Do you reach for over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen often? Well, then, this is your chance to rethink and make informed decisions. Over 1 billion NSAID prescriptions are issued annually worldwide, with approximately 30 million people using these drugs daily, according to a recent study published in BMC Public Health. Dr Tania Elliott, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and allergist based in New York City, has explained why she would never take too many NSAIDs like ibuprofen. In a recent newsletter, Dr Elliott detailed the dangers of taking too much pain medication. This includes severe damage to your liver, kidneys, and even gut.
What are NSAIDs?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature, according to the NHS UK.These drugs are used to relieve symptoms such as headaches, colds, flu, coronavirus, sprains, strains, painful periods, and even conditions such as arthritis.
How NSAIDs affect your body
In a newsletter titled, ‘I’m a doctor and here’s one thing I never do,’ Dr Elliott revealed that 75% of people who take NSAIDs like ibuprofen (or Advil, Motrin, Naproxen, or Aleve) develop low-grade inflammation in their gut. “As many as 1 in 4 develop an ulcer, not to mention the silent damage to the kidneys, which many people don’t know about until it’s too late,” she said. So what really happens? “Ibuprofen reduces blood flow to the tiny vessels feeding your gut. As your gut lining stops getting the blood supply it needs, it becomes more permeable, allowing for more bacteria and toxins to enter, creating inflammation,” Dr Elliott said. This could lead to a leaky gut, IBS symptoms, and even ulcers (holes in the stomach lining), which can cause burning, pain, black stools, and nausea. Though many assume that because it’s over-the-counter, it’s safe. But the truth is far from that. “In fact, ibuprofen should not be taken for more than 1-2 weeks at a time,” she said.
How NSAIDs damage your kidneys and liver
According to Dr Elliott, while taking NSAIDs, the same process happens to the blood vessels linked to your kidneys, causing the damage. “You should have your kidney function checked regularly, and this is something your doctor can easily order with a urine (which checks for protein) and blood test (which looks at 7 key substances including sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine). From here, an automatic calculation called the EGFR determines how well your kidneys are filtering toxins,” the doctor explained. Dr Elliott further elaborated how Tylenol (acetaminophen), another OTC pain medication, causes over 50% of acute liver failure cases in the United States. “This is particularly a problem during cold and flu season because Tylenol is found in so many multi-symptom medications (which I typically recommend against). Be sure to read the labels so you aren’t accidentally overdosing,” she said. The doctor also cautioned against taking ibuprofen or Tylenol for headaches. “They could actually be the cause of the headache. When you take these medications for than 10-15 days a month, you can get something called medication overuse syndrome, where your body gets so used to these medications that you can get a rebound headache when you don’t take them.”
What are the safer alternatives?
Instead of taking OTC pain medications such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, and other NSAIDs, Dr Elliott has suggested some safer alternatives. What are they?
- Capsaicin: “Consider capsaicin, which is a naturally occurring ingredient found in hot pepper. It can be used topically to block communication between pain receptors and the brain. Peppermint and menthol are also good options,” the doctor said.
- According to Dr Elliott, you can also use ice and elevation, especially if there is swelling.
- Acupuncture: “There is reason it has been around for thousands of years. It can help with headaches, pain, PMS, and a whole host of other symptoms,” she said.
- Castor oil pack: ‘If you are taking ibuprofen for cramps, try a warm castor oil pack instead. This technique also helps with pain and swelling,” the NYC doc said.
- Strength training: Another way to keep pain meds at bay is to make your body strong through strength training. “I know if may seem daunting if you have pain, but building and strengthening muscles will reduce the pain,” she said.
However, not all pains or ailments can be treated using these alternatives. If you have chronic pain or pain that persists, it’s important to consult a doctor. “And of course, don’t ignore chronic pain. If symptoms are lasting weeks or more, it’s important to get to the root cause. Don’t stop until you have a clear answer as to what is causing your pain,” the doctor said. The bottom line is to make informed decisions. Understand what you are taking and its consequences. Remember, it is important to treat the root cause. Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
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