma. In Cuba, Tylenol is a prescription only drug. Could it be possible that the low rates of autism in Cuba are due to restricted Tylenol use?
Americans consume 15 tons of aspirin a day, 19 billion tablets per year. Although thought to be harmless, a single aspirin will be responsible for 1500-2000 deaths; be a leading cause of kidney disease and cause ulcers, toxic headaches and children’s Reye’s Syndrome. A study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology shows that even low-dose aspirin (as low as 75mg daily and up to 325mg daily) increases the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Taking aspirin regularly not only increases risk of GI bleeding, it increases risk of micro-bleeding in the brain by 70 percent. A healthier option without the side effects: essential fatty acids, a quality omega-3 fish oil free of heavy metals, soybean oil and toxins.
According to the American Journal of Medicine, approximately 107,000 individuals are hospitalized every year for NSAID-related GI complications, and at least 16,500 deaths occur.
Side Effects ► NSAIDs, Acetaminophen, Tylenol and Ibuprofen
| Blurred vision | Heartburn | Confusion | Dizziness |
| Constipation | Edema | Fatigue | Flu-like symptoms |
| GI Bleeding | Back Pain | Weight gain | Rashes; Hives; Itching |
| Asthma | Eczema | Liver injury | Immune dysfunction |
| Leaky Gut Syndrome | Tinnitus | Pale skin | Nervousness |
| Kidney dysfunction when taken w/alcohol | Taken during pregnancy increases risk of ADHD |
Taking Ibuprofen depletes important nutrients from the body (B vitamins, zinc, iron and melatonin). Tylenol is the #1 cause of acute liver failure. Long-term use has been linked to high blood pressure and brain damage. If you take just one NSAID (Motrin, Datril, Anacin, Ibuprofen etc.) every four days over your lifetime, there is nine times the normal risk for vital organ damage. (New England Journal of Medicine, 1994)
Chronic low-level inflammation is a silent killer that increases risk of diabetes, autoimmune disorders, migraine headaches, heart disease, depression, dementia, fatigue, weight loss resistance, cognitive disorders, cancer and many other diseases.
Causes of Inflammation
| Wheat, grains, sugar, omega-6 & trans fats, gluten | Oxidative stress | Repressed emotions |
| Too little or too much exercise | Injuries | Existing heart condition |
| Eating foods you’re sensitive to | Lack of essential fats | Chronic stress |
| Infections, parasites, Candida; bacterial, viruses | Diabesity | Smoking |
| Gum disease & underlying dental infections | Gut dysfunction | Congested liver |
| Imbalanced gut flora and leaky gut syndrome | GMOs & pesticides | Being overweight |
Safe Solutions to Manage Pain & Natural Remedies to Reduce Inflammation
Diet: Food is Medicine
- Food sensitivities are responsible for chronic low-level inflammation. The most common offenders: wheat, gluten, sugar, artificial sweeteners, corn, soy, eggs and dairy. Even so-called healthy foods can be the cause of hidden inflammation and distress for your body.
- Cut the sugar and carb-heavy foods that only amplify pain, increase inflammation, blood sugar, and your waistline.
- Ditch the processed, packaged, fake frankenfoods, soda (including diet soda), wheat, gluten, grains, HFCS, artificial sweeteners, GMOs, chips, vegetable oils including canola and soybean oils, trans fats, pesticide-laden foods, nightshade vegetables, and conventional, factory-farmed meat and dairy.
- Eat nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods. Choose organic as much as possible. Include plenty of avocado, pastured butter, pastured eggs (if you’re not sensitive to them), olives, coconut and olive oil, fatty fish such as wild (not farmed) salmon and sardines, turmeric and ginger root, garlic, oregano, tons of leafy greens, non-starchy and cruciferous veggies, chili peppers, bone broth, green tea, ACV, cherries and berries. Increase veggie intake with a green smoothie every day. Fat Loss Revolution
- Monitor portions at every meal. Eating mindlessly and consuming large amounts of food increases inflammation.
- Lower insulin levels and stabilize blood sugar
- Periodic detoxification. Implement these “Smart & Simple Detox Tips” that are Safe Enough to Do Every Day”
- Stay hydrated. Simply drinking plenty of clean, filtered water can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- NEVER take Tylenol after drinking alcohol. It’s a deadly combo for your liver and your kidneys.
Lifestyle
- Heal your gut and optimize digestive. Gas, bloating and heartburn are signs of an inflamed digestive tract.
- Rule out underlying infections such as H.pylori, Candida, parasites, bacterial, dental and viral infections. Implement the 5-Step Formula to Heal Your Gut.
- Evaluate thyroid function. Two-thirds of joint and muscle pain go away by treating the thyroid properly. A 2001 Belgian study by Dr. Jacques Hertoghe published in the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine switched patients from T4 to desiccated thyroid. After two years, joint and muscle pain decreased from 77% to 28%, headaches from 55% to 15%, and muscle cramps from 56% to 8%.
- Stress of any kind (physical, mental, psychological, emotional, electromagnetic, environmental) increases inflammation and intensifies pain. Identify and manage stressors and do what you can to change your perception to inevitable stressors.
- Balance hormones, specifically cortisol and insulin. Insulin resistance, blood sugar imbalances and excessive or deficient cortisol and other stress hormones are direct causes of excess low-level inflammation.
- Spend time in nature.
- Floss your teeth every day, and especially before bedtime.
- Resolve underlying emotions, which are often subconscious. Pain, tightness or chronic injuries in certain areas can be related to something emotionally you’re feeling or experiencing.
- Value the importance of quality and uninterrupted sleep. Sleep deprivation and late bedtimes increase inflammation. Trouble sleeping? Try these natural remedies
- Be conscious of chemical, EMF and radiation exposure from household cleansers, building materials, air pollution, computers, cell phones and microwaves.
- Visit a NeuroMuscular therapist, craniosacral therapist or Myofascial Release practitioner to work on stored tension in fascia and muscles
- Address mitochondrial dysfunction. Support and restore function to the autonomic nervous system.
- Soak in an Epsom salt bath with 8-10 cups Epsom salts, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, one packet ginger powder and 1/2 cup baking soda. Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil such as lavender or frankincense.
- Aromatherapy. Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, frankincense, African marigold oil, chamomile, wintergreen, clary sage, sandalwood and rosemary are very helpful for pain and inflammation.
Exercise
- Move your body every single day with a smart and sensible exercise program. Keep in mind that too much exercise and insufficient recovery increases inflammation.
- Practice yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and daily meditation. Consider acupuncture, hot and cold packs, hot and cold water body emersion, even holding hands can result in amazing pain relief without the use of any drugs.
Supplements
- Determine your personal nutrient needs and deficiencies. Balance your body chemistry with nutrition through a Blood Chemistry Analysis. Test C-reactive protein (CRP) and fasting insulin. CRP is used as a marker of inflammation in the arteries; Fasting insulin is a test that screens for diabetes and heart disease, but it's also a marker for inflammation. Other inflammatory markers: elevated hemoglobin A1C, elevated liver enzymes, elevated triglycerides, elevated uric acid & elevated glucose
- Optimize vitamin D levels. Several years ago an inner city clinic discovered 93% of the 150 people with complaints of chronic, non-specific low back pain had vitamin D deficiency. And these weren't just older folks, they ranged in age from 10-65.
- A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found 2,000mg of turmeric extract was as effective as 800mg of ibuprofen in reducing symptoms of pain and inflammation.
Nutritional support for pain and inflammation will be different for each individual and may include a combination of any of the following:
| ♦ Essential fatty acids, fish oil | ♦ Vitamin D | ♦ Topical Arnica |
| ♦ Quercetin | ♦ Ginger and Curcumin | ♦ Resveratrol |
| ♦ Magnesium | ♦ Olive oil, butter & coconut oil | ♦ Probiotics |
| ♦ Proteolytic enzymes | ♦ HCL | ♦ TRF 150 |
| ♦ Thercumin Pro 600 | ♦ Topicial Magnesium | ♦ Meriva-SR |
As a holistic nutritionist and functional health practitioner, my philosophy is to identify the root cause of your pain, inflammation and any underlying health issues, slowly "peel away the layers of the onion," and design a healing protocol and comprehensive LIFESTYLE plan specific to your unique biochemistry so you can heal, experience a pain-free life, vibrant health, and look, think and feel better than ever for a lifetime. I consult with men and women around the world via telephone or Skype and with clients locally in the Phoenix area. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation!
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