Podcast Summary
The Risks of Over-the-Counter Medications: Over-the-counter meds can have a price when used excessively or for long periods, potentially causing harmful side effects. Consider natural alternatives and consult healthcare pros before relying on them heavily.
While over-the-counter medications can be convenient and affordable, they should not be taken lightly. Many of these medications were once prescription-only and, when used excessively or for extended periods, can have harmful side effects. Even when used as directed, new research is constantly uncovering potential risks. It's crucial to consider natural alternatives and consult with healthcare professionals before relying heavily on over-the-counter medications. Additionally, Instacart offers a convenient solution for grocery shopping, ensuring you don't miss out on important events like sports games while stocking up for the week.
Over-the-counter medications: Underestimated Risks: Americans spend $34 billion annually on OTC meds, but overlook potential health risks including liver failure from drugs like Tylenol
Americans make nearly three billion trips to pharmacies every year to purchase over-the-counter medications, amounting to $34 billion in spending. This seemingly common practice can lead to underestimating the potential risks associated with these drugs. Over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, can cause long-term health problems, including liver failure. Despite this, many people consider these medications insignificant and overlook their potential impact on their health. It's essential to be aware that even seemingly harmless over-the-counter medications can have significant consequences, and it's crucial to consider their potential risks before use.
Ibuprofen's hidden risks: Cardiovascular issues: Ibuprofen use is linked to increased risks of cardiac arrest, non-fatal heart attacks, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and neonatal health complications. Awareness and discussion with healthcare providers are crucial.
The over-the-counter use of ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is a significant concern due to its numerous side effects, particularly cardiovascular issues. Despite its widespread use, with over 30 billion doses sold annually, many people are unaware of these risks. Studies have linked ibuprofen consumption to increased risks of cardiac arrest, non-fatal heart attacks, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and even neonatal health complications. Yet, this information is not always shared with patients, leading to potential harm. The sheer prevalence of ibuprofen use has made it a commonplace issue, with many healthcare providers overlooking it in patient consultations. It's essential to be aware of these risks and discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure your overall health and wellbeing.
Prioritize Self-Care and Seek Help When Needed: Make time for self-care, delegate tasks, invest in affordable online therapy, be cautious with OTC meds, and address root causes of pain
It's essential to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed. Whether it's delegating tasks to a helpful coworker or investing in affordable online therapy through BetterHelp, making time for what brings happiness is crucial. Meanwhile, be cautious about overusing over-the-counter medications, as they can lead to chronic use and potential health risks. Instead, consider addressing the root causes of pain and discomfort to reduce reliance on these medications. Additionally, parents can benefit from podcasts like After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings, which offers a supportive space for discussing various parenting challenges.
Long-term use of pain meds harms heart & gut: Long-term use of pain meds can lead to heart issues like inflammation, decreased vasodilation, and impaired platelet function, and gut problems such as intestinal inflammation, increased permeability, mucosal damage, ulcers, diverticulitis, malabsorption, anemia, and altered gut microbiome.
Long-term use of over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can have harmful effects on both the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. These medications inhibit the production of beneficial prostaglandins, which can lead to increased inflammation, decreased vasodilation, and impaired platelet function in the cardiovascular system. In the gastrointestinal system, the inhibition of beneficial prostaglandins can result in intestinal inflammation, increased intestinal permeability, mucosal damage, gastric ulcers, diverticulitis, nutrient malabsorption, anemia, and alterations to the gut microbiome. It's important to consider these potential risks and explore the underlying causes of chronic pain to avoid relying on these medications long-term.
Ibuprofen and Long-Term Health Issues: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Taking ibuprofen regularly can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, causing liver inflammation, scarring, and impacting other organs. Consider alternatives for pain relief.
Ibuprofen, a commonly used over-the-counter pain reliever, can lead to long-term health issues, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This condition can cause inflammation in the liver, which can lead to scarring and other problems. Ibuprofen can also allow inflammatory bacteria from the intestine into the liver, leading to this condition. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly prevalent and can even be tested for by Quest Labs. When the liver is damaged, it can impact other organs such as the kidneys and the immune system. Therefore, regularly taking ibuprofen can lead to a domino effect of health issues. It's important to be aware of these potential risks and consider alternative methods for pain relief whenever possible.
Overuse of ibuprofen can lead to serious health issues: Repeatedly using ibuprofen puts stress on the liver and kidneys, leading to potential damage and health risks
Frequently using ibuprofen, even if it's over-the-counter, can lead to serious health issues such as liver and kidney damage, inflammation, and even prenatal risks. Our bodies can handle small doses occasionally, but the repeated use and large doses put undue stress on the organs, leading to long-term damage. The exact mechanics of how ibuprofen causes liver damage are still being researched, but we know that it can inflame the liver and lead to fatty liver disease. Similarly, it can reduce the kidney's ability to filter waste, leading to toxicity buildup. Prenatal use of ibuprofen has also been linked to fetal and infant health problems. If you're concerned about your ibuprofen use or have been told you shouldn't take it, it's important to explore alternative pain relief options and consult with a healthcare professional.
Impacts of Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Acetaminophen use during pregnancy and early childhood can increase risks of asthma, ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, and liver/kidney damage, with potential impacts lasting a lifetime and affecting future generations.
The use of acetaminophen, a common pain reliever, during pregnancy and early childhood can have significant impacts on a child's health, potentially increasing the risk of conditions such as asthma, ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy. These effects can last throughout the person's life and even impact future generations. Acetaminophen is also toxic to the liver and kidneys for adults. Despite it being commonly prescribed by doctors for children with fevers or teething, its long-term use and prenatal use can lead to serious health issues. It's essential to consider natural alternatives for pain relief whenever possible.
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Increase Risk of Acute Liver Failure: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can increase gut permeability, leading to liver damage within 4 days. Find the root cause with a functional medicine practitioner. Consider Boswellia or tart cherry juice as alternatives, but always consult your healthcare provider first.
Acetaminophen is a common cause of acute liver failure, responsible for half of the cases. It increases gut permeability, allowing harmful bacteria into the liver, similar to ibuprofen. The maximum recommended dose can cause liver damage and elevated enzymes within just four days. If you're experiencing chronic pain and have been relying on medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, it's crucial to find the root cause with a functional medicine practitioner. In the meantime, consider alternative options like Boswellia, a resin extracted from a specific tree with proven anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Ensure it's standardized to contain at least 30% AKBA for optimal benefits. Pregnant women should avoid Boswellia due to its potential to promote spontaneous abortion. Another alternative is tart cherry juice, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation. Remember, these alternatives should not replace professional medical advice, and always consult your healthcare provider before trying new treatments.
Natural Remedies for Pain and Inflammation: Tart cherry juice, turmeric, CBD oil, and collagen can alleviate pain and inflammation. Choose the right product and consult a functional medicine provider for guidance.
Natural remedies like tart cherry juice, turmeric, CBD oil, and collagen can help alleviate pain and inflammation. Tart cherry juice is rich in antioxidants and can be safely consumed by pregnant women in moderate amounts. Turmeric's active compound, curcumin, can be taken in therapeutic doses through liposomal curcumin for optimal absorption. CBD oil, while not all created equal, can provide relief when sourced from a reputable company. Collagen, specifically a high-quality product with the correct collagen molecule size, can significantly decrease pain and improve joint health. These remedies have varying manufacturing processes and bioavailability, making it essential to choose the right product and consult a functional medicine provider for guidance.
Explore priorities through therapy and new podcasts, make time for what matters: Explore personal priorities through therapy with BetterHelp, find support in new podcast 'After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings', prioritize and make time for important things, take advantage of Ashley's anniversary mattress sale
Understanding what's important to us can help us make the most of our time. During our show on ibuprofen and acetaminophen, we encouraged listeners to explore their priorities further through therapy with BetterHelp. For parents, the new podcast "After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings" offers a supportive space to discuss various aspects of parenthood. Meanwhile, those in need of a new mattress can take advantage of Ashley's anniversary sale for affordable and customizable options. Overall, remember to prioritize what matters to you and make time for it.
