We're a nation in pain. More than 70 million prescriptions for pain-relieving NSAIDs are written annually in the U.S. When you add purchases of over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, it's estimated that more than 30 billion doses of NSAIDs are consumed every year. And while they may provide sweet relief in the short term, more and more info is coming out about NASIDs' negative effects. Not only do they increase the risk of stomach ulcers, they may -- over the long haul -- slow down healing and cause adverse cardiac events, liver toxicity, and increased bleeding.
So, is there an alternative? A study published in Trials found that taking 500 milligrams of curcumin (the active ingredient in the spice turmeric) produced the same pain relief over 28 days as diclofenac (Voltaren). And as important, it caused less flatulence, less worries about ulcers and no one had to take an H2 blocker to reduce stomach acid. Overall, 38% of the folks taking diclofenac had to deal with troubling side effects, while only 13% of those taking curcumin did. And in a second study, taking 1,000 milligrams of curcumin daily for 12 weeks relieved pain and caused no more side effects than a placebo.
So, ask your doctor about taking curcumin supplements (they're not for you if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, are on blood thinners, or have gallstones or obstruction of the bile ducts) and enjoy turmeric in many veggie, fish and chicken recipes. For more information read the iHerb.com blog, "Turmeric Benefits, an Anti-Inflammatory Spice."
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
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