Understanding Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs: The Double-Edged Sword in Pain Management.
Dr. Harrison Weisinger MBBS, Ph.D.
In our ongoing pursuit of pain relief and inflammation management, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen have become staples in medicine cabinets worldwide. Renowned for their efficacy in the short-term treatment of pain and fever, these drugs are not without their risks when used frequently over long periods.
Dr. Harrison Weisinger, our in-house GP, and co-founder, delves into the complexities of NSAIDs, exploring both their benefits and the significant health concerns they can present when overused.
“Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are one of the most commonly taken classes of drugs. In fact, in the Western world, most people take NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, regularly. Not only that, but they're extremely commonly prescribed medications. Ibuprofen and similar drugs are extremely effective when taken in the short term to treat conditions like pain and fever. However, very commonly these drugs are taken for extended periods or overused and these can lead to a variety of serious health issues.
To understand the health issues, we first need to understand a couple of concepts, including prostaglandins and the enzymes that produce prostaglandins in the body.
Prostaglandins are biologically active compounds found in virtually every cell in the body, but the function of prostaglandin is very much dependent on where in the body it's occurring. Some of the well-known functions of prostaglandins include controlling the blood flow, to organs like the stomach and the kidney, controlling clotting, dilating and constricting blood vessels, and controlling the tone in the lungs or the uterus, but importantly, they are what cause the sensations of pain and fever in injury and illness.
You could summarise the function of prostaglandins as keeping everything in balance, particularly when it comes to blood flow to the stomach and the kidneys. What non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do is block the enzymes that create prostaglandins, which is a bit like using a paint roller to restore a fine work of art. The effect of this is commonly to reduce blood flow to the stomach and the kidneys to increase the risk of clotting. And this has the effect of increasing the risk of conditions like stomach ulcers. kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
The problems of NSAID overuse are serious and very common. In fact, NSAID overuse accounts for up to 3 percent of all hospital admissions, and 6 percent of patients that are prescribed NSAIDs by their family doctor return from complications due to those NSAIDs. What the world has been waiting for is a safe and effective and natural alternative without these adverse reactions.“
The widespread reliance on NSAIDs underscores a critical gap in our current approach to managing pain and inflammation. The adverse effects associated with long-term NSAID use highlight the urgent need for safer, more sustainable alternatives.
As we continue to explore and understand the intricate roles of prostaglandins in the body, it becomes increasingly clear that a more holistic, balanced approach to pain management could pave the way for better health outcomes.
At Kurk, we are committed to advancing research and development in natural supplements that provide effective relief without the harmful side effects associated with traditional medications.
