Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 There are several groups of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, including medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and mefenamic acid. The aryl-propionic acid derivatives such as ibuprofen and naproxen are easily available over the counter and have been highly successful. Patients achieve a significant reduction in dysmenorrhea 60 to 90 percent of the time. Aspirin has not been shown to be any more effective than a placebo and is not generally used by women for menstrual cramps. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which include the widely used over-the-counter painkilling drugs ibuprofen, aspirin, and indo-methacin, greatly reduce melatonin secretion at night and even disturb the amount of restorative deep sleep. This is due to their inhibitory effect on the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are necessary in the production of melatonin.36 In one study, subjects administered standard dosages of aspirin or ibuprofen twice in one day suffered significantly higher rates of delayed sleep onset and repeated nighttime awakenings than did the control subjects. |
Bottom Line Health
See book keywords and concepts |
| Popular brands: ibuprofen is in Advil, Ex-cedrin IB, Midol Cramp, Motrin and Nuprin... naproxen is in Aleve.. .fetoprq/femsinOrudisKT.
Dangers: Gastrointestinal irritation as well as bleeding.. .peptic ulcers.. .kidney complications .. .reduced effectiveness of some blood pressure-lowering medications.. .rebound headaches (the pain reliever itself can cause headaches as the medication builds up in the body).
What to do: Before taking an NSAID, consult a doctor if you are older than age 60 and you are taking a prescription anticoagulant, steroid, diuretic or hypertension drug daily. |
Dr. Steve Blake
See book keywords and concepts |
 These drugs include some diuretics, ibuprofen, naproxen, Prozac, and Elavil.
DEFICIENCY OF SODIUM
Outside the cell
Potassium is pumped into the cell r
Sodium is 10 times higher outside the cell
A « pumped out of the cell v
Figure 8-4 Sodium and potassium concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
RECOMMENDED INTAKE OF SODIUM
Adequate Intake levels (AI) have been set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine for sodium. These levels are based on the amount of salt needed to replace losses with moderate sweating in average people. |
Gerald E. Markle and Frances B. McCrea
See book keywords and concepts |
 The most common medications were for pain relief, the most prescribed being acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) perhaps an indication of seriousness, or lack thereof. The third most often prescribed drug (8.1 million for emergency visits in 2000) was hydrocodone, mostly under the brand name, Vicodin. This drug is a powerful and addictive semisynthetic narcotic. In the chapter that follows, we will consider its appropriate (and inappropriate) uses. Taken together, pain relievers accounted for one-third of all medications. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
 Journal Nutrition 132:2781-84, 2002]
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors) suppress melatonin in humans. [Physiology Behavior 59: 133-39, 1996]
Melatonin and chemotherapy side effects
Melatonin also protects the heart from toxic side effects caused by chemotherapy. [Molecular Cell Biochemistry 282:31-37, 2006]
Cancer patients and sleep problems
Insomnia affects up to 50% of cancer patients. [Clinical Cornerstones 6: S6-14, 2004] Slow-release melatonin pills may help induce prolonged, deep sleep. |
| FDA-approved drugs (DES, ibuprofen, warfarin)
...whose effectiveness was not attributed to minute quantities of drug molecules
...which worked better than the sum of its parts
...which exceeded the effectiveness of existing drug therapies for men with advanced prostate cancer
...and had similar side effect ratios to hormone treatment (Lupron, DES, estrogen)
... whose manufacturer somehow was implicated in covering up the side effects by spiking the product with drugs
... and whose manufacturer and even agencies that funded research studies, were sued by its users and their families
... |
| Just the use of non-steroidal pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen cause an estimated 16,000 deaths annually. Side effects from properly used prescription drugs, administered by nurses in hospitals, result in over 100,000 deaths annually. The FDA approval process does not guarantee safety.
Does sugar cause cancer to grow?
According to the American Cancer Society, sugar doesn't make cancer grow faster. It is true that all cells depend upon sugar for energy, and that cancer cells produce their own form of sugar via fermentation. |
| Progress Drug Research 60: 59-92, 2003] Therefore, can we assume that the use of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx and Bextra, will reduce the risk for cancer? A lot of doctors think so. But recent studies don't bear this out:
¦ A large study of 77,413 women could not find a preventive effect for aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs against breast cancer. |
| NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. More recently, because NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation potentially leading to bleeding ulcers, a newer class of prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs called COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex, Vioxx) were approved which were widely touted to reduce these risks.
However, upon further examination, the benefits of COX-2 inhibitors with regard to stomach symptoms appear quite small. While there is a reduction in small ulcers compared to standard non-steroidal drugs, these small ulcers are not clinically important. |
| Other non-steroidals like ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin cost only about 10 cents per pill.
The next step in snuffing out inflammation
Pharmaceutical companies think they have come up with a master anti-inflammatory mechanism that may be useful in preventing cancer as well as treating inflammation and pain. Blockage of just one inflammatory enzyme, known as p38, can inhibit most all of the other inflammatory proteins produced in the body, which includes COX-2, TNF alpha, C-Reactive Protein, prostate specific antigen and Interleukin-Ibeta. |
Mark Blumenthal
See book keywords and concepts |
 Bliddal et ai, 2000
Osteoarthritis
R, PC, DB, CO, Cm n=56
(mean age 66 years)
10 weeks
170 mg ginger extract 2x/day or 400 mg ibuprofen 2x/day
EV. EXT 33 (ginger extract) vs. ibuprofen vs. placebo
Statistically significant effect demonstrated by explorative statistical methods in the first period of treatment before cross-over, but not following crossover periods. Caution should be observed in the interpretation of a cross-over study of ginger extract. The study concluded that 400 mg/day ibuprofen found to be more efficacious on pain level and function than 170 mg ginger (p<0.000l). |
Bottom Line Health
See book keywords and concepts |
| They include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
As far as effectiveness goes, there's little difference among them—no solid evidence shows that any of these drugs works faster or better than the others at reducing fever.
Important: Never exceed the dosage recommendations without first discussing it with your physician.
Choose the best fever-reducer on the basis of your own medical profile and the medication's potential side effects... |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Significant improvement was only achieved with ibuprofen (400 mg) as evidenced by the visual analog scale (VAS; p<0.0001) and the consumption of rescue medication (acetaminophen; p<0.01) (Bliddal et al, 2000).
In a preliminary open study, 74% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n=28) and 55% of patients with osteoarthritis (n=18) reported "marked" improvement in pain after taking powdered Ginger 1 to 2 g daily for up to 2.5 years. With regard to swelling, 59% of rheumatoid arthritis and 50% of osteoarthritis patients reported "marked" improvement. |
Bottom Line Health
See book keywords and concepts |
| Women often do better with ibuprofen (Advil) or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as naproxen (Aleve), than with pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), that do not treat inflammation.
Best advice: For severe pain—following surgery, for example—women should ask their doctors for a "kappa opioid," such as butorpha-nol tartrate (Stadol), a morphine-like painkiller. This class of drugs is much more effective for women than other analgesics. In men, kappa opioids are not as effective as other drugs. |
Andreas Moritz
See book keywords and concepts |
 Caution: If you take any of the above, be sure to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen to avoid adverse reactions.
Besides taking supplements, there are of course, other options for pain relief that you may wish to explore. These include dietary adjustments, exercise, physical therapy, stress management, massage therapy, acupuncture, acupressure and yoga.
Stimulants Make Strong People Weak
All stimulants are "sweet" when ingested but "bitter" in their effects. You can become addicted to them without even recognizing your dependency. |
Bottom Line Health
See book keywords and concepts |
| NSAIDs include over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription versions of aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
Doctors have long recognized that long-term use of NSAIDs can increase the chance of gastrointestinal bleeding, so guidelines exist to identify patients at especially high risk.
However, many doctors are not giving these high-risk patients the medicines that can protect them against bleeding, says Dr. Neena S. Abraham, study author and an assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. |
| For relief, people who have either type often take nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)— but 16,000 Americans die annually due to side effects from these drugs. And thousands more may have died from taking the recently recalled Vioxx and Bextra. Instead, try...
FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS
•Glucosamine sulfate. Take 1,500 milligrams (mg) of this supplement—made from chitin, which is derived from shellfish—along with 3 grams (g) a day of methylsulfonylmeth-ane (MSM), a natural substance in the human body. |
Michael Friedman, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
 One group of researchers conjectured that sleep disruption associated with some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen, may be a result of decreased prostaglandin production, which can suppress melatonin secretion.32 Both ibuprofen and indomethacin significantly reduce melatonin plasma levels and delay the nocturnal rise of the circadian rhythm.33-34 B-blockers can also significantly alter melatonin levels. |
Marshall Editions
See book keywords and concepts |
 NSAIDs: To treat a fever associated with a viral infection, treatment usually involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). ibuprofen is the primary choice for both children and adults. Adults can take up to 800 mg every six hours. Children above two years old can be given 7.5-10 mg per 2.2 lb of body weight every six hours, but no more than three times a day—this should not exceed the adult dosage. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone with a peptic ulcer, as they may cause gastric irritation or bleeding. |
| To treat viral infections: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or ibuprofen (Motrin®) may z be used as directed to alleviate pain. Saltwater gargles (1 tsp of salt mixed in 2 cups of distilled water) may also be helpful. Eating cool fruit that feels good to the throat for ^ a couple of days may be more comfortable. Some plants, such as larch taken at 1 g *X twice a day in powder form, may boost the immune system and decrease the length of LLJ i the viral infection.
To treat bacterial infections: Streptococcus A (see Strep Throat, p. |
| In the interim, take pain relief, such as 800 mg of ibuprofen three times a day, as needed (but for a short period of time only).
Prevention: Preventing toothache involves rigorous oral hygiene including daily flossing, proper brushing, and avoiding sugar and processed foods in your diet. Maintaining good oral flora with probiotics is also helpful. Look for a product with colony-forming units of bifidus in the billions. Adequate amounts vitamin C (500 mg a day) and CoQ10 (120 mg of an oil-based product a day) can help maintain gum health. |
| Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen can be used to relieve pressure and pain. A local injection of steroids is another therapy that often has successful results.
Surgery: Surgical therapy includes decompressing the inflamed nerve by sectioning the flexor tendon. The flexor tendon is separated from the nerve tunnel to make more room and thereby relieve pressure in the area. This is now frequently done by endoscope, which is a less invasive procedure. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Olive oil (extra virgin): A natural anti-inflammatory much like aspirin or ibuprofen. It reduces the risk of stroke, heart and cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, lung cancer, and some forms of dementia.
5. Nuts: Great source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, copper, folic acid, vegetable protein, potassium, vitamin E, and healthy fats, all of which help reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Mixed vegetables: Vegetables are low in fat and calories, are a good source of dietary fiber, and provide us with extra energy. |
| In one study, the COX inhibitory activity of anthocyanins from cherries was comparable to those of ibuprofen and naproxen. And researchers feel that in addition to helping with pain and inflammation, consuming anthocyanins on a regular basis may help lower heart attack and stroke risk.
Your New Favorite Dessert
You can get the health benefits of cherries by eating the tart ones whole, or by juicing them. I have a favorite secret dessert that I'll share with you: I buy organic frozen red cherries and put them in my freezer. |
Hyla Cass, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Omega-3 Fatty Acids
DHA and EPA, the omega-3 fats from fish oil, help reduce inflammation and pain, likely just as well as ibuprofen does. They also appear to help build bone and cartilage. In one study, 1,200 to 2,400 mg of DHA/EPA from fish oil was given to OA patients with back and neck pain that could not be fixed surgically. After seventy-five days, 60 percent reported that their joint pain had improved, and 59 percent stopped taking their NSAIDs while on the fish oil. Most said they planned to keep taking the fish oil after the study ended. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Fatal intracerebral mass bleeding associated with Ginkgo biloba and ibuprofen. Atherosclerosis; 167(2):367. 2003.
Mitchell JC, Maibach HI & Guin J: Leaves of Ginkgo biloba not allergenic for Toxicodendron-sensitive subjects. Contact Derm; 7(l):47-48. 1981.
Mitchell J & Rook A. Botanical Dermatology. Greengrass, Vancouver, BC, Canada; 67:317-318. 1979.
Mix JA & Crews WD. An examination of the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on the neuropsychologic functioning of cognitively intact older adults. J Altern Complement Med; 6(3):219-229. 2000.
Morgenstern C & Biermann E. |
| Adverse event rates were similar, with six patients using ibuprofen and five patients using Arnica reporting problems (Widrig, 2007).
A gel preparation of Arnica flowers applied externally to the limbs of 12 male volunteers was more effective than placebo in the treatment of muscle ache. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 89 patients with venous insufficiency received Arnica gel (20% tincture) or placebo. It was reported that Arnica treatment produced improvements in venous tone, edema and in feeling of heaviness in the legs. (Barnes et al, 2002). |
Bottom Line Health
See book keywords and concepts |
| Migraine headaches are more severe, but they usually can be controlled or prevented by using ibuprofen or prescription drugs, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex).
Warning: Headaches that increase in frequency. . .are unusually severe.. .or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, slurred speech or vision changes, should be brought to a doctor's attention immediately. They could be a sign of stroke, infection in a brain blood vessel, meningitis or even a brain tumor.
Important: Call 911 if you suspect a stroke or experience an excruciating headache that comes out of the blue. |
Email this page to a friend
