Replacing Tylenol with Food

While Tylenol carries significant risks, you may find it is a necessary strategy to suppress severe pain. You can protect yourself from the risks. Tylenol causes its damage by depleting glutathione, an antioxidant that protects cells from toxins such as free radicals. If you keep your glutathione levels up, the damage from the acetaminophen may be mostly preventable. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a nutrient for the formation of glutathione. Often in the emergency room, NAC is given to anyone who overdoses on Tylenol. If you find it necessary to take Tylenol, ask your doc about taking NAC in addition.

 

Alternatives to OTC or prescription medication include reducing the pain naturally. Prostaglandins are facilitators of inflammation. Elevated insulin and leptinlevels stimulate inflammatory prostaglandin production. Avoiding sugars and grains will lower your insulin and leptin levels.

Some natural source remedies to try for reducing pain:

Astaxanthin is an oil-soluble carotenoid found in microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, shrimp and other natural sources. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger is an anti-inflammatory herb and also has stomach-settling properties. Fresh ginger used in cooking or steeped in boiling water as a tea can be helpful.

Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric. In a study of osteoarthritis patients, those who added 200 mg of curcumin a day to their treatment plan had reduced pain and increased mobility.

Boswellia is an herb derived from a genus of trees that produces frankincense. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which have been known for thousands of years and used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Remember “natural” does not always mean safe so be sure to discuss with your doc before trying different remedies as there may be contraindications or cautions when used with other meds.

Incorporating acupuncture in your treatment plan can be very effective in your personal program of chronic pain control. See our research page on this website for many articles and studies showing the efficacy of acupuncture.