Yesterday, I met a septuagenarian, Mr. Zhang. His face was tired, and his hands clutched a bottle of his usual painkillers. The pain in his lower back made him walk on thin ice with every step. This made me think deeply: how many middle-aged and elderly people like Mr. Zhang in our society rely on painkillers every day for temporary pain relief? But are painkillers really the only solution? If you take them for a long time, how should we deal with them?
Risks of painkillers: It's not just painkillers.
Painkillers are often seen as a quick fix for low back pain and body aches. However, their use is not without risk. With long-term or inappropriate use, painkillers can bring about a range of *** and these are sometimes even more worrisome than the pain itself.
Many commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, have been shown to cause gastrointestinal problems. These drugs relieve pain and inflammation by reducing prostaglandins in the body, but they can also damage the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the risk of gastritis, stomach ulcers, and even bleeding.
Long-term use of painkillers may also have adverse effects on kidney function, particularly in middle-aged and older people at risk of kidney disease or hypertension (increased blood pressure in systemic arteries). Painkillers reduce the production of prostaglandins in the kidneys, which are essential for maintaining normal blood flow to the kidneys. Long-term use of painkillers can lead to decreased kidney function and even kidney failure in extreme cases.
In addition to this, some painkillers can also pose a threat to heart health. Studies have shown that long-term use of certain painkillers may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Whole foods vs analgesics: more than just an alternative to painkillers.
When it comes to alternatives to painkillers, we often overlook the common spices and ingredients in the kitchen. Among them, Sichuan pepper and ginger not only add flavor to our cooking, they also play a potential analgesic role.
Sichuan pepper: nature's analgesic.
Sichuan peppercorns, a spice commonly found in East Asian cuisine, actually contain a compound called "Sichuan peppercorns." Zanthoxylum has an effect similar to that of local ***, which is able to temporarily block pain signals in nerve endings. This mechanism is especially effective in reducing chronic pain such as arthritis, neuralgia, etc.
Studies have shown that prickly ash is able to reduce inflammation and pain, especially after long-term use. In addition, Sichuan peppercorns have also been found to improve blood circulation, which can also help relieve muscle tension and pain.
Ginger: Versatile and natural**.
Ginger, another widely used kitchen spice, has also been shown to be beneficial for pain relief. The gingerol in ginger is a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This compound is able to reduce the level of prostaglandins produced by the body, a chemical associated with inflammation and pain.
Studies have shown that ginger is effective in relieving muscle pain after exercise, and it is also effective in reducing menstrual pain and certain types of arthritis. It is important to note that the analgesic effects of ginger may not occur immediately, but rather gradually appear after a few days of continued use.
Other Pain Relief Food Recommendations: The Pain Relief Secret in Natural Ingredients.
In addition to Sichuan pepper and ginger, there are many other foods that have also been shown to have analgesic effects. These foods not only enrich our diet, but also provide a natural alternative for pain management.
Turmeric: An anti-inflammatory superfood.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a potent natural anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown curcumin to be particularly effective in reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It works by inhibiting the activity of key enzymes in the inflammatory response, which is important for reducing joint and muscle pain.
Cherry: A natural antioxidant.
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as anthocyanins. These compounds are able to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn relieves pain. In fact, the anti-inflammatory effects of cherries are even comparable to NSAIDs in some cases.
Omega-3 fatty acids: heart-healthy analgesic friend.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish and certain vegetable oils, have been shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain. These fatty acids are able to reduce inflammatory chemicals in the body and have a significant effect on relieving pain in arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.