Your “golden” years are supposed to be the best time in your life. You work your entire life away and save money to enjoy the final years in retirement. But, many people can’t enjoy their time to the fullest because of arthritis or some other type of joint-related pain.
A lot of people think their only choice of relief is to take dangerous painkillers like Celebrex and Ultram. This is unfortunate. These types of drugs are sold by companies that put profits first, and patients second.
A recent study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine revealed that drug giant Merck quietly sat on information about heart risks concerning its pain-killing drug Vioxx for 4 years before they recalled it!
The drug was finally discontinued in 2004. Too many patients were dying from heart attack or stroke as a result of these drugs.
Dr. Harlan Krumholz of the Yale University School of Medicine and his team reviewed 30 different studies that were conducted by Merck prior to Vioxx’s withdrawal in 2004. Many of them were made available after the drug was banned by the FDA. Each trial was examined, one at a time. Krumholz found a strong, undeniable link between patients taking Vioxx and increased heart attacks and strokes dating as far back as the year 2000.
This study went through a rigorous peer review process before the findings were deemed “acceptable.” Then, Merck responded by issuing a statement saying, “The article published in The Archives of Internal Medicine… used unreliable methods and reached incorrect conclusions.”
The Wall Street Journal published an investigative article back in 2004 reporting that it had seen internal Merck emails sent between company executives. The emails expressed concern over Vioxx and the increased risk of heart attack. They go back as far as the late 1990s.
The message is clear, Stay away from prescription painkillers and their unwanted side effects.
Even over-the-counter remedies like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are not completely safe.These are all known to potentially cause internal bleeding and liver damage. In fact, the FDA recently required all these pain remedies to come with a clear warning label making consumers aware of these risks. You don’t need to risk your life or your health in order to have a better quality of life. You can live pain-free naturally.
For starters, making small changes in your diet can help. Eating foods rich in omega-3’s like wild caught salmon, egg yolks, and grass-fed beef can help reduce the pain. Omega-3’s are a well-known and have proven anti-inflammatory properties.
You can also supplement with any of these three safe, all-natural pain fighters:
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) – This is the natural, bio-available form of sulfur. It’s been used for thousands of years to relieve aches and pains. In fact, Trojan warriors would soak in natural sulfur springs to heal their joint pain. No question, it works. Researchers at the Arthritis Health Center in Arizona tracked 50 adults with knee osteoarthritis. One group was given MSM. The other group got a placebo. Those taking MSM had a significant decrease in arthritis pain and improved overall physical function. The daily recommended dosage is 850 mg of MSM per day.
White Willow Bark – The use of this ancient joint remedy dates back to the Greek physician Hippocrates (400 B.C.). Its active ingredient is salicin. The same ingredient found in aspirin. The difference? Salicin is free of side effects. You can find white willow bark at most health-food stores. The daily recommended dosage is 240 mg per day.
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) – This is commonly found in plant-based omega-6 fatty acids. Common sources include borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant seed oil. One study published in The Annuals of Internal Medicine found that patients taking GLA for 24 weeks reported 45% reduction in tender joints and 41% reduction in swollen joints. For maximum benefit, take 300 mg per day.
Click here for information on other Natural Anti-inflammatories/Painkillers.
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