Trade Your Pain Meds for These Savory Spices

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs, have long been the go-to remedy for OA pain. But maybe they shouldn’t be. Taking these drugs, available with or without a prescription, can raise your ulcer risk as well as your blood pressure. What’s more, COX-2 inhibitors, the newest NSAIDs for arthritis, bump up the threat of heart attack. 

When it comes to OA pain, why take something that can hurt you when you can take something that can help — even heal you?

Ginger. Adding one-fourth to one-half teaspoon of ginger to your daily diet can slash the pain and disability associated with OA, say experts. Plus, ginger heals your stomach lining, unlike NSAIDs that can damage it. 

Turmeric. It’s the tasty spice that gives curry and mustard their golden color. But what makes turmeric a powerful pain reliever? A phytonutrient, called curcumin. Thai scientists tested this natural plant chemical against ibuprofen in people with knee OA. After six weeks, the curcumin group felt as much pain relief as the pill poppers.

 

 

 

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  • FC&A Staff Writer