The Trouble With Tylenol

   If you are one of the many Americans that grabs that bottle of Tylenol (or any OTC pain reliever for that matter) to cure your ailments, you may want to think again. Most people have heard of the warning that it can cause possible liver failure in case of an overdose. What most people don't realize is that "overdose" doesn't mean taking an entire bottle. It literally means if you go over the recommended dose by ONE pill, you are putting your liver at risk. Many people do this regularly if the recommended dose does not provide them relief. If you have taken something such as NyQuil and Tylenol together, that would be considered an overdose. If you take Tylenol (acetaminophen) on a regular basis you could be damaging your liver. According to the FDA, from 1998 to 2003, acetaminophen was the main cause of acute liver failure in the United States.
   I think it is important to point out that even taken at the recommended dosage some people will have a change in liver function. Children are especially susceptible to this since their livers are so much smaller. Unfortunately, liver failure is not the only problem in children who are given Tylenol frequently. Using it frequently in children can make them susceptible to an increase in things such as seasonal allergies, eczema and asthma. Giving children acetaminophen after vaccinations is dangerous and unnecessary. When a child (or an adult) is given a vaccine, they are injected with many different things. Their body will try to process all of this. If they get a fever, guess what? That's okay! It is their little body doing what it's supposed to. Allowing their immune system to do its job by not throwing an extra chemical into a detoxifying organ (liver) is doing them a favor. A fever is one of your child's best defenses against infection. When they are given Tylenol their little livers are working hard on processing what's in the pain reliever WHILE they are also trying to manage all of the toxins and sometimes a live virus that was just injected into them. This can actually break down their immune system.
  Fortunately, there are safe alternatives to popping these toxic pills! Below are some examples of what you can do for pain and fevers in place of OTC drugs.

Natural alternatives for fevers:

-Rest: Seems simple but sometimes we forget to do this as adults especially when there is a family to take care of. So, force yourself if you must!

-Homeopathy: If you don't know much about homeopathy, I encourage you to learn. There are no side effects and if you know what you're doing, it is just as effective as a fever reducer. The homeopathic versions of Aconite, Belladonna, Ferrum phosphoricum, and Chamomile are all helpful for fevers depending on what other symptoms you are experiencing.

-Water with lemon: Drink lots of it! This helps your body flush out toxins and also helps to keep it cool.

-Peppermint Essential Oil: Rubbing peppermint oil on the forehead and back of the neck can help to reduce a fever and also any headaches that may accompany sickness.

-Frozen fruit: If you're not feeling well enough to make a smoothie, just pop some strawberries, blueberries, honeydew, etc. in the freezer for a few hours and eat as needed to keep you cool. Delicious, nutritious and effective!

-Nothing: If you start to change your perspective and realize that fevers are a GOOD thing, then you may realize that you really don't have to do anything at all. Fevers resolve themselves without any help 99% of the time. Fevers are not dangerous in most cases. It really just depends on your comfort level.


Natural Alternatives For Pain Relief:

-Curcumin: The herb turmeric contains curcumin, a substance that reduces pain and inflammation. You can find both turmeric and curcumin in capsule form. The recommended dose for turmeric is 250 - 500mg three times a day.

-Arnica: This is a homeopathic remedy that we use in our house for bumps and bruises. This remedy works wonders and is completely safe.

-Fish oil: If you have chronic pain such as arthritis, sometimes an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Digested fish oil breaks down into hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation. We use cod liver oil in our house regularly.

-Lavender Essential Oil: This is good topically for minor cuts and inflammation.

-Chiropractic Care:  When you have a healthy back that is properly aligned, you will naturally have less inflammation. The chiropractor is not just for those with back pain. Your back is connected to everything in your body. I could not live without my chiropractor for health and wellness!

-Massage: There are plenty of licensed massage therapists out there that are not utilized quite enough. The art of massage can make a huge difference in pain and inflammation.


  I always suggest to people to have some of these alternatives on hand already BEFORE the fever or pain starts so that you will have it readily available. Our bodies are natural healers and sometimes need no intervention at all but if you are currently taking OTC pain relievers, think about changing to something healthier for that amazing creation that is your body!