NSAIDs can help decrease inflammation and pain from musculoskeletal injuries, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis and more. However, they come with some major potential side effects.
NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and indomethacin may speed up the breakdown of cartilage in osteoarthritic joints. They might also inhibit tissue repair. But, not all studies show NSAIDs damage cartilage. It may depend on the specific NSAID. The best study I've seen to date (and also published in a very reputable journal) found older adults (a group that commonly has osteoarthritis) who used NSAIDs including diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen and piroxican for an extended period of time had higher risk of cartilage defects and nonsignificant loss of cartilage compared to nonusers.
Osteoarthritis is very common (athletes, older adults, those who are overweight, those who have been very active their whole life) and is "wear and tear" arthritis; symptoms include joint pain and stiffness.
If you have mild osteoarthritis look for other solutions including curcumin, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, and boswella serrata AKBA.
In most cases the increase in risk is statistically significant but very small (see below in blue).
Increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Risk increases even with short term use (1 week) and increases more with higher doses of NSAIDs used for a longer period of time.
The increase in risk is about 20 – 50% higher if using NSAIDs vs. not using them. What does this mean? If you take NSAIDs the risk of heart attack is about 1% per year.
Aspirin does not increase risk.
Heart attack and stroke risk is greatest in those who already have heart disease though people without heart disease are at risk.
"Patients treated w/ NSAIDs following a first heart attack were more likely to die in the first year after the heart attack compared to those not treated with NSAIDs" (FDA).
Increased risk of a bleeding ulcer in the stomach or intestines. Bleeding often comes without symptoms. Bleeding could lead to death. Risk increases in those who drink alcohol, smoke, take corticosteroids and anticoagulants, those who are older and people in poor health.
Anemia; when used for a prolonged time due to wearing of the stomach lining and therefore decreased absorption of iron and / or an increase in bleeding.
Take your NSAID for the shortest possible time.
Don't take more than one NSAID at a time!
Find other solutions for pain (see my previous and upcoming posts, especially on Instagram).
If you notice any other symptoms including black tar like poop, skin rashes, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes, nausea, feeling tired, swelling or vomiting, call your doctor ASAP.
Call 911 ASAP if you experience any heart attack, stroke or allergy symptoms including but not limited to shortness of breath, pain in chest, arm or neck; difficulty speaking, headache, blurred vision, droopy face, swelling in throat or face.
You are well hydrated, healthy and without renal issues.
There are many different NSAIDs on the market and each one has a generic name and sometimes several trade names.
Keep in mind, NSAIDs are not a long-term solution to pain. Also, most NSAID safety data is not from athletes.
Br J Clin Pharmacol 2010;69(6):689-700.
Ther Clin Risk Manag 2015;11:1061-1075.
Eur J Rheumatol Inflamm 1993;13(1):7-16.
Posted on November 4, 2018 November 4, 2018 Categories UncategorizedTags advil, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, anemia, Arthrotec, asthma, bleeding, boswella serrata AKBA, cartilage, Cataflam, celebrex, chondroitin sulfate, curcumin, daypro, EC-Naprosyn, feldene, glucosamine, heart attack, hives, Iansoprazole), ibuprofen, Indo-Lemmon, Indocin, Indocin SR, indomethacin, Indomethagan, inflammation, ketoprofen, ketorolac, kidney, liver, Lodine, Lodine XL, meloxicam, menstual cramps, mobic, Motrin, Nalfon, Nalfon 200, Naprapac, Naprelan, Naprosyn, naproxen, nonsteriodial anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAID, orovail, osteoarthritis, oxaprozin, piroxicam, piroxican, relafen, stroke, Tab-Profen, tolectin, torado, Vicoprofen, Voltaren1 Comment on Are NSAIDs Safe for Cartilage and Health?
What should you serve when it's close to 100 degrees outside and you have guests coming over? Though it may be tempting to run to the store and buy prepared dips and potato salad, I have a few fresh ideas that will impress your guests.
Individual sun teas with fruit come in beautiful colors and flavors to quench your guest's thirst for something unique. Tea (black, green and oolong) is calorie free yet packed with health benefits. Regular tea drinkers have a low risk of developing heart disease. Adding fruit – orange slices, blueberries, and sliced peaches lends flavor and a healthy touch.
POM Princess is one of my new all time favorite drinks. Find the recipe here. The color pops and it's refreshing + pure pomegranate juice also boasts polyphenol antioxidants, which are plant compounds being studied in the areas of athletic performance, memory and cognition, gut health, and more.
Plant-based mini dishes add eye appeal, flavor and great nutrition. Cucumber egg salad mini sandwiches are a good source of protein thanks to the eggs. Plus, using cucumbers as the bread helps you get more vegetables in your diet and lends a crunchy and pleasing texture on the outside of the creamy egg salad.
Who doesn't love cheese Tortellini? Well this version, tortellini with pistachio basil pesto, is even better thanks to pistachio basil pesto. This pesto is easy to make and packed with good nutrition. Pistachios contain good for you fats. In fact, nearly 90% of the fats found in pistachios are the better-for-you mono and polyunsaturated type. Plus, they provide a good source of protein and fiber, for a trio that can help keep you fuller longer.
Baked cauliflower bites are super easy to make and so tasty even those who claim they don't love vegetables will fall for this dish.
No party is complete without dessert and I love summertime desserts because they're typically lighter and refreshing. Plus you can provide small portions that are inviting and satisfying. For mini portions – I love individual key lime cheesecakes.
What should you serve when it's close to 100 degrees outside and you have guests coming over? Though it may be tempting to run to the store and buy prepared dips and potato salad, you can wow your guests in no time with these ideas from registered dietitian Marie Spano.
Me: If you are thirsty for new ideas, I'm sharing a few new twists on Summertime entertaining.
I have a few drinks that your guests will love! Individual sun teas with fruit are full of beautiful colors and flavors to quench your guest thirst for something different. Tea drinkers have lower risk of heart disease and the addition of fruit lends an added healthy touch.
Pom Princess is a flavor-packed drink made with POM wonderful 100% pomegranate juice, lemon juice and sparkling water. The color pops and it's refreshing + pure pomegranate juice also boasts polyphenol antioxidants, which are plant compounds being studied in the areas of athletic performance, memory and cognition, gut health, and more. Each 8 oz bottle contains the juice of two whole pomegranates– no added sugar, fillers or preservatives.
#AD: Dark chocolate has been sold as a health food for years. Even I wanted to believe this. Unfortunately, not all chocolate is created equally. In this video I share the lowdown on the health benefits of cocoa, including the beneficial plant-based nutrients known as cocoa flavanols, which can be found in @CocoaVia cocoa extract supplement. I'll show you what to look for and how you can get that deep dark chocolate taste and health benefits with CocoaVia-inspired recipes. For more recipe inspiration, visit CocoaVia.