Is your Ibuprofen and Tylenol safe?

 

Is your Ibuprofen and Tylenol safe?

 

If you’re active, you have likely been Injured with a sprained ankle, pulled hamstring, tweaked knee, shoulder, wrist, or your body may just ache.

Popping a pill when you are in pain may seem safe enough, RIGHT? When we hurt, we may instinctively ask for a Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), Aleve or maybe a BC powder (aspirin) for a headache or muscle strain?

They’re over the counter (OTC), so they must be safe RIGHT? Unfortunately, many of the medications OTC have harmful side effects (especially when taken long term and in heavy doses).

In this blog, I’ll share what these meds can do and some healthier alternatives.

It sucks when you hurt, I get it and you just want something to make the pain go away. But that can come at a price, especially if you choose something that can cause dire consequences long term.

 

Here’s what I mean….

Side effects of ibuprofen (and this can occur with almost any of the NSAIDS: Aleve, meloxicam, Motrin, diclofenac etc.)

1.Kidney damage and even Renal failure (because these meds block prostaglandins, which improve blood flow to the kidneys, allowing them to stay alive).

2.Ulcers

3.Bleeding

4.Impaired wound healing (YES, the very thing you might want)

5.Impairs the immune system (definitely something you don’t want)

6.Swelling in the legs

7.Increased blood pressure

8.Increased risk for heart disease[1]

 

Side effects of Tylenol (acetaminophen aka paracetamol)

1.Liver damage (major side effect, especially with taking more than 4 grams/day, but it’s a Biggy because the liver detoxifies the body. If it’s not working properly toxins can build up in the body leading to all sorts of harm, including possible increased for cancer[2])

2.Raises blood pressure

3.Fatigue

*This can occur in patients taking the prescribed dose. Now you may say that’s not me, I rarely take this. But just think of how many pills you have taken in your lifetime. Some folks have taken several of these pain pills, every few weeks for years. It adds up.

The best thing I can recommend is consider switching over to healthier options. Get pain relief, without major side effects, and then work to treat the ROOT cause of what’s going on.

 

Healthier options (the supplements reduce pain and inflammation): *If you need help with brands and dosages feel free to text Dr. Gold at 813-379-7092.

1.Fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids: DHA+ EPA, found in cold water fish, there is a vegan version just containing DHA.). I recommend Carlson’s or Nordic Naturals for my patients. Freeze caps to reduce burping.

2.Tumeric (aka Curcumin active ingredient. Great for joint pain especially in the knees. Curcum-Evail by Designs for Health or Terry’s Natural). Also, can cook with this spice or sprinkle on foods like eggs.

3.CBD (potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, comes in tinctures, patches and topical creams combined with menthol: https://canbiola.com/pain-skin-care/

Use promo code: GOLD for a discount). I certify patients for cannabis and have seen patients get off their opioids and find relief with this natural plant.

4.Magnesium (natural muscle relaxer, which can also lower blood pressure). I recommend magnesium aspartate (which helps regulate blood pressure) and magnesium glycinate which is gentle on the stomach. Pure encapsulations is a good brand. For those who are constipated or are getting a colonoscopy, I recommend magnesium citrate instead of PEG, GoLytely or MiraLax because which can contain polyethylene glycol, an ingredient they put in antifreeze, and can be considered a neurotoxin[3]).

5.Hydrate well with good electrolytes (I drink water with Emergen C and also like coconut water, no added sugar). For my healthy patients, I recommend half their body weight in ounces i.e., 150 lbs =75 ounces.

6.Good nutrition (get your Omega 3’s- nuts i.e., almonds, seeds, cold water fish), fruits & veggies, good protein, good fats, and complex carbs)

7.Ice appropriately (good ole ice works and it’s cheap therapy, wrap ice pack in thin cloth and put on affected area until numb and remove (don’t want to get frost bite!)

8.Topicals (Tiger balm patches or cream: red cream is stronger than white, Deep Blue, Arnica, BioFreeze, Boswellin, capsaicin etc. Wash hands after use and do not use near eyes (it burns).

9.Stay Active & Stretch (see previous blogs Why Stretching is So Important and Mindful Movements). Health is Wealth! Check out on YouTube: DrGoldFunYoga. During her strength building yoga classes, Dr. Gold will show you how to develop STRONG MUSCLES, which can reduce your risk for injuries.

 

 Dr. Gold is the proud owner of Dr. Gold’s Optimal Living Institute and author of 7 Habits of Extremely Happy People. She is a board-certified family medicine and holistic medical doctor and teaches yoga and laughter yoga. Dr. Gold has been in practice for over 20 years.  www.DGoli.com

 

 

Upcoming Events with Dr. Gold’s Optimal Living Institute

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Goat Yoga with Dr. Gold (Multiple Dates Starting Feb 20) Starting Sunday February 20 Held at The Dancing Goat Farm 12502 Maverick Court Tampa, FL  33626	Scan to Register at Eventbrite:
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[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/expert-answers/nsaids-heart-attack-stroke/faq-20147557#:~:text=Yes.,those%20who%20have%20heart%20disease.

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3107756/

[3] https://www.gutsense.org/gutsense/the-role-of-miralax-laxative-in-autism-dementia-alzheimer.html