It is astounding to me, Pedram, how few folks bother to take the time to understand the impact of OTC meds. I can't take any anti-inflammatories as I am a bleeder, but even acetominophen has been shown to affect our risk inhibition capacity. In a few hours I begin work with a new acupuncturist, which is part of how I mitigate pain, which for me is a constant companion. I work out hard, injure harder, and my body is aging. At 68, arthritis and overuse injuries. I use Tylenol but am very aware of the effect on the liver, so only when pain gets past the point where I can stand it. Chiropractic, yoga, all kinds of approaches can offer relief. Much of the time body stiffness for me is solved by a good run.

I am regularly horrified by the lack of basic knowledge that Pam refers to below- the average care giver is clueless. Fix it with a pill, create another issue with a pill. What we are just beginning to truly understand about our bellies and brains is astounding, and what the average American eats is a very good indicator of why we have such horrible health.