Herbal Medicine Santa Cruz Arthritis Sufferers May Count On

By Daniel Williams


There are so many different things that can increase a person's risk of suffering from arthritis. Some of the most notable ones include age, obesity and a previous injury to the joint. No matter the case, the intake of anti inflammatory drugs is commonly recommended by doctors. Unfortunately, such is frowned upon by many due to the associated side effects as well as health dangers. The good news is herbal medicine Santa Cruz locals may go for is capable of dealing with pain, swelling and stiffness without causing additional problems.

Most anti inflammatory drugs can be purchased over the counter. However, there are also those that can be procured only with a doctor's prescription. This is most especially true for drugs that are highly addictive.

Regardless if available OTC or prescription, these anti inflammatory drugs are notorious for causing some pesky side effects. Something that is reported by many is heartburn. Most especially when consumed on a stomach that's empty, these drugs can cause irritation of the esophagus. Despite what many believe, acid reflux and also gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are not the only ones responsible for a bout of heartburn. A lot of drugs for managing joint inflammation are also capable of causing heartburn, which is oftentimes mistake for a heart attack by a lot of people.

It's not just the esophagus that can be irritated but also the stomach. Doctors confirm that taking high doses of anti inflammatory drugs for a long time can cause stomach ulcers to come into being. In extreme cases, those ulcers can cause an assortment of serious complications. One of them is bleeding in the stomach. Another is a blockage in the digestive system.

One more common side effect of drugs meant for relieving arthritis symptoms is what's known as tinnitus. It is characterized by the presence of a ringing, buzzing or whistling sound in the ear. Tinnitus can be a cause of insomnia if it chooses to appear at bedtime. Scientists confirm that lack of sleep can actually increase an individual's pain perception. Pain brought about by arthritis, needless to say, can intensify due to failure to get a good night's sleep.

You may also end up with an elevated blood pressure if you take medications for inflammation. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. Across the globe, heart disease is the number one cause of deaths. If you are diagnosed with a condition regarding the cardiovascular system, make sure that you ask your doctor if it's safe for you to pop an anti inflammatory medication in your mouth.

The intake of high doses of these drugs can also put some of the vital organs in danger. One of those is the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing chemicals that enter the body such as those found in drugs and alcohol. The kidneys are also placed on the line.

Due to the many side effects and risks associated with drugs for controlling inflammation, a lot of people who have arthritis prefer to count on herbal alternatives. This is especially true for those who are health conscious. Unlike their pharmaceutical counterparts, herbs work effectively without causing more problems in the process.




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