NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) which many of you take can be over time very dangerous to your health. These drugs include Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Indocin, Relafen, Anaprox, Naprosyn, Feldene, and many more.

More than 13 million Americans take NSAIDS regularly. However, research has shown that bleeding and ulcers occur in up to 50% of the people that use these drugs. The scary thing is that there are often no symptoms. Even when symptoms occur, bleeding can be missed even with an endoscopic examination in up to 50% of the cases. Research has also shown that of all people developing gastropathy (sick stomach or gut), less than 20% will get sick enough to get off the drugs. A shocking statistic is that among the people who develop serious bleeding from the gastropathy from NSAIDS and require hospitalization, an amazing 10 to 15% will die. That converts to tens of thousands per year.

Many people take these medications for arthritis and chronic musculoskeletal pains. Most of these symptoms can be more effectively handled with dietary changes, the proper nutritional supplements, soft tissue manipulation, spinal adjustments, stretching and strengthening exercises, etc. The problem in our fast paced society is that it is easier to take a pill when you get up in the morning or during the day. It is apparent that convenient relief may have devastating effects later. If you have been on these medications for a prolonged period you may want to go discuss the continued use with your doctor or pharmacist. You may also want to do some research on the web or go to any neighborhood bookstore and pick up any one of the many books that discuss the side effects of these and other medications. Do not be naive to the potential for side effects with these medications. We do have two products from Standard Process Labs called Gastrex and Comfrey- Pepsin E3 which will provide some form of protection and healing to the lining of your gut.

Towards excellent health,
Ron Saltman DC