In several e-Alerts and HSI Members Alerts we've told you how NSAIDs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and COX-2 inhibitors) have been shown to play a role in liver and kidney impairment, gastrointestinal problems, and even an increased risk of congestive heart failure. To that list we can now add: elevated risk of bone fracture.

In the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, two researchers from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine (UNC) reviewed several studies that examined the use of NSAIDs as analgesics for patients recovering from fractures.

One of the studies - as reported in the Journal of Bone Joint Surgery (2000) - compared the recovery of nearly 100 patients who had fractured a femur (the long bone that runs from the hip to the knee). The fractures of 32 subjects healed improperly and were classified as "nonunion," while fractures repaired correctly in a control group of 67 subjects.

The researchers found a significant association between the use of NSAIDs and the nonunion of fractures. More than 60 percent of the nonunion group reported regular NSAID use compared to only 13 percent in the control group. Among the subjects who used NSAIDs, the average healing time was a full two months longer than among those who used no NSAIDs at all.

Based on this and other similar studies, the UNC researchers concluded that during the healing of fractures, NSAIDs should be avoided. They also noted that COX-2 inhibitors not only have an adverse effect on bone healing, but may also impair the healing of ligaments.

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Pineapple pain relief
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It's one thing for a researcher to crunch some numbers and recommend that NSAIDs not be used to manage fracture pain. But that same researcher might have a different opinion if he were to suddenly find his own femur in two pieces rather than one. The problem is, there aren't a lot of pain relief alternatives out there.

Acetaminophen isn't an NSAID, and it can be an effective pain killer, but as I've mentioned in previous e-Alerts (see "Flick of the Wrist" 1/19/04), acetaminophen products can create health problems that are arguably worse than those of NSAIDs.

A safe alternative to both acetaminophen and NSAIDs is a natural agent called bromelain, which we wrote about extensively in both the June 1999 and October 1999 Members Alerts. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple, and it's been shown to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling, AND help thin the blood as well.

Some people are allergic to bromelain, and ulcer patients should avoid using it. For most people, however, bromelain is free of side effects. A dose of 500 mg, taken three times each day, is typical for general pain management. But before starting a bromelain regimen, you should consult an M.D. or healthcare professional who's knowledgeable about alternative medicine.

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The meal factor
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In most cases, supplements are absorbed most effectively when taken with meals. But bromelain is the exception to that rule. In the e-Alert "Water Works" (9/16/03), I told you about an important bromelain tip from HSI Panelist Dr. Richard Cohan, D.D.S., M.B.A.

In an e-mail, Dr. Cohan wrote, "I believe that it is important that you draw the distinction between bromelain's activity as a digestive aid when consumed with a meal, and its effectiveness as a pain modulator when consumed before a meal or three hours thereafter (depending how much fat was consumed and therefore how long digestive juices are present in the stomach). It apparently has no effect on pain when consumed with a meal."

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The key to stopping many cancers has been around for over 30 years. Yet it has been banned by the very agency designed to protect your health—the FDA.

A German research scientist discovered a natural formula that could prevent and even cure cancer. Her findings, which were barred from the medical journals, are now finally available in an updated English translation.

Learn more about this incredible black-listed formula visit:

http://www1.youreletters.com/t/171647/6997829/674138/0/

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To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit: http://www.hsiealert.com/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the HSI e-Alert.

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...and another thing

As a group, arthritis patients consume enormous amounts of NSAIDs and other painkillers. But there's another natural alternative for treating arthritis pain, and it just might make former President and peanut farmer Jimmy Carter very happy.

I received an e-mail from an HSI member named Marijo who describes this pain reliever as "Just plain old peanut oil from the grocery store. Rub on a little, just like a lotion. You can wipe off the excess. I don't know how it works, I only know that it does. I suspect that it is absorbed by the skin and lubricates the joints, but I don't really know. I hope you can use this information. I have helped a number of people become pain free by telling them about it."

A quick check of the Internet shows that Marijo's topical peanut oil rub to relieve arthritis pain is apparently a well-known therapy. In fact, there are many lotions, salves, and creams containing peanut oil that are promoted for arthritis and rheumatism pain. Many of the sources I found quoted Edgar Cayce - the "sleeping prophet" - as stating that those who take a weekly peanut oil rub "need never fear arthritis."

If you want to try the peanut oil therapy, keep in mind that not all peanut oils are created equal. Marijo seems to have enjoyed good results with peanut oil from the grocery, but she might get even better results with pure extra virgin peanut oil, with no added solvents, dyes or preservatives.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson