Early in my chiropractic career, I had a number of patients, who saw me for neck and back pain, list on their intake form that they had seen their physician for the same problem, and as part of their examination also discovered they had stomach bleeding.

I thought, was this a coincidence or was there a connection between their back pain and their bleeding? It turned out that every one of these patients was taking a lot of over-the-counter (OTC) pain meds, primarily ibuprofen and aspirin, that their same physician had recommended.

Stomach bleeding is a known and accepted side effect of these widely-prescribed medications. With no better option to help patients manage their musculoskeletal pain, stomach bleeding has been unfortunately tolerated. I remember thinking, This is the actual definition of insanity! Here are physicians sworn to protect their patients and above all else do no harm, and they’re doing the same thing over and over again, recommending known stomach bleeding meds but hoping for a different outcome.

And so I began my journey in search of a better alternative to OTC meds for my patients to use in conjunction with my chiropractic treatments. After many years, that quest has culminated in my recommending a natural cox-2 inhibitor from Greens First® called Relief First.

What’s The Research Say?

According to research appearing in the Journal of Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin increase one’s risk of upper GI bleeding. When taken in combination with other drugs, this risk is significantly higher. 

Researchers performed a self-controlled case analysis on 114,835 patients with upper GI bleeding. Drug exposure was determined based on prescriptions of NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, or low-dose aspirin. The study found that NSAIDs usage was associated with potentially serious dose-dependent gastrointestinal (GI) complications such as upper GI bleeding. The study concluded that the high cost of GI events to the healthcare system and to patients’ quality of life necessitates development of alternative therapies.¹

How Dangerous Is This Problem?

In an article originally published in MedShadow and reprinted in Drug, Healthcare and Public Safety, entitled “Are You Taking Too Much Ibuprofen,” the authors stated the risk of GI and stomach ulceration and bleeding is more serious than most people think. An estimated 7,000 to 10,000 Americans die each year from this NSAID risk. That risk increases with age and with length of use.²

An NSAID Alternative

Relief First from Greens First is a capsule that contains a proprietary blend of stabilized rice bran powder, glucosamine, MSM, and healing herbs that help to nourish inflamed tissue and support the relief of pain. 

The Greens First research team found that when this type of rice bran powder was combined with the other potent phytonutrients and antioxidants, everything worked synergistically together to create an enhanced effect that was greater than the sum of the individual compounds acting alone.

Combining the ingredients contained in this product helps to provide more immediate results and allows a lower dosage of each ingredient, causing the final product to be just as effective as a higher dose of one of the ingredients on its own.

A Natural COX-2 Inhibitor to Support Pain Relief

 Relief First also helps to inhibit collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase, which dissolves the collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin that are very crucial for the function of the joint cushion.

 The proprietary stabilized rice bran derivative found in Relief First contains a vast spectrum of various phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals as well as high quality omega-3 fatty acids, and hypoallergenic rice protein. Stabilized rice bran is a natural source of phytosterols and sterolins, like beta-sitosterol and its glycosides, which may help to improve immune function and joint health, enabling it to act as a natural COX-2 inhibitor.

Nutrient-Dense, Synergistic, “Real” Ingredients

Relief First is loaded with antioxidants and nutrient-rich natural ingredients that have been proven to be effective at reducing inflammation in the body and limiting joint and muscle pain. Those ingredients also include well-known herbs like Turmeric, Ginger, Yucca, Ashwagandha, and Boswellia Root, all of which support a healthy inflammatory response and relieve muscle and joint soreness.

Support Healthy Joint Mobility & Flexibility

N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) helps support healthy joints and other connective tissues by providing high quality glucosamine, a naturally occurring compound in all connective tissues. It supports the synthesis of proteoglycans, which are key building blocks in the formation of connective tissue and may aid in the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, a major constituent of synovial fluid that enhances the lubrication and mobility of the joints.

 Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural compound derived from plant sources and has been used to effectively support joint health and relief of minor pain. MSM supports the process of synthesizing collagen and may help to promote proper inflammatory response as well as assist in maintaining the synovial fluid that may help lubricate joints and support their flexibility.

Path to Improved Health

Regular use of OTC medicine puts patients at higher risk for adverse effects. By educating them on these risks and providing them an all-natural alternative such as Relief First from Greens First, you will be able to put their health first.

Natural, health-focused nutrition made with the highest quality ingredients is what the Greens First Brand represents. We have years of experience providing nutritional wellness products for the whole family.

Dr. Donald L. Hayes, D.C. is President of Ceautamed Worldwide the makers of the Greens First product brand. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Oregon and Doctorate in Chiropractic from the University of Western States.

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*These products and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4310346/ 

2 https://www.nextavenue.org/are-you-taking-too-much-ibuprofen