Have you ever wondered if over the counter pain medications like Tylenol, aspirin-free Anacin, Excedrin and various cold medicines could damage your organs? Well, listen to this study that was published in the Journal of American Medical Association (7/5/06, Vol. 296, No.1). 145 adults were given either a placebo or four grams of acetaminophen. The study was inpatient and diet controlled (meals were provided).
ALT is an abbreviation for alanine aminotransferase (there’ll be a quiz next week), which is what is released in the blood when liver cells are damaged. The ALT levels increased to almost 5 times normal in 19% of the subjects that were given the acetaminophen. No increases were detected in the placebo group.
Even the FDA recently discussed the risks that acetaminophen can have to consumers for liver damage due to overdosing on the drug. It is one of the most commonly used active ingredients in medicines to relieve pain and fevers. It is also in prescription drugs.
The FDA Advisory Committee voted on July 1, 2009 to recommend that Tylenol and similar medications containing acetaminophen should be given in lower doses. They also voted that prescription drugs that contain both acetaminophen and narcotics, such as Vicodin and Percocet, be taken off the market. The agency gave no indication when it would act. Overdoses with acetaminophen is the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S. and sends 56,000 people to the emergency room annually. Approximately 400 die each year, according to studies done between 1990 and 1998.
And did you know that the preferred method of suicide in Europe is an all night binge on Tylenol and alcohol?
OK, so now you have the American Medical Association and the FDA warning you against the toxic effects of over the counter medications. So where are you going to turn for relief? Maybe it’s time to consider some viable alternatives for pain relief that would actually be good for you.
Alternatives for Pain Relief That Work
Chinese medicine has offered pain relief for thousands of years in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas. Chinese herbs can offer pain relief from sports or traumatic injuries, sprains and strains. Herbs properly prescribed by a health professional (Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist) can reduce pain due to strenuous exercise or repetitive movements (i.e. golfers, tennis players, grocery checkers/packers, warehouse and assembly-line workers). Some herb formulas have anti-inflammatory actions that reduce pain and inflammation, analgesic influence to relieve pain as well as antispasmodic effects to relax muscles and tendons.
And let’s compare the risks of drugs vs. herbs. Drug therapies have a significantly higher risk to them, more on the order of 1:500 or even higher. Herbs are natural products. There are reported world wild only 1:1,000,000 incidents of herbal therapy causing poisoning.
Chinese herbs are being used by every kind of athlete including Olympic athletes. Many of the world’s most famous body builders use Chinese herbs. Yao Ming, the star basketball player, announced that he would use traditional Chinese medicine to help his recovery from surgery on his ankle. Chinese scientists have studied herbal remedies – some based on recipes dating back hundreds of years. Even the current President of the United States reportedly sometimes takes herbs.
So the next time you need alternative pain relief you might consider calling your local Chinese medicine clinic instead of reaching inside of your medicine cabinet for Excedrin or Tylenol.
About the Author: Steven Sonmore’s Minneapolis Chinese medicine & Acupuncture clinic offers pain relief daily. We use both Chinese herbal formulas custom tailored to your condition along with safe and effective acupuncture. Visit us at www.orientalmedcare.com .
Steven Sonmore, LAc is a licensed acupuncturist in Minneapolis, Minnesota with over 20 years experience of health care and pain management.
I love how well you wrote this! Our family has spent the last 8-9 months really simplifying our life, eliminating chemicals and potentially harmful ingredients in our lives in favor of natural and safe alternatives. I am so thankful that we have been using the all natural Topricin pain cream for our aches and ouchies that the kiddos get periodically. It feels good to know that we are using something that will not cause any problems, it is safe and it works! I am interested in what you wrote about Chinese herbs too…as I believe that they also have an important place in healing and wellness. THanks a bunch! Caroline
Given the information here and in the post about kidney failure from acetaminophen, this drug does more harm than good. Unfortunately, our “quick fix” society often reaches for the bottle of aspirin in times of desperation. It is because the majority of people do not even know the dangers of this drug. If they did, would these people look for better, safer methods of treating their pain? Would they not care?
I would like to believe that most of us would care and want to heal ourselves, which means to knock out symptoms starting at the root of the problem.
Investing in alternative programs that help your body naturally heal itself is smart, safe and effective. Instead of spending money on more material items, a night out or more aspirin, save it for your health! Talk to an alternative health care provider such as an acupuncturist, herbalist or naturopath and get yourself on the right path.