by Robert Corish, MD
Q: Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve popped acetaminophen or ibuprofen if I have a headache or some other minor pain. Now, I’m hearing bad things about these pain relievers. I’ve never had problems. Are they really that bad?
A: If you’ve ever walked down the aisle in a drug store, you’ve probably noticed how many products contain acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These two pain relievers are some of the most widely used medicines in the U.S. Because they’re so prevalent, you might think they’re perfectly safe. You’d be wrong. Research over the past few years has called their safety into question. Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen use has been linked to the following adverse effects:
- Acetaminophen can cause acute liver failure. In fact, it’s the number one cause of this condition.
- Using ibuprofen can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even during the first few weeks. Higher doses and longer use increase the risks.
- High-dose ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal bleeding in as little as three days of use.
- Acetaminophen combined with alcohol—even light drinking—can increase the risk of kidney dysfunction.
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen have been associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in men and women.
- Acetaminophen may blunt your emotions, making feelings of joy or sadness less intense.
- Consumption of ibuprofen before a marathon may increase your risk of adverse effects, including temporary kidney failure and gastrointestinal issues.
- Boys born to mothers who use acetaminophen for a week during pregnancy may have reduced levels of testosterone, a critical hormone for reproductive health.
- There is an increased risk of asthma in children who were given acetaminophen (or ibuprofen) or whose mothers took acetaminophen (or ibuprofen) during pregnancy.
If you are having second thoughts about your casual use of of those pain relievers, choose a natural NSAID like white willow bark, boswellia, or curcumin instead. [Peach Vitamins note: Read our blog post about natural pain management solutions for more tips!]
Q: I had a mini-stroke a few months ago at the age of 58. I’ve recovered fully, but I’m worried. What can I do—without resorting to some huge drug cocktail—do I don’t have a bigger one?
A: Strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability—and one in four strokes happen to someone who has already had a stroke previously—so you’re right to be concerned. The majority of strokes happen when a blood clot blocks blood flow in the brain, depriving parts of the brain of blood and oxygen. But they can also happen when a blood vessel breaks. The effects of a stroke differ depending on what part of the brain is affected. That’s why stroke victims will often show effects on only one side of the body.
Of course, the first thing you’ll want to do to help prevent another stroke is make some lifestyle changes. Make sure your diet is a healthy one—heavy on vegetables, fruit, lean meat, and good fats. Substantially reduce—or cut out completely—processed foods, added sugar, and simple carbohydrates like white bread. If you aren’t already, get active. Even simple things like taking a walk with your spouse after dinner each night can pay big dividends.
You can also add supplements that focus on your cardiovascular health. Mesoglycan is a good one. Mesoglycan is a great source of glycoaminoglycans—components that build the walls of our blood vessels and arteries, keeping them flexible and strong. It protects the endothelium—the lining of the blood vessels—and may increase its ability to repel clumping. Mesoglycan also provides the materials so that the body can actually repair damaged blood vessels—even tiny ones like those in the brain. What’s unique about mesoglycan is that it makes platelets more slippery so they move through blood more easily—without interfering with normal clotting. Mesoglycan also reduces high fibrinogen levels, a protein associated with blood clot formation, to help prevent clots in blood vessels. Mesoglycan should not be used in hemorrhagic strokes or taken by individuals on blood thinners. As always, first check with your healthcare provider.
Robert Corish, MD is an expert in preventative medicine. His interdisciplinary approach incorporates conventional medicine with integrative medicine and orthomolecular medicine, a combination that offers many more tools to the physician. Dr. Corish describes himself as a “lifelong medical student” as he continues to study and research the latest breakthroughs—particularly in functional nutrition and preventative medicine strategies. He is a Fellow of the Health Studies Collegium, and as associate of the American College of Nutrition.
Article originally published in Good Health Lifestyles magazine, Fall 2016 issue, and edited by Peach Vitamins staff.