Nature’s Best PAIN CURES
Studies show popular OTC meds can worsen pain. Here, drug-free remedies that deliver major health perks
“I take resveratrol as a powerful antioxidant, but I was told it also helps decrease chronic pain.”
Gloria Estefan, 59
Doctors told her she might never walk again after the 1990 tour-bus accident that left her with a broken back, but Gloria Estefan defied the odds with her amazing recovery. (Who can forget her emotional performance at the 1991 American Music Awards?) And today, rather than rely on medication for the pain she still feels, Gloria takes natural remedies, including the antioxidant resveratrol.
That’s smart since OTC pain relievers can backfire, says
Raphael Kellman, M.D., author of
The Microbiome Diet. “OTC antiinflammatories damage cells that line the intestines and disrupt the healthy balance of microorganisms that protect the gut lining. Over time, this allows undigested food particles and toxins to pass through the intestinal walls, causing leaky gut.” In fact, studies show up to 70 percent of people who take ibuprofen or naproxen for 2 to 12 weeks have signs of gut damage. And this pulls the body into a health-sapping cycle since leaky gut triggers inflammation that can worsen pain. A better bet: natural pain easers that safeguard gut health.
HEADACHE? SIP GINGER TEA
This brew can tame head pain in 20 minutes, says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of Pain Free 1-2-3. Compounds in ginger limit the output of the same pain-causing chemicals OTC meds suppress, he explains. “Plus, ginger helps regulate intestinal muscle contractions to enhance digestion.” Try: Alvita Ginger Root Tea ($6, vitaminshoppe.com).
JOINT PAIN? TRY THESE HERBS
Compounds in curcumin work like OTC meds to inhibit inflammatory enzymes, says Dr. Teitelbaum. And paired with the inflammation-taming herb boswellia, the combo “kicks butt on joint pain,” he adds. In one study, the herbal blend outperformed prescription Celebrex for pain relief. Bonus: Curcumin strengthens the gut wall to prevent leaks. Try: Terry Naturally Curamin Extra Strength ($38, iherb.com).
SORE MUSCLES? TAKE THIS
“Molecules that cause muscle soreness are coated in protein,” says Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph.D., author of The Probiotic Promise. “But the enzyme bromelain digests protein, so it travels through the bloodstream and eats these molecules up like Pac-Man, taming pain.” Bonus: Bromelain breaks down tough-to-digest protein in the gut to ease gas and bloat. Her advice: Take 2,000 mg of bromelain on an empty stomach. A brand we like: Source Naturals Bromelain 500 mg ($9, vitacost.com).