Taking too much Tylenol, Excedrin or other acetaminophen pain reliever can damage your liver.
In fact, the FDA says it is the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S.
The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the safety record of the medication. The FDA may add a "black box" warning and lower the doses of some of the drugs.
Drug companies insist the medication is safe if taken at recommended levels but some people unintentionally double their dosage because they don't realize acetaminophen can also be found in cough medicine, fever reducers or other pain relievers.
What about natural pain relievers?
I talked to two Bay area integrative medical doctors to see what they recommend.
You can read my online interview with Dr. Carol Roberts/Wellness Works and Dr. Steven Masley/Masley Optiminal Health Center.
**You can also email your medical, nutrition or supplement question to Heather@10connects.com
Dr. Carol Roberts:
What advice do you give your patients about taking acetaminophen for pain?
I tell them it's OK if they don't have a liver problem to take it occasionally.
What do you recommend your patients take for pain relief?
The question is, are they having pain much of the time, or only occasionally? The treatment of a muscle sprain is different than that for fibromyalgia, a more chronic condition.
I recommend fish oil (or flax for my vegetarian friends), 2 capsules every four hours for pain relief. If they have chronic pain, as with arthritis, they must look for the underlying cause, which is often food allergies (dairy, eggs and wheat being the most common) or toxic metal accumulation which must be treated by a knowledgeable physician.
Many people have inflammation in the system which makes them more vulnerable to chronic pain. This can be caused by gum disease, chronic sinus infections, toxic accumulations or a deficiency of antioxidant foods.
Some people are deficient in endorphins (a natural form of morphine produced in the body). these people are often helped with a regimen of the amino acid DL-phenylalanine,(DLPA) 500mg taken 2-3 times a day. Don't take this if you have blood pressure problems.
Others are adrenal depleted from chronic stress, in which case an "adaptogenic" herb like licorice root, ashwaganda or ginseng would be helpful.
Are there certain foods you recommend that have an anti-inflammatory effect?
The full rainbow of fruits and veggies are full of antioxidants. Some of the best are blueberries, carrots, red grapes and wine, parsley, watercress, peppers and so on....Noni, gogi berries and mangosteen are antioxidant "superfoods" that can be purchased in the supermarket.
Any other suggestions to help people who would like to try more natural treatments for pain?
Stay away from caffeine, refined sugar, white flour and allergy foods. Drink lots of clean water, as dehydration causes pain in joints and spine. Detoxify yourself. Do stretching (yoga, Tai Chi) on a regular basis.. Find a good bodyworker (massage, Rolfing, Structural Integration).
Acupuncture is highly effective for chronic pain and has none of the side effects of drugs.
White willow is a natural form of aspirin but it has the same safety profile and can cause stomach problems.
Homeopathic ARNICA MONTANA is a great treatment for sprains, bruises and sore muscles. It will prevent the soreness after a heavy workout when taken right after. It will reduce the need for drugs even after surgery. Two or three tiny pellets under the tongue is usually enough, - may repeat if necessary if soreness happens. Extremely safe.
You've talked about the benefits of fish oil. How much should people take a day?
Fish oils can "thin" the blood. If you're on Coumadin or other blood thinners, or if you're about to have surgery, go easy on the fish oil..
Anything else you'd like to add?
What ever else you do, make a strong effort to correct the habits that you have control over. Work with a qualified health care person who can help you get to the underlying cause of your pain, and don't take pain-killers any more than absolutely necessary!
Dr. Steven Masley:
What do you recommend your patients take for pain relief?
FOR ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS, 1-3 GRAMS OF FISH OIL DAILY IS LIKELY THE SAFEST WITH THE MOST BENEFIT.
FOR HEADACHES, OR STOMACH PAIN, TYLENOL 500 MG 3-4 TIMES PER DAY IS OK (IF THEY DON'T HAVE GILBERT'S SYNDROME) AND THEY DON'T TAKE IT WITH ALCOHOL.
Are there certain foods you recommend that have an anti-inflammatory effect?
ROSEMARY, TURMERIC, FISH OIL
Any other suggestions to help people who would like to try more natural treatments for pain?
EXERCISE REALLY HELPS.
You've talked about the benefits of fish oil. How much should people take a day?
Any concerns?
EVERYONE SHOULD GET AT LEAST 1 GRAM DAILY (3 SERVINGS OF COLD WATER, SMALL MOUTH FISH PER WEEK. Taking more than 2 grams daily does have a slight bleeding risk.
