Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are widely used as a treatment for arthritis, injuries and other painful conditions. And while they are being vastly prescribed – over 70 million people around the world use them – they are among the most dangerous medications on the market. 

Many people, who suffer from chronic pain, believe that painkillers will relieve their discomfort, however, this is not quite the case. Each year in the USA, for example, 100 000 people taking NSAIDs are hospitalized and as much as 15 000 of those die. NSAIDs are often linked to serious side effects, which affect mainly the elderly. 

In 2000 a medication, called Vioxx was released on the market. Only a year prior to its release it was publicly stated that the drug can cause serious cardiovascular harms. It took 4 years and approximately 60 000 deaths (due to side effects, causing heart conditions) for the general public to take the warning seriously, resulting in Vioxx’s withdrawal. US FDA (Department of Food and Drug Administration) officials announced in 2004 that NSAIDs, such as Bextra (prohibited in 2005), Celebrex, along with their variations – Aleve, Ibuprofen and Aspirin, potentially cause cardio – vascular diseases, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal and kidney problems.  

Pregnant women have also been warned that there have been medical tests, linking NSAID consumption with miscarriage. This is due to the fact that such drugs suppress the production of prostaglandins, necessary for embryo accommodation in the uterus.

Most common NSAID side effects 

• Cardio – vascular problems – 40 to 60% higher risk, compared to people who do not take them
• Hair loss – 25% of men taking NSAIDS are diagnosed with hair loss
• Gastrointestinal problems – about 7000 people, experiencing gastrointestinal problems, are hospitalized each year in the USA
• Allergic reactions – 10 to 30% higher risk of an allergic reaction

NSAIDs are prescribed to 39% of women and 29% of men over the age of 74 in the USA. This is over 60 million Americans yearly. 

Most common NSAIDs

1. Voltaren was first produced in 1978 and has become the most commonly prescribed NSAID in the world. It increases the risk of developing cardiovascular problems with 38 to 63%.
2. Ibuprofen was initially released in the UK in 1969 and it is mostly used by sportsmen and people suffering from osteoarthritis. A 2002 survey revealed that about 17% of elderly people take it. The drug is connected to spontaneous abortion and pregnancy difficulties.
3. Celecoxib (Celevrex) was created in December 1998 for treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been prescribed to more than 2 million Americans in 2011. It leads to heart problems.
4. Naprosyn (Naproxen) was released in 1973 and its usage significantly increases the risk of blood clots.
5. Aspirin is the oldest and most familiar of all NSADs. It increases heart – attack risk for people between 45 and 79 and could considerably exacerbate urticaria and angioedema in asthmatic patients. 

After a great deal of medical researches some countries prohibited the use of these drugs. You can also eliminate NSAIDs from your lifestyle. 

Natural remedies for pain relief

• Limit, or stop, consumption of grains and sugar. Such foods knowingly increase insulin and leptine levels, which could cause or worsen inflammatory processes in the body.
• Vitamin D can assist in pain reduction. Therefore, it is a good idea to expose yourself to harmless sunlight in order to provoke synthesis of the vitamin.
• Omega – 3. Make sure you ingest enough of this essential fatty acid with your diet and/or dietary supplements.
• Limit stress. Use different techniques to relax, because emotional and psychological strain weakens the immune system. Yoga, acupuncture, meditation, moderate exercise and frequent walks in nature can be of great benefit.
• Use natural products, such as ginger, Boswellia, Bromelain, Cayenne pepper, turmeric (contains curcumin), pineapple (contains bromelain).
• Evening Primrose, Blackcurrant, Borage oil
• Fish and full – fat oils contain Cetyl myristoleate
• Astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory properties and it can be found in microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crabs and crustaceans.
• Walk barefoot. This will help you ground yourself, receiving electromagnetic waves from earth, which protects from inflammations and has antioxidant effect. 

In conclusion, I would like to point out that leading a healthy lifestyle naturally eliminates the need for painkillers, because it generally prevents inflammation in the organism. The first step you need to take is to avoid painkillers or other drugs as and medical procedures as a whole.