Cut down on NSAIDs and try natural options for osteoarthritis

Article overview:

• Research shows that people with osteoarthritis are at higher risk of heart problems when they use NSAIDs
• NSAIDs affect the blood clotting mechanisms
• Safe and natural osteoarthritis treatments include diet changes, nutritional supplements, and acupuncture

Research: NSAIDs Related to Cardiovascular Disease

If you have osteoarthritis, there may be extra pain relief on some days to help you get on with your usual chores. However, there are certain pharmaceutical and over-the-counter drugs that you might want to avoid if you don't want to increase your chance of developing another serious health condition. According to recent research, using a popular over-the-counter drug could make you a candidate for heart disease.

The study, conducted at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, found that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in people with osteoarthritis. These results are based on a study in which 7,743 men and women with osteoarthritis and 23,229 people without this disease took part.

After analyzing the data based on NSAID use and medical records, the researchers found that those with osteoarthritis who take NSAIDs were 23 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than their peers who did not have osteoarthritis. And that wasn't the only increased risk for osteoarthritis patients. They were also found to have a 42 percent increased risk of heart failure, a 17 percent increased risk of ischemic heart disease, and a 14 percent increased risk of stroke.

The effect of NSAIDs on heart disease

The researchers suggest that the reason for the significant increase in heart problems in people with osteoarthritis is the frequent use of NSAIDs for pain relief. Studies have shown that NSAIDs are linked to a higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke. And the risk is highest among those who take these drugs most often to manage the chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis.

NSAIDs, which contain both prescription and over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen, affect enzymes in the blood that promote clotting. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, even in people who have no history of heart problems. Higher doses and prolonged use of NSAIDs are at greatest risk, but cardiovascular problems can occur within a few weeks of taking these drugs.

Natural pain relief options for osteoarthritis

The good news is that there are many ways to treat osteoarthritis that don't involve taking NSAIDs or other pharmaceutical drugs. Here are some natural treatments you might want to try:

• Cut down on sugar and unhealthy fats. Research has shown that both of these nutritional components are associated with osteoporosis, although obesity is not a problem.
• Supplement with avocado soybeans, not saponifiable. These plant extracts are helpful in preventing inflammation from developing, protecting synovial cells in joints from damage, and can even help regenerate healthy connective tissue.
• Include more broccoli in your diet. Broccoli is a good source of sulforaphane, which has been shown to prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
• Take S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) daily. SAM-e is an effective pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for treating osteoarthritis. In addition, it is also linked to stimulating cartilage growth and improving mobility.
• Do a series of acupuncture sessions. This modality of traditional Chinese medicine has been found to relieve osteoarthritis pain, with greatest success in those who are firmly convinced that it will work.
• Increase your intake of ginger. A strong anti-inflammatory ginger can provide the same level of symptom relief as an NSAID for hip and knee pain due to osteoarthritis, but with no side effects.