More and more research and articles warn of the potentially harmful side effects of certain drugs that we can buy with or without a prescription. What can be said then when the drug in question represents a potentially fatal danger? This is the case of ibuprofen according to a new study.
What kind of drugs is it?
Many people tend to believe that when a drug is available without a prescription, it means that it is completely safe. A recent study corrects this by proving that consuming ibuprofen, as well as other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), even for a short time, could have devastating effects on heart health.
These NSAIDs are usually used to calm pain, reduce inflammation, lower fever, and prevent blood clotting. The most common among them are ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Nabumetone (Relafen), aspirin and selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors.
Dr. Michèle Bally and her research team from Montreal, Finland and Germany reviewed a wealth of data from previous studies to determine whether it was relevant to reveal information about the negative effects NSAIDs on cardiovascular health. While many scientists were already aware that these drugs increased the risk of heart attack, they were unaware of the doses that could cause such a danger, as well as the types of NSAIDs that may be behind them.
The researchers found that all NSAIDs clearly contributed to a significant risk of heart attack. They found that daily doses of 200mg (or more) Celecoxib, 100mg minimum Diclofenac, 200mg (or more) Ibuprofen and 750mg (or more) Naproxen for a short period of time between 8 and 30 days were able to cause a heart attack. Knowing that what is more alarming is that the maximum dose of ibuprofen recommended for menstrual pain is 1200mg. It is however 3200mg for arthritis pain as well as for other types of pain.
At the end of this research, Dr. Bally and his colleagues recommend that you do not lose sight of the risks and take them into account before deciding to take NSAIDs for fever or pain. The consumer must therefore ask the right questions since only he is responsible for his health, especially with regard to drugs available over the counter.
Is it dangerous to take an aspirin daily?
Anthony Komaroff, director of Harvard Health, says that taking aspirin can help prevent an impending heart attack. He goes on to say that if anyone ever notices any warning signs of a heart attack, they should chew an uncoated 325mg aspirin to prevent a blood clot from forming in the heart before contacting a doctor.
Except that when the consumption of such a drug is daily, its potential benefits can be quickly overshadowed by all the disadvantages and side effects it entails. A 2018 study of nearly 20,000 healthy adults over 65 years of age showed that not only were protective effects no longer present, but that those who administered them had a higher mortality rate than other, 5.9% against 5.2%.
Stephen Evans, a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, explains: "The previously low benefit in preventing heart disease has been largely offset by a clear increase in the risk of other diseases. Nevertheless, for the elderly who do not suffer from heart problems, a low dose of aspirin remains safe. "
What alternative to choose then?
Turmeric is clearly the best choice when it comes to calming pain and inflammation in a natural way. It is therefore not at all surprising to learn that this spice is by far the most used in medicine.
Everything lies in the main component of turmeric, curcumin which acts as a COX-2 inhibitor, the latter being an enzyme responsible for inflammations and multiple pain that we can feel.
To enjoy its benefits, just take a teaspoon of turmeric, put in boiling water and leave all on the fire for 10 to 15 minutes. It is also very advisable to incorporate a pinch of pepper to increase the bioavailability of this spice. You can also add honey before drinking your herbal tea!
Note :
Any abuse is bad for health and turmeric is no exception to this rule, despite all the benefits it can bring to our body.
As a precaution, it is recommended for pregnant women not to take any.
