Picking a Pain Reliever: Which One Should You Take?

Picking a Pain Reliever: Which One Should You Take?
by Laurie LaRusso, MS, ELS

All pain relievers are not equal.
It sounds like the opening line of a commercial for a particular brand of pain reliever, but it’s true. Among nonprescription pain relievers, some are best for relieving menstrual cramps, while others do a better job with sprains and strains, and still others reduce fevers.

Your local drugstore probably has an entire aisle (or at least half of one) devoted to nonprescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), and so on. But which one should you take to stop that headache? Or relieve the pain of a sprained ankle? And which one is safe to give to your children? Or your elderly mother?

Aspirin
Aspirin is actually the first of a type of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As the name suggests, NSAIDs reduce inflammation in addition to relieving pain. Aspirin is effective at relieving the pain of headaches, toothaches, muscular aches and pains, aches and fever due to colds, and minor aches and pains of arthritis.

The vast majority of people can take aspirin without experiencing any side effects. However, aspirin may upset your stomach. To minimize stomach upset, some aspirin products are "buffered" with an antacids or coated so the pills don't dissolve until they reach the small intestine. When taken long term in high doses, aspirin may cause more serious stomach problems, such as bleeding and ulcers in your stomach and intestines. For this reason, people with ulcers should not take aspirin. Drinking alcohol while taking aspirin increases your risk of bleeding and ulcers in your stomach and intestines.

Aspirin is not recommended for children and teens with a current or recent viral infection, because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare disorder that may cause seizures, brain damage, and death. Check with your doctor before giving a child or teen aspirin. In addition, people with the following conditions should not take aspirin: asthma, nasal polyps, bleeding disorders (or those taking blood-thinning drugs), high blood pressure, kidney disease, and the third trimester of pregnancy.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Other Than Aspirin)
Besides aspirin, other nonprescription NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT). These drugs are more potent pain relievers than aspirin, especially for menstrual cramps, toothaches, minor arthritis, and injuries accompanied by inflammation, such as tendinitis and sprains. They are also effective at reducing fever and inflammation.

Among the NSAIDs, however, there are some important differences. Ibuprofen is the fastest-acting NSAID and it is approved for use in children. Naproxen sodium provides the longest-lasting pain relief.

Like aspirin, the other NSAIDs may upset your stomach, but they are gentler on the stomach than aspirin. When taken long term in high doses, they may cause more serious stomach problems, such as bleeding and ulcers in your stomach and intestines. Ketoprofen carries the highest risk of this complication. People with ulcers, asthma, or bleeding disorders (or those taking blood-thinning drugs) should not take NSAIDs. Drinking alcohol while taking NSAIDs increases your risk of bleeding and ulcers in your stomach and intestines. People with kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure should only take NSAIDs after consulting their healthcare provider.

NSAIDs are of particular concern for elderly people because of the risk of bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Older adults who need to take NSAIDs regularly are often given prescription NSAIDs that are designed to be gentler on the stomach.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen relieves minor aches and pains, toothache, muscular aches, minor arthritis pain, headaches, and fever. However, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation, which makes it less effective than NSAIDs at relieving the pain of sprains, muscles strains, and tendinitis.

Acetaminophen has virtually no side effects. However, when taken along with alcohol, acetaminophen increases the risk of liver damage. This includes taking the drug the morning after a night of heavy drinking.
Acetaminophen is the pain reliever and fever reducer of choice for children and pregnant and breast-feeding women. It does not cause stomach upset or increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

RESOURCES:
US Food and Drug Administration

http://www.fda.gov/
Sources:
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Council on Science and Health
US Food and Drug Administration

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Healthy Eating Tips

A healthy diet should include a good variety of nutritious foods. These include breads, pastas, fruits and vegetables. Eating breakfast is also an important part of a healthy diet.

Healthy diets contain a variety of foods

In general, we should all eat:

1.A wide variety of nutritious foods
2.Plenty of breads and cereals (particularlywholegrain),vegetables, legumes (such as chickpeas) and fruit
3.Low salt foods, and use salt sparingly
4.Small amounts of foods which contain added sugars.

Physical activity
A good balance between exercise and food intake is important, as this helps to maintain a healthy body weight. About 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking, is recommended every day.

Keep fat to a minimum
Adult diets should be low in fat, especially saturated fat. Saturated fat, which is the predominant fat in animal products, is more easily deposited as fat tissue than unsaturated fats. Saturated fat can also be converted into cholesterol and cause blood cholesterol levels to rise.

Small amounts of polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats may have some health benefits when they are part of a healthy diet. Polyunsaturated fats are generally thought to lower blood cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, are thought to have an anti-clotting effect on blood and may lower blood pressure.

Eat less high kilojoule foods
The total amount of energy-dense (high kilojoule) foods you eat may be as important as the total amount of fat in your diet. To reduce the energy density of your diet, you need to increase the amount of plant foods you eat. This will provide essential nutrients, help to make you feel ‘full’ and also reduce the amount of fat in your diet.

Eat foods rich in calcium and iron
It is important for all Australians to eat foods which contain iron and calcium. In particular:
1.Calcium – is important for infants, women and girls.
2.Iron – is important for women, girls, vegetarians and athletes.

Drink alcohol in moderation
A healthy diet can include a moderate amount of alcohol (men should drink less than two standard drinks per day and women less than one standard drink per day). Alcohol should not be given to children.

Healthy diets for babies and children
Follow these guidelines to help encourage a healthy diet for your infant or child:
1.Babies – encourage your baby to breastfeed for the first year of life. In most cases, breastfeeding should be the only source of food in the first six months. If you use formula, be careful not to overfeed or underfeed your baby.
2.Sugar – children should eat only a small amount of foods that contain sugar.
3.Low fat diets – these are not appropriate for infants and young children under two years of age. A diet low in fat, especially saturated fat, may be considered for older children.
4.Drinks – infants and children should be encouraged to choose water as their preferred drink.

Don’t let children skip breakfast
Children who skip breakfast generally have below average nutrition. Their diets contain less:
1.Calcium
2.Iron
3.Dietary fibre
4.Vitamins such as riboflavin and niacin.

Skipping breakfast becomes more common as children get older. Some schools have introduced breakfast programs because they were concerned about children who skip breakfast. Children did better in school once the program was introduced.

Tips for easy breakfasts
Here are some easy-to-prepare, healthy breakfast ideas:
1.Fresh fruit with wholegrain breakfast cereal and reduced fat milk. Toast with a thin spread of margarine (polyunsaturated or mono-unsaturated) .
2.Toast with cheese and tomato. Hot or cold reduced fat milk.
3.Rolled oats with sultanas and reduced fat milk. Toast with a thin spread of margarine (polyunsaturated or mono-unsaturated) . Orange juice.
4.Baked beans on toast. Orange juice.

Things to remember
1.Calcium and iron are important nutrients in our diets.
2.Infants and young children should not be placed on low fat diets.
3.Encourage infants and children to choose water as their preferred drink.
4.Children will have better nutrition and do better at school if they eat breakfast.
Acknowledgement
This information has been sourced from the Better Health Channel in consultation with Deakin University - School of Exercise and Nutrition Science.

Lemons

Lemons : Although they may just be a "customary fruit," they contain flavanoids, which are often referred to as 'natures biological modifiers,'because of their ability to modify the body's reactions to other compounds such as: allergens, viruses and carcinogens. Lemons are usually known for their high content of Vitamin C - four times higher than that of oranges.Hungarian scientist, Albert Szent-Gyorgi, uncovered a synergy between pure vitamin C and a then unidentified co-factor in the peels of lemons and called the resulting compound Vitamin P. Still known as such, Vitamin P particularly benefits the capillaries by reducing pain and improving blood circulation. It also heals cataracts, decreases bile production, alleviates herpes and lowers blood cholesterol levels (Murray, p. 1). Other important properties of lemons are their mineral contents. They contain 48.3%potassium, which nourishes the brain and nerve cells; 29.9% calcium, which builds strong bones and teeth; and 4.4% magnesium, which in conjunction with calcium, plays an important part in the formation of albumen in the blood.In addition to their nutritional benefits, the smell and the taste of lemons can help fuel a general release of stress. In aromatherapy, lemon oil isused as a muscle relaxant and a skin and circulation stimulant. Rubbed on the face, lemons open up the pores releasing heat and refreshing the skin.Lemons have other therapeutic effects on the body as well. Drinking lemon juice helps cleanse the lymphatic system, invigorate skin tissue and increase the blood flow. This might be one reason for the popularity of lemonade on a hot, sticky day. Eaten during pregnancy, lemons help build the developing baby's bones. Lemons also aid in the digestion of heavy meals by producing the necessary enzymes and in the assimilation of protein, calcium, zinc and vitamins. Lemons also have cholesterol -lowering properties, thus preventing hair loss and even causing hair regeneration. They counteract cases of anxiety and depression; stimulate the liver and the gall bladder, causing a release in congestion; stimulate theformation of valuable leukocytes in the fight against viral and infectious diseases; drain excess water in cases of water retention; reduce uric acid; and stimulate the lymphatic system in cases of cellulite and obesity.In order to fully benefit from their effects, lemons should be consumed without sugar. Otherwise the negative effects of the sugar (such as lowering immunity, interfering with digestion and leeching vitamins and minerals from the system) may outweigh their beneficial effects. The limonenes and liminoids in lemons, and other citrus fruits,increase the activity of enzymes that detoxify certain carcinogens. These alkaloids bind mutated cells and help the body to eliminate them before they become carcinogenic.
Health Tips <<...>> To relieve a cold and sore throat, mix a teaspoon of honey and the juice of one lemon, in a glass of water and drink every two hours.
Another family remedy, which I use frequently, is a clove of crushed ginger, mixed with half a lemon and sweetened with honey.
For cystitis, to acidify the urine and to stop bladder infections, drink a glass of cherry juice, lemon juice and water on an hourly basis at the first sign of infection<<...>>
For fevers, hot water and lemon juice will support and speed up the fevering process, helping the body fight-off infections or toxins. Without the fever,the immune system has fewer ways to combat the disease. However, if there are bowel problems this should be avoided<<...>>
For children, rub the body with two halves of a lemon to open the pores ofthe skin and release the body heat. <<...>>
To help proper assimilation of calcium and other minerals, or for leg cramps, sip a warm glass of water with a teaspoon of lemon juice<<...>>
As a mouthwash, lemons are more natural then fluoride and effective in removing plaque. They also whiten and strengthen tooth enamel<<...>>
For diphtheria, use pure lemon juice every hour as a gargle and swallow some until it cuts loose the false membrane in the throat. <<...>>
One tablespoon of pure lemon juice before each meal relieves asthma,<<...>>
In cases of excessive menstruation, the juice of 3-4 lemons a day will help.

Cooking Tips : With an increase in low-fat cooking, lemons have become more popular in the West, because of their ability to add sparkle and freshness to dishes. Lemons add a clean, yet complex flavor to dishes that were previously laden with salt or fat. Lemons, which cleanse the system, can replace vinegar, which opposes the action of gastric juices.
Homemade Mayonnaise: Slowly pour corn oil, a beaten egg and a pinch of salt to the juice of half a lemon. This makes one small jar, which can be added as a sauce to other recipes.
Lemon Zest: After lemons are washed and dried, use a grater to remove the outer yellow layer of the peel. This "zest" can be placed in a freezer for future use.
Preserved Lemons: This is a Middle Eastern recipe used to flavor chicken dishes, stews and salads. Wash the lemons well and cut them into quarters(but not all the way through) or in half if you are using limes. Put them in a wide necked jar (preferably glass or clay). Press the lemons down with a weight and add salt and water. The salted juices preserve the peels, which will soften and mellow in a month. The juice can be used for seasoning.

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FIZZY SOFT DRINKS AND YOUR TEETH

FIZZY SOFT DRINKS AND YOUR TEETH

A lot has been said and written about the harmful effects of Fizzy carbonated soft drinks on the teeth and body, but is this really true or is it just a media hype?

INGREDIENTS OF FIZZY DRINKS:

Most colas contain 90% water, sugar, carbon dioxide, phosphoric acid, citric acid, caffeine and other additives & preservatives. The acid level (pH) of colas has been measured at around 2.5 (1 being most acidic and 7 is for tap water). Citric acid is more acidic and this is found more in non-cola drinks like 7-up, Sprite etc.

EFFECT OF FIZZY DRINKS ON TEETH:

There is a two-fold effect. Each time you take a drink of a soda you get 20 seconds of acid attack on your teeth. The second effect is because of sugar that causes mouth bacteria to release more acids. These acids strip the natural protective layer on your teeth (pellicle) and the enamel begins to slowly lose its natural minerals and therefore breakdown and lead to decay.
You can feel the damage done to the tooth surface by passing your tongue along the front teeth after having a drink. You will feel that the surface has become rough. This is because the acid has etched the enamel. Soft drinks also lead to gradual staining of teeth.

WILL A TOOTH LEFT IN A GLASS OF COKE DISSOLVE OVERNIGHT?

This is a very common "Urban Legend" that is often discussed on the Internet, but very misleading. A 2004 study by the University of Maryland Dental School, in the US, submerged extracted teeth in glasses of water, cola, non-cola, coffee, iced tea, Nesquik, orange juice & drain cleaner. It was found that after 14 days the teeth hadn’t disappeared, but there was considerable damage done to all the teeth. Non-cola drinks caused the most tooth erosion followed by cola drinks. According to this study, two weeks of total immersion in a soft drink is the equivalent of about 13 years of actual drinking.
After 4 weeks, the tooth submerged in cola had become brown and sticky. The other glasses showed milder disintegration of teeth. The tooth in the drain cleaner was pearly white (because of bleaching effect) and had split into two.
One must remember that these were dead teeth while the teeth in our mouth are alive. Also this study doesn’t take into effect the protection offered by saliva. This study doesn't duplicate life exactly, but it shows how the enamel is definitely dissolving off the teeth.

WHAT DO COLA COMPANIES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS?

Coca Cola’s website states that "Almost all foods naturally contain a small amount of acid, including fruit juices & buttermilk. Phosphoric acid provides phosphorus, which is an essential element of bones and tissues. None of these foods are acidic enough to harm our body tissues. Our own natural stomach acid is stronger. Insufficient calcium intake, hormonal imbalances, lack of physical activity, and normal aging processes are the primary causes of weak bones."

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT THIS DAMAGE:

1.Use a straw to sip, as this reduces the contact to the teeth.

2.Swishing with water after having a drink can neutralize the acid.

3.One way to reduce the effect of acid is to drink it only during meals.

4.Adding ice to the drink dilutes the acid.

5.Regular tooth brushing, especially at night, helps remove the damaging acids.

6.Finish drinking soon instead of sipping it gradually.

7.Regular Professional Dental Cleaning is advised to maintain teeth.

CONCLUSION:

Drinking any type of soft drinks- cola, non-cola or fruit juices can cause varying degrees of harm to your teeth. They all contain acids that cause teeth erosion. They contain sugar, which causes decay. But there are no vitamins or minerals in fizzy drinks unlike fruit juices and other natural foods, and hence we don’t derive any benefits from them.
We don’t need to stop drinking fizzy drinks. We just need to understand what’s going on and take the appropriate preventative steps to reduce the problem.