Ibuprofen: Used by millions. Helpful? Yes. Harmful? Yes. Let’s look. . .

First, how can ibuprofen help us?  Classed as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it inhibits your body’s production of chemicals called prostaglandins which play a role in the production of pain, fever and inflammation.  So, it is most helpful to relieve the pain of arthritis, mild to moderate aches and pains 

(including menstrual pain) such as muscle aches, headaches, toothaches and backaches. It also is used to reduce fevers.  What a wonderfully helpful medication.

How can it harm us?  The National Institute of Health teaches that “People who take NSAIDs (other than aspirin) such as ibuprofen may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause death. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time.”  Long term use also can lead to bleeding in the GI tract, ulcers, or holes in the stomach or intestine.  The effect is worsened by 3+ alcoholic drinks a day, the use of blood thinners or oral steroids (like prednisone), and in the presence of inflammatory bowel disorders.

Nutrient wasting:  ibuprofen can deplete your body’s store of Vitamin C, folic acid, iron and zinc.  This can reduce your immune system’s ability, leave you more at risk for certain cancers, and affect your nervous system functioning.  If you must take daily ibuprofen, it might be wise to discuss adding these nutrients with a health professional.

Protection?  Always take ibuprofen with food: this will help to protect the lining of your stomach and intestine.  If you are already at risk for cardiac problems, discuss pain control options with your health professional. 

Investigate other approaches to your pain control. There are foods that reduce inflammation (and the pain it causes) such as green tea, wild salmon, ginger, blueberries (yes!), papayas, and broccoli– ask a nutritionist and look at this list.

There are nutritional supplements that also work as effectively as ibuprofen.  Naturopathic physicians are very knowledgeable about these options.

Want help deciding about ibuprofen and you? Read on. . .

First, how can ibuprofen help us?  Classed as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it inhibits your body’s production of chemicals called prostaglandins which play a role in the production of pain, fever and inflammation.  So, it is most helpful to relieve the pain of arthritis, mild to moderate aches and pains 

(including menstrual pain) such as muscle aches, headaches, toothaches and backaches. It also is used to reduce fevers.  What a wonderfully helpful medication.

How can it harm us?  The National Institute of Health teaches that “People who take NSAIDs (other than aspirin) such as ibuprofen may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not take these medications. These events may happen without warning and may cause death. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time.”  Long term use also can lead to bleeding in the GI tract, ulcers, or holes in the stomach or intestine.  The effect is worsened by 3+ alcoholic drinks a day, the use of blood thinners or oral steroids (like prednisone), and in the presence of inflammatory bowel disorders.

Nutrient wasting:  ibuprofen can deplete your body’s store of Vitamin C, folic acid, iron and zinc.  This can reduce your immune system’s ability, leave you more at risk for certain cancers, and affect your nervous system functioning.  If you must take daily ibuprofen, it might be wise to discuss adding these nutrients with a health professional.

Protection?  Always take ibuprofen with food: this will help to protect the lining of your stomach and intestine.  If you are already at risk for cardiac problems, discuss pain control options with your health professional. 

Investigate other approaches to your pain control. There are foods that reduce inflammation (and the pain it causes) such as green tea, wild salmon, ginger, blueberries (yes!), papayas, and broccoli– ask a nutritionist and look at this list.

There are nutritional supplements that also work as effectively as ibuprofen.  Naturopathic physicians are very knowledgeable about these options.

Want help deciding about ibuprofen and you? Read on. . .