A real headache: serious dangers of NSAIDS for pain and inflammation
Did you ever stop to think about what popping an Advil is actually doing?
We’ve all done it, reached for a Tylenol or Advil for one of those “Motrin moments”. Some of us rely on OTC pain relief day after day. An annoying headache pops up after lunch, and you have to power through and get that report done. Or it’s your turn to carpool the kids to their basketball game, and you can’t tolerate their boisterous discussion in the car. Or your teeth are sensitive, but you need to get them cleaned, and it just takes the edge off when the hygienist is scraping. You did a tough bootcamp yesterday and today you can barely walk. They can’t be that bad, can they? They seem so helpful when needed, although you may have concerns that regularly relying on them might be giving you some problems down the road.
Could you be developing an ulcer, causing cardiovascular problems, or damaging your liver?
Analgesics, such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) are some of the biggest selling over-the-counter pharmaceutical categories available to us at drugstores, supermarkets, corner shops, airports and gas stations- pretty much everywhere. We are encouraged to take them, as well as give them to our kids and pets for all manner of ailments- mild pain, headaches, fevers, soreness after exercise- for pretty much any uncomfortable situation life sends our way. Although they are so ubiquitous, and they are so tempting when you are suffering- you have some nagging memory of reading somewhere that:
NSAIDs affect the gastrointestinal system and gut microbiome
Could it be that that heartburn you just began noticing came from taking too many Advils?
Or maybe your hayfever allergies are worse this year, because your microbiome is compromised?
And worse, did you hear NSAIDS can increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure- whether you already have heart disease or not?
Tylenol, which is acetaminophen, disrupts pain signals so that the brain does not register pain in the body. It is also used to reduce fever. Tylenol impairs the body’s antioxidant defenses by lowering the intracellular level of the master antioxidant Glutathione. In fact, it has been studied in its role of contributing to the development of asthma and other inflammatory diseases, as well as its effect on pulmonary infections.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15878691/
If taken in excess, or if taken with more than 3 alcoholic drinks, it is unsafe for the liver. In fact, liver failure is a serious possibility, and care to not overdo Tylenol in a daily schedule should be taken. (APAP- acetaminophen, is one of the most commonly used analgesics in the United States and reportedly the most common cause of acute liver failure in that country. In the United States, around 30,000 patients are admitted to hospitals every year for treatment of APAP hepatotoxicity) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4913076/
Not a great idea to take Tylenol if alcohol is in the picture, so its definitely not a good solution to reach for after a night of indulgence! Wouldn’t it be nice to know how to stop a headache naturally?
NSAIDS are also analgesics, but work in a different way. They block a group of enzymes called cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, otherwise known as COX enzymes. These enzymes create hormone like substances called prostaglandins (as well as other enzymes such as prostacyclin, levuloglandins and thromboxane), which manage inflammation, blood flow, fever, and the creation of platelets and blood clots in the body.
Simplified, the COX pathways work by creating and releasing prostaglandins. NSAIDS interfere with that process, and focus on either the COX-1 or COX-2 pathways, or sometimes both. The Cox-1 enzymes produce prostaglandins that maintain the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This serves to protect the stomach lining from the acidity of normal digestive juices. The enzyme is also engaged in the creation platelets, as well as in kidney function. COX-1 inhibitors may reduce inflammation but they also reduce the protective mucous of the digestive tract, putting people at risk of ulcers. The drugs that manipulate the COX-1 pathways such as Aspirin or Advil have more gastrointestinal risks.
The COX-2 pathways are focused more on creating inflammation in order to heal an injury or infection. Therefore, COX-2 enzymes are more often the source of pain and swelling. Unfortunately, the drugs that inhibit the COX-2 pathways, such as Diclofenac (Voltaren) can increase the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke due to their involvement in endothelial function. However, substances such as Ibuprofen, generally regarded as working with the COX-1 pathway, will still be a cardiovascular risk if taken in higher dosages, where they will begin inhibiting the COX-2 pathway as well.
It is important to be aware of the risks of NSAIDS, particularly when used at higher than recommended dosages and for extended periods.
As well as ulcers, gastrointestinal effects to be concerned about include bloating, constipation, nausea or vomiting
The gut plays a key role in our immune system. Negatively impacting our gut health can have grave effects- affecting our inflammation and causing more pain!
It is also becoming more apparent that our microbiome are involved in neurological experience of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as chronic pain, inflammatory pain, headache, neuropathic pain and opioid tolerance.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31551115/
We also dangerously create a cascade of negative responses such as setting ourselves up for an autoimmune disorder https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3337124/
NSAIDS can also have a detrimental effect on the kidneys. They may cause electrolyte imbalances by causing sodium retention leading to edema. They may also damage kidney function. Thought leading doctors such as Dr Lisa Koche advise to stay away from Advil as it is toxic to the kidneys.
Other NSAID side effects to be aware of are asthma, GI bleeding, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, low neutrophil levels, hives, vertigo and seizures.
Wouldn’t it be great to have some natural solutions for everyday painful conditions, that didn’t have these scary side-effects?
Some people may be aware of botanical options such as turmeric, ginger, boswellia, and hops which have all have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties as COX-2 inhibitors. Supplementing, or making regular culinary use of such foods can help. Eating fish three times a week, or adding a high quality (quality is key- no rancid fish oils please!) Omega 3 supplement is recommended to balance the Omega 3/6 ratio.
There has been a lot of research into anti-inflammatory dietary measures, which can also make a difference. A diet full of pro-inflammatory foods such as sugar, baked goods, and poor quality cooking oils contribute to more inflammation in the body.
You may not have heard of a supplement called Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a molecule that is contained in many foods and is also produced in our bodies. It has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its effects on balancing the endocannabinoid system.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6769461/
An easy and very safe solution for many types of pain that you may not have tried is homeopathy.
If it is new to you, it may take a little learning, but having some remedies on hand to handle life’s bumps and bruises can be a complete game changer!
Homeopathy has great options! Unlike NSAIDS, homeopathy does not just palliate symptoms and create new problems- it helps by uprooting the underlying issue.
10 great remedies to have on hand and have some basic knowledge about are:
Arnica- a key addition to your first aid kit, for any type of bump or bruise or hit to the head. Many people know that this is the remedy to think of when there has been an accident- particularly when it is a head injury. But it is not widely known that it can be good for sleep when “the bed feels too hard”, and you can’t get comfortable. It can also be a great remedy to think of after a bad sleep the night before- works for that mid-afternoon slump, and is great for jet-lag.
Rhus Tox- “rusty gate” – for stiffness that is better upon movement. When its hard to get going in the morning, but once you start, it is better. Amazing for arthritis, and for post exercise DOMS (delayed onset muscle stiffness). A perfect choice to think of for leg and hip stiffness after a long car ride.
Belladonna – great for a throbbing headache. If it was triggered by light or noise, and if it feels better from hard pressure over the head.
Nat Mur- is a good choice for a headache that comes from being in the sun. It can also be a good choice if the headache comes on from eye strain, or if there is watering of the eyes or disturbed vision. Also one to think of if it is related to menses, or if the headache come on with flashing, or zig-zagging lights. The nature of this headache can be throbbing, with a sensation of heat in the head.
Kali Bich- headache that is sinus related. Can feel like a pain above the eyes, with the nose being stuffed. Is the remedy to think of for a headache brought on by a shift in barometric pressure.
Hypericum- helpful for shooting/nerve type injuries, cuts and lacerated wounds. Brilliant taken before a dental cleaning if sensitivity is an issue. Good for sharp, excruciating pain. Useful for injuries to nerve rich areas such as fingers and the coccyx.
Mag Phos- Very helpful for muscle spasms and cramps- and the top remedy to think of for painful periods, when a hot water bottle placed on the abdomen brings relief.
Nux Vomica- a great remedy for overindulgence, of alcohol or food. It is the remedy of “too much”. Easily irritated and can’t stand loud noises- is helpful in misaphonia.
Kali Phos- great for headaches related to over studying. Good for the state of exhaustion after mental work.
Chamomilla -earache or dental pain- particularly for irritable children. Intolerance to pain
This is just a sampling of the options available in homeopathy for pain and inflammation management!
In the homeopathic literature the two most key instruments are the Materia Medica of Remedies, a listing of the thousands of remedies and their profiles, and the Repertory- which lists every possible complaint and which remedies are known to help. A skilled homeopath knows how to zero in on which remedy is best chosen for a particular presentation of symptoms. There are literally hundreds of options!
In an acute situation, we try a well chosen remedy 3-4 times, at intervals of 15 minutes even if the pain is very severe, and move on to another option if we are not getting results. If it is working and pain is subsiding nicely, we lengthen the intervals until no longer needed.
Chronic situations, meaning an issue that has been bothering a person for a longer time, such as arthritis, or chronic pain, may take longer and require more oversight to tease out results. Homeopathy can get very specific as to which remedies are best suited for particular situations, and guided pivoting may be necessary.
It is also worth knowing that doctors are now prescribing for people on chronic pain drugs prescriptions for probiotics as well as mucosal protective agents such as Rebamipide.
Homeopathy also has many options for gut repair and kidney support. Those will be subjects for upcoming blogs on the OHC website.
Disclaimer
I am not a medical doctor and this is not medical advice. My goal is to empower you with information. Please make all health decisions yourself, consulting sources you trust, including a caring health care professional.