Natural Alternatives to Pain Medications

If you are in pain, you most likely turn to a over-the-counter or prescription medication for relief. These medications have the potential to damage the liver and kidneys and might cause other undesirable side effects. If you are looking for natural ways to relieve your pain, natural alternatives do exist. It is important to note that successful natural treatment strategies require a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of your health and not just suppressing symptoms. Natural pain relief will entail a combination of supplements, diet and other lifestyle modifications.

Using Natural Supplements for Pain Relief

While most natural supplements are generally safe, they contain compounds and chemicals that produce change in the body just like prescription drugs. They have the potential to interact with other medications and might not be appropriate if you have certain conditions or diseases. Check with your health care provider before using herbs and other natural supplements. Your best bet for determining the appropriate supplements for you is to meet with a health care provider who has experience using alternative medicine, ideally for pain relief. She can help you design a treatment plan that is safe and effective.

Several natural supplements have been shown to relieve pain. You do not need to take all of them as they offer similar benefit. Like it was mentioned earlier, working with an experienced practitioner is beneficial.

The following supplements can fight pain and inflammation. They include bromelain (40 mg three times a day), cat's claw (20 mg three times a day), turmeric (300 mg three times a day), fish oil (up to 8,000 mg daily, see a doctor for guidance), SAMe (800 mg daily), MSM (1.5 to 3 g daily). Fish oil can interact with blood-thinning medications while SAMe is not appropriate if you are taking antidepressants. Do not use high doses of fish oil without talking to your doctor first.

Eating to Reduce Inflammation

Certain foods cause the body to release inflammatory chemicals, which trigger and worsen pain. Taking steps to reduce inflammation can go a long way in reducing pain in the body. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet is a primary way to do this. Reduce your consumption of inflammation-causing foods like saturated fats found in animal products, white flour foods and sugar. Increase your consumption of cold-water fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soy and beans.

Alternative Treatment Modalities

Certain treatment modalities can relieve pain associated with various conditions. Alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil recommends acupuncture and massage. Certain movement therapies, like the Feldenkrais Method, can help you correct posture and learn appropriate ways to move your body; this can be helpful for pain relief stemming from things like back pain, injuries or fibromyalgia.

Reducing Stress

Stress can trigger and worsen pain. Finding ways to manage it is a great complement to a natural pain management strategy. Get regular exercise. Your doctor can help you design a regimen that is appropriate for your circumstances. Exercise also releases endorphins, your body's natural painkillers.

Experiment with activities that can relieve stress like yoga, tai chi, positive visualization, deep breathing and meditation to name a few. Find something you enjoy and stick with it.