Common Questions About Arthritis

Are Non-Prescription Anti-Inflammatories Safe?

Question: I have read that over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as Advil and Nuprin have adverse effects on arthritis. They ease the pain but can cause other problems. Is this true?

Answer: Yes, it is true that over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can have side effects. The most common of these is stomach pain, especially when these medications are taken without food. Sometimes the stomach pain can progress to an ulcer. Moreover, high doses of an anti-inflammatory taken for a prolonged period of time have been reported to cause kidney damage.

Thus, you may want to try some of the more natural anti-inflammatory supplements to ease your arthritis pain. These include omega-3 fatty acids, boswellia, and digestive enzymes. Another is turmeric, which you can take as a capsule or sprinkle in your food. One ancient Ayurvedic remedy is to chop up onions and lightly saute or steam them, then generously sprinkle turmeric over them and mix this combination with some rice. This is very effective for the pain that you are describing.

Please note: turmeric should be cooked and not eaten raw. You may want to prepare a paste of turmeric and water, store it in the refrigerator, and sprinkle it over food later.

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