Painkillers, also known as 'non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs' (NSAIDS), are extremely popular in America. It is estimated that 18 million or so Americans take painkillers on a regular basis, resulting in some 70 million prescriptions each year. Unfortunately for many Americans, these drugs don't really take care of what is causing the pain; NSAIDS only mask the pain and make it bearable. On top of that, they can come with some very nasty side effects and repercussions.

NSAIDS are linked to gastrointestinal (GI) complications. While that may not sound too bad on paper, this link between NSAIDS and GI is the 15th leading cause of death in the United States, with a 22 percent yearly mortality rate. Long-term use of NSAIDS is associated with GI erosions, GI bleeding and kidney disease.

If you are taking NSAIDS, and especially if you have been taking them for a long time, you should be aware of the many signs of NSAIDS complications, such as indigestion, heartburn, skin rashes, swelling around the eyes, ulcers in the mouth, white spots in the mouth, excessive bleeding, excessive bruising, irregular heartbeat, abdominal pain and fainting. If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to visit you doctor and talk to them about your NSAIDS use and how to minimize your risk of complications.

So while it may seem easy to take painkillers when pain is present, it is a dangerous choice that only masks a problem that is still present and will be present until it is addressed.

What many people do not know is that there are many herbs and foods that can reduce inflammation and in turn, reduce pain. These natural, anti-inflammatory food and herbs do not have any negative side effects and if consumed regularly can keep inflammation (which causes pain in the body) at bay. The regular American diet, which is high in red meat, diary, refined sugar, white flour, and saturated fats, is known to cause and promote inflammation in the body.

To minimize inflammation make sure to get plenty of vitamin C in your daily diet. In addition, try drinking green tea. Green tea has over 50 anti-inflammatory compounds. Also, learn to love the herbs rosemary, oregano, turmeric and ginger

All of these herbs have anti-inflammatory properties and are easily added to foods and teas.

In addition, try adding Omega 3 fatty acids to your diet. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in oily fishes such as salmon, halibut, tuna, sardines and mackerel, as well as flax seed.

Changing your diet may not replace your use of NSAIDS, but it can be a great daily maintenance routine to help reduce inflammation and pain. If you cut out inflammation causing foods by replacing them with fruits, veggies and whole wheat grains, while drinking plenty of fresh water and exercising, you may be surprised at the difference.