Side-effects Of Anti-inflammatory Drugs

By Author: Alex Moody
Total Articles: 6
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What are the side effects ibuprofen, aspirin, indomethacin, Voltaren (diclofenac), acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs? With non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – like aspirin, ibuprofen and so forth – they block the build-up of an inflammatory hormone the body process called prostaglandin series 2. When there is an inflammatory response, the body takes in a fat called arachidonic acid.

The arachidonic acid is converted into what is called prostaglandin series 2, which leads to inflammation. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs basically block the enzyme that allows that to occur. This enzyme is called cyclooxygenase. Though they have a very good anti-inflammatory effect, they are also so powerful that there are unintended side-effects, and as you know, and if taken over a long period of time at a high enough dosage, side-effects will occur.

Originally, we believed the major risks of side-effects were primarily just stomach irritation. Many can get stomach aches when taking these drugs, leading to erosion, ulceration and even bleeding in the intestinal tract.

More recently, we’ve seen ...
... other health concerns. In a recent review paper called, Cause for Concern in the Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications in the Community Population-Based Study by Dr. Robert J. Adams and Followers, posted on September 27, 2011 in the biomedical journal, Family Practice (findings which are fairly recent), these drugs have been shown to cause a lot of gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration. In fact, 10,000 to 20,000 people die every year in the United States due to internal bleeding as the result of the ingestion of these anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, this information is not widely known.

We see now that side-effects from these drugs are also leading to chronic heart failure – also another common cause of death – and cardiovascular death in people who weren’t previously at risk for cardiovascular disease. We’re also discovering that it can raise blood pressure. We knew they could lead to liver damage, but now we’re seeing they’re also a leading cause of both liver and kidney failure. Acetaminophen in particular causes a great deal of liver damage and kidney damage. Kidney damage and kidney failure leads to the need for dialysis later in life and even kidney transplants.

You want to avoid having these things happen to you. I’m not against using these drugs; I’m just saying that you want to try to use the least amount of them whenever possible. This is where diet and supplementation come in because they can reduce inflammation and pain, certainly without the added toxicity.

I’ll give you some examples. Curcumin, boswellia, ginger, white willow bark extract – a great combination of anti-inflammatories which are all natural – can reduce inflammation without significant side-effects. The same is true for the flavionoid quercetin, bromelain enzymes, and high doses of Vitamin D, along with others. Of course you need the right doses of these supplements, along with an anti-inflammatory diet. It sounds a bit complicated but the truth is, a lot of rheumatologists, family doctors and orthopedic surgeons aren’t explaining to their patients what dietary, supplements and best exercises someone can implement in order to reduce inflammatory diseases. It’s very unfortunate because these things can make a big difference in reducing reliance on some of these prescription anti-inflammatories that can have bad side effects.

I’m encouraging you to do something that everyone should do if they have an inflammatory disease. I have an eBook I’ve created called Proven Natural Remedies for Joint Pain, Arthritis and Inflammation. If you are using anti-inflammatory drugs or you need them for any reason, you should download it and get it right here. The booklet outlines the exact lifestyle plan that will help you manage any arthritic condition, and it can be used along with any medical treatments you’re presently undergoing, so you can take it in conjunction with some of these prescription or over-the-counter drugs, as well. In fact, every arthritic patient should have a copy of this eBook, Proven Natural Remedies for Joint Pain, Arthritis and Inflammation.

At www.meschinohealth.com, you’ll see my other review papers, my teaching materials; you’ll see footage from my live seminars and downloads I’ve created. You’ll find other resources that are all available to you for free that will help you lead a long, healthy and highly functional life; it’s not enough to just be alive with a heartbeat; you want to be highly functional as the years go by.

All my research articles and my teaching materials come complete with all the scientific references so you know you’re getting only evidence-based information on the health topics that you’re seeking out.

Make sure that you use www.meschinohealth.com as an on-going, reliable resource for both you and your family members when you’re looking for any health and wellness information. Come back and visit us whenever it makes sense for you. Thanks so much for your time.