WHY NOT TO TAKE PARACETAMOL!

Firstly paracetamol are a PAIN KILLER - meaning they stop you from feeling pain, numb the pain or block the pain. If you have pain there is probably a reason for this, and its worth finding out why it hurts rather than scoffing pain killers, masking the problem, ignoring it and potentially making it worse. 

Prolonged use of ibuprofen has long been known to cause gastric bleeding and stomach ulcers. However after a 13 week study for patients with chronic/ arthritic knee pain 1 in 5 of those taking ibuprofen lost the equivalent of a unit of blood, the same happened to those taking paracetamol over the same period of time. 

“A randomised controlled trial of ibuprofen, paracetamol or a combination tablet of ibuprofen/paracetamol in community-derived people with knee pain, Doherty 2011.”

We have many natural alternatives to manage pain and control inflammation, turmeric being the most prominent to control inflammation and pain in those with arthritic joints. Turmeric extract can act as effectively as paracetamol in lessening pain and other symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Studies have demonstrated that after relatively two months or six weeks of treatment, responder analysis showed significant improvements in swelling, irritation and pain in the participants scores who took turmeric, in relation to those who were given paracetamol. This natural spice has no negative side effects and can be placed in foods or taken as an additional.

Managing your pain is important for your health, wellbeing and optimising your performance. Injuries can be ignored, masked over and blocked out by painkillers, getting a good solid assessment and understanding what the problem is before carrying on and potentially making things is vitally important.