My doctor wants me to give up ibuprofen, but I haven’t been able to control my pain without it. I use it with Tylenol as a supplement to gabapentin and amitriptyline.
According to Doctor of Chiropractic Richard Gliddon, “taking ibuprofen can increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.” When I was referred to a spine specialist, he told me the same thing.
I have more pain in my neck, knees, feet, and back. My medications rebound after a while and are no longer effective, so I am always looking for new things to try.
Alternatives are to take higher doses of the same medications or graduate to more serious arthritis medications such as injections of steroids or hyaluronic acid.
Right now, my neck is constantly aching which makes it hard for me to go to sleep. I fall asleep during the daytime at my computer, but the pain seems to come to a head at bedtime.
I did some research on turmeric. I know my sister-in-law takes it and says it helps with her arthritis pain. It can be taken in capsule form, used as a powder to sprinkle on food, or enjoyed as a cup of tea.
Medication interactions may occur if a person:
- Takes a blood thinner
- Experiences gallstones
- Suffers from acid reflux
- Has liver or bile duct problems
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a common spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. In traditional Indian medicine, it is used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system. Here are some ways to add turmeric to foods:
- Add some pepper and turmeric to scrambled eggs
- Sprinkle it on sautéed or roasted vegetables
- Use turmeric for extra delicious flavor in soups
- Add it to a salad or salad dressing
- Turmeric is commonly added to mustard and a little pepper will spice it up!
- Blend some turmeric into a smoothie
- Add extra flavor to rice
- Be creative!
According to the Natural Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health, turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others.
What is the Correct Dose of Turmeric?
Everyone is different, so make a doctor’s appointment. A safe way to start is to take the lowest amount of medication at first, and gradually increase the dosage.
I am taking 500mg. capsules twice a day. This is only my second day and I learned some good lessons about what not to do. I took my morning capsule too close to the time for my other pain medication, and the result was an increase in my pain.
On the second day, I decided to take my morning capsule with the small amount of food I eat at that time. Then four hours later I took my regular morning pain pills. Right now, I have less pain so I am cautiously optimistic that this will make a big difference in my day-to-day activities.
Which Turmeric is the Best?
I am using Jarrow Formulas Curcumin Phytosome. It’s not cheap, but so far, I am having less pain, and that is a real game-changer for me.
Final Thoughts
It’s a temptation to buy the cheapest turmeric available. However, the goal is to have less pain, so be prepared to spend more money if necessary.
I will do another post when I have taken turmeric for a couple of weeks. What works for pain may no longer be effective, so be open to making some small changes that may lead to big results.
