Bottom Line/HEALTH:Let’s talk painkillers. So many dangerous, dangerous narcotic painkillers. What can somebody do naturally to handle their pain?
Andrew Rubman, ND:Most often the best way to approach it is by trying to quell inflammation. A lot of pain in areas result from the accumulation of pain-generating compounds and substances that an injury or a chronic problem will produce. Therefore, the less the inflammation, the better the circulation. Circulation improves…the products that cause pain are removed…there’s less pain.
Bottom Line What are the best inflammation fighters then?
Dr. Rubman:In general, bromelain and curcumin. Bromelain like we would find from pineapple. Curcumin like we would find in the cooking spice or herb turmeric.
Bottom Line:Is it adequate to just eat pineapple or spice up your foods…or best to supplement either of those?
Dr. Rubman:For many people, spicing up the food, as you say, or including pineapples on a regular basis will take down the pain level so that the amount of painkillers, Oxycontin or whatever else you have to use, is decreased. And generally that’s a good idea. In terms of the supplements, there are some very good supplements that can be added in, again, depending on what the individual is. But in general, those are the best classes.
Bottom Line:All right. Let’s get that inflammation down so we don’t need the narcotic painkillers.
Dr. Rubman:Right.
Bottom Line:Great, thank you, Dr. Rubman.