More and more people are trying to find more natural and less invasive methods of treating pain and illness these days. With all of the problems we hear routinely regarding prescription & OTC medication side effects and problems they cause, it isn’t any wonder people are using more natural ways of treating their problems. ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner, Dr. Steven Arculeo, DC, says this about NSAIDs:
Each year, the use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), account for an estimated 7,600 deaths and 76,000 hospitalizations in the United States. NSAIDs include: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, and tiaprofenic acid. Researchers are now linking inflammation to an ever-wider array of chronic illnesses such as hay fever, heart disease, depression, diabetes and colon cancer.
Arculeo recommends ridding these items from your kitchen as they may cause inflammation:
- Soda
- Processed foods
- Alcohol
- Hydrogentated/trans fat
- Red meat
- Caffeine
- Sugar
Replacing the above food items with fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and lean meats may decrease inflammation which in turn may help reduce illness and pain. Here are some food items Arculeo suggests:
- Apples & Blueberries: these fruits are packed full of nutrients and are natural anti-inflammatories
- Kale: contains over 80 nutrients per serving
- Fish: one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods, fish contains heart healthy and anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids. Choose cod, salmon or tilapia instead of the fatty deep water bottom dweller fish such as shrimp or catfish
- Ginger: aids in digestion
- Garlic: lowers hypertension and cholesterol
- Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Turmeric, Thyme, Chili Peppers & Cinnamon: all are proven to have anti-inflammatory properties
- Oil: use cold pressed extra virgin olive oil to aid in decreasing inflammation
The only naughty item I have left from the first list is one cup of good coffee every morning and it does make a big difference to my pain levels and general feeling of wellness. It’s no cure, but I know how much worse I feel if I let up on my regime and allow myself, say, something processed.