Advil and turmeric are both commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation, but which one is faster?
Advil, also known as ibuprofen, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body [1]. According to the Drug Patent Watch website, Advil has a relatively fast onset of action, with pain relief occurring within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking the medication [1]. However, the duration of action varies depending on the dosage and individual factors, with pain relief lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 hours [1].
Turmeric, on the other hand, is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine [2]. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [2]. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that curcumin was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis [2]. However, the study did not specify how quickly the pain relief occurred.
In terms of post-workout inflammation and pain, a blog post on the Swolverine website compared the effectiveness of turmeric and ibuprofen [3]. The post cited a study that found that turmeric was as effective as ibuprofen in reducing post-workout muscle soreness [3]. However, the study did not specify which treatment provided faster relief.
In conclusion, while Advil may provide faster pain relief than turmeric, turmeric has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in various studies. Additionally, turmeric may have fewer side effects than Advil, which can cause gastrointestinal issues and other complications with long-term use [2]. Ultimately, the choice between Advil and turmeric depends on individual factors and should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ADVIL
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3964021/
[3] https://swolverine.com/blogs/blog/turmeric-vs-ibuprofen-which-one-is-more-effective-for-post-workout-inflammation-pain