Why do people insist in taking over the counter (OTC) medication at the first sign of any symptom? I know, I know! It is easy. Does it hurt? Pop a pill. Coughing?, drink a syrup. Can’t sleep? Pop another pill.
Are you aware acetaminophen and ibuprofen have serious side effects? Even though they are classified as OTC medications, numerous studies, published in publications like the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), Gut and Science Daily, show these medications are associated with heart, brain, liver, kidney and gut problems. Many experts have suggested removing them from the OTC classification, and yet they are still highly available and used by all.
I was astonished when reading “Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy, Behavioral Problems, and Hyperkinetic Disorders,” a Danish study published in the JAMA Pediatrics, issue of April 2014, stating that pregnant women who took acetaminophen while pregnant, were more likely to have a child with ADHD by age 7. Why is this information not told to all pregnant women?
Then, in another study, this one from 2005 in Houston, Texas, 71% of the people taking NSAIDs (acetaminophen and ibuprofen’s classification) developed ulcers and gut lining problems, whereas 10% of those not taking any medication. When your gut and stomach linings weaken, your immune system suffers. You can now develop conditions like Hashimoto, inflammation, cancer, arthritis, ulcers, anxiety, depression, etc. Because you feel worse, you take another acetaminophen, weakening your body even more and thus making your condition worse.
Study after study, directed by different countries, lead us to understand these medications can cause more harm than good. Doctors know this and yet do not say anything to their patients. Do they need for your to remain sick?
As a Health Coach, I recommend three things: first, look for the root cause of your problem, then consider a natural alternative which has no side effects and third, make small lifestyle changes so you improve your immune system and overall health. Some natural remedies that will alleviate pain or inflammation without side effects are, arnica, ginger, turmeric, thyme, omega 3, cinnamon. You can integrate most of these in your daily cooking. Many are available as essential oils, which as long as they are 100% pure, can be applied together with a carrier oil on a daily basis. These are simple and yet effective ways of avoiding inflammation, pain and health complications. Consider helping the energy flow through your body by going to your Chiropractor, getting Pranic Healing, acupuncture or other energy healing technique.
It has been 20 years since I started making small lifestyle changes. I have not taken any OTC medication in over 10 years. Focus on the prevention and enjoy life, you will not be forced to fix it.