Throughout the year, many people cannot wait for the summer to finally arrive. After a season of winter storms and other trying conditions, nothing sounds better than clear skies and warm weather. And how better to enjoy the summer than getting out there and walking, hiking, biking, or doing other favorite summertime activities? While we certainly want you to get some exercise and get that healthy dose of vitamin D from the sun, countless people every year overdo it and are hampered by injuries during what should be a fun, carefree time of the year.
During my post‑graduate studies at University of Western States, one of my favorite courses was clinic nutrition, which really made me consider what I put into my body. This has become even truer as I've dealt with my own kids, their injuries, and what is put into their bodies. It has always been my thought that the more natural, the better. In this article, I wanted to share with you some of what nature has to offer if, by chance, your summer takes a painful turn for the worse.
Nature makes the best medicine cabinet
Maintaining an injury‑free body this season not only allows you to have more fun, but also does wonders for your long‑term wellbeing. This is where supplementation can play a key role. Taking certain natural remedies can speed up the process of recovery or even keep the injury bug away to begin with. And with natural pain relief, you can avoid the potential unpleasant side effects that can come from the chemicals found in over‑the‑counter (OTC) medications.
Throughout history, when people have been injured, they have turned to natural solutions using the herbs, fruits, and vegetables around them. These natural medicines didn’t come with the extensive list of dangers and warnings that we have all grown accustomed to seeing in the pharmaceutical industry nowadays. Here you will find some of our favorite natural pain relief supplements that have empowered many people through summers that otherwise would have been lost to pain and suffering.
Devil’s Claw: Scary name, great for pain
Outdoor sports and activities like running, biking, tennis, and basketball are a lot more fun in the summer. Unfortunately, after taking it easy all winter, these fun activities can lead to inflammation and pain. If you haven’t kept yourself at a high level of activity all year long, be careful not to push yourself too hard too fast. If you do hurt yourself, a study published in Rheumatology found that Genestra by Seroyal Devil’s Claw Cream provided natural pain relief equal to the NSAID Vioxx, and other studies have confirmed that Devil’s Claw is as effective as many common drugs for a host of physical pains.
Devil’s Claw extract can be applied directly to the skin at the site of the injury or pain. It is an herb used in Europe for centuries after being discovered in Africa, where the roots and tubers of the plant are used to make the medicine. Its mixture of chemicals can decrease swelling and inflammation, making it an excellent tool for natural summertime pain relief.
Prevent injuries naturally and recover more quickly
Another highly popular natural alternative to OTC anti‑inflammatories is Wobenzym N. Wobenzym N contains proteolytic enzymes that are continuously active in reshaping tissues throughout the body. Trypsin and chymotrypsin participate in the normal wound‑healing process and help remove cellular debris, blood clots, and scar tissue, thus facilitating the regrowth of healthy tissue.
If you’ve suffered an injury already, or just want to be prepared for the worst‑case scenario this summer, make sure you have Devil’s Claw or Wobenzym on hand.
If you have any questions or we can be of any help at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Gregg Gittins
