Common Pain Pills Linked To Deadly Heart Rhythm Problem

Written by Wellness Club on July 7, 2011 – 7:01 pm -

Dying For Pain Relief?

 

By Nurse Mark

 

Common pain medications, both prescription and O.T.C., have been linked to Atrial fibrillation – a potentially deadly condition that can result in heart failure and strokes.

These drugs include such common Over-The-Counter (O.T.C) favorites as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve – drugs that Americans like to pop like candy at the least sign of any discomfort.

Here is an excerpt from a recent article in the on-line conventional medical resource WebMD:

Widely used anti-inflammatory pain relievers may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder associated with stroke and heart failure.

In a newly published study from Denmark, use of non-selective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Cox-2 inhibitors was associated with a significantly increased risk for atrial fibrillation.

Non-selective NSAIDs include the active ingredients in drugs such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve, and Naprosyn. The prescription drug Celebrex is a Cox-2 inhibitor. The researchers also included older Cox-2 inhibitor drugs such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), and meloxicam (Mobic).

 

We have said it before and we’ll say it again: we are not entirely opposed to the use of pharmaceutical drugs – we simply suggest that they be reserved for times of true need and even then they should be used wisely and sparingly.

The NSAIDs have, in addition to this recent warning about atrial fibrillation, other serious potential side effects – the most important of which are renal (kidney) damage and gastrointestinal (stomach) damage.

The other perennial favorite NSAID, aceteminophen (Tylenol) has been shown to be very damaging to the liver.

Even lowly acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as “ASA” or “Aspirin”, has it’s share of potentially serious side effects ranging from excessive blood thinning and bruising to gastric erosion and even tinitis (ringing in the ears) if taken in high doses.

What are the alternatives? Must we suffer in pain if we don’t want to suffer the serious side effects that these drugs can cause? Of course not!

Save the “heavy hitters”, the Big Pharma “Big Guns” for when they are really needed – when nothing else seems to do.

For everyday use you might consider Bromelain:  Since it was introduced as a medicinal agent in 1957, more than 200 scientific papers on bromelain’s medicinal uses have appeared in the medical literature. Bromelain is one of the most well-studied anti-inflammatory herbs known. Unless an individual is allergic to pineapple (in which case, don’t use bromelain!) the safety profile of this herb is excellent. Of all the anti-inflammatory substances available (including drugs), bromelain is the one we recommend first.

As an added “bonus” bromelain can help to not only reduce discomfort and inflammation it also can aid in the healing process. Bromelain has no direct immune or antimicrobial effects. Instead, it acts to increase the effect of other immune cells by dissolving the mucous coat that bacteria use to “shield” themselves from the immune system. Some studies have shown it to be as effective as antibiotics for treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and dental, skin and kidney infection.

Bromelain also helps to resolve bruising and helps to normalize blood viscosity.

Learn more about this amazing plant substance here: Bromelain

“But I have serious pain” you say – like from arthritis – and the drugs like Vioxx and Bextra worked wonders for your pain until their dangers became clear and they were removed from the market before they killed any more users. “What can I do?”

Dr. Myatt was one of the first to see through the smoke and mirrors of the Big Pharma marketing campaigns for the COX-2 inhibitor drugs and to recognize their very significant risks. She also recognized that while the researchers (and the drug companies, to give them due credit) were on the right track, they were approaching the problem from the wrong direction.

Instead of simply blocking the cyclooxygenase-II (or COX-2) enzyme, she reasoned, why not support healthy function of the entire cyclooxygenase-I and cyclooxygenase-II chain of prostaglandins and their receptors?

Dr. Myatt went to work and came up with a natural, herbal formulation we call COX-2 Support that has been getting rave reviews from our patients and customers. COX-2 Support combines potent natural anti-inflammatory herbs in therapeutic doses to offer a safe, natural and effective alternative to dangerous COX-2 drugs.

People with the pain of arthritis, athletes with pain and inflammation from over-use, folks with aches and pains from injury or hard physical labor – all are benefiting from this formulation:

• Turmeric, the bright yellow spice herb, has been shown to be a natural COX-2 inhibitor, and drug companies are rushing to develop synthetic alternatives.
• Bromelain, the digestive enzyme from pineapple, is one of the most well-studied anti-inflammatory herbs of all time.
• Ginger inhibits COX-1 enzymes and prevents blood clotting more effectively than aspirin.
• Boswellia, also known “Indian frankincense,” has been used traditionally for centuries as an anti-inflammatory agent.
• White willow bark is the source of natural salicin (aspirin).
• Phellodendron is a natural COX-2 inhibitor, found to be helpful in the management and potential treatment of inflammatory diseases. Phellodendron has been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine.

Most people notice a reduction in their pain and inflammation in as little as one or two doses, while others may find that it will take a day or two of regular use to achieve good relief. Some HealthBeat News readers may know that I am still an enthusiastic runner in my mid-50′s, and sometimes I overdo it. Usually one or two doses of COX-2 Support will give me excellent relief and I’ll keep using it for several days or longer since the herbs have such great supportive and healing properties.

Learn more about COX-2 Support here.

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