HIMPower Magazine December Issue | Page 32

Health & Wellness Terry Talks Nutrition by Terry Lemerond If you’ve ever walked down the aisle in a drug store, you’ve probably noticed how many products contain acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These two pain relievers are some of the most widely used medicines in the U.S. Because they’re so prevalent, you might think they’re perfectly safe. You’d be wrong. Research over the past few years have called their safety into question. Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen use has been linked to the following adverse effects: • Acetaminophen can cause acute liver failure. In fact, it’s the number one cause of this condition. • Using ibuprofen can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke even during the first few weeks. Higher doses and longer use increase the risks. • High dose ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal bleed ing in as little as three days of use. • Acetaminophen combined with alcohol—even light drinking—can increase the risk of kidney dysfunction. • Acetaminophen and ibuprofen have been associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in men and women. 32  HimPower December 2016 • Acetaminophen may blunt your emotions, making feelings of joy or sadness less intense. • Consumption of ibuprofen before a marathon may increase the risk of adverse effects, including temporary kidney failure and gastrointestinal issues. • Boys born to mothers who use acetaminophen for a week during pregnancy may have reduced levels of testosterone, a critical hormone for reproductive health. • An increased risk of asthma in children who were given acetaminophen (or Ibuprofen) or whose mothers took acetaminophen (or ibuprofen) during pregnancy. • Using acetaminophen during pregnancy has been liked to an increased risk of ADHD in children. If you are having second thoughts about your casual use of these pain relievers, choose a natural NSAID like white willow bark, boswellia, or curcumin instead. For details, go to: https://www.terrytalksnutrition.com