{"id":2266,"date":"2019-03-01T07:59:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-01T07:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/2019\/03\/01\/natural-pain-remedies\/"},"modified":"2022-03-24T10:14:01","modified_gmt":"2022-03-24T16:14:01","slug":"natural-pain-remedies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/conditions-and-wellness\/pain-joints\/natural-pain-remedies\/","title":{"rendered":"Kiss Pain Goodbye With These 6 Natural Remedies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before you reach for another over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, consider this: Just because you can buy it without a prescription doesn\u2019t mean it comes without risks. \u201cMany people assume that because pain relievers are OTC, they are safe; however, many can have adverse effects,\u201d says Fred Pescatore, MD, MPH, CCN, a Manhattan-based, traditionally trained physician and internist who specializes in nutritional medicine. \u201cSide effects of NSAID pain relievers [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] can range from drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth all the way to stomach ulcers and liver damage.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s no wonder a recent Gallup poll shows that 78 percent of consumers prefer to try natural ways of managing their pain before opting for pain medications. Next time you experience an ache or pain, try one of these natural pain remedies instead.<\/p>\n

Pycnogenol<\/h2>\n

Because inflammation is an underlying cause of most joint discomfort, you\u2019ll want a supplement with anti-inflammatory properties. Pycnogenol<\/a> is an all-natural supplement derived from French maritime pine bark. \u201cMost anti-inflammation supplements work by supporting cartilage health to alleviate discomfort,\u201d Dr. Pescatore explains. \u201cIn contrast, Pycnogenol turns to the root of the problem, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.\u201d He recommended supplementing with 150 mg daily, taken with or after meals.<\/p>\n

Turmeric<\/h2>\n

This vivid yellow spice, used in Indian curries and other Asian dishes, owes its power to its active component, curcumin<\/a>. This anti-inflammatory polyphenol works by inhibiting the activation of genes and production of proteins that trigger pain and swelling, explains Rebecca Park, a registered nurse from New York and founder of RemediesForMe.com. A 2012 pilot study investigated the efficacy and safety of curcumin in 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients. The patients were organized into three groups. Patients in the curcumin group showed the highest percentage of improvement in scores measuring disease activity, joint tenderness, and swelling \u2014 and none of them experienced adverse effects. When choosing curcumin supplements, Park advises looking for ones containing black pepper extract to increase bioavailability.<\/p>\n