A new study has shows that taking ibuprofen or aspirin could actually make the symptoms of some diseases worse if taken regularly. Researchers at Semmelweis University say they have found that taking too many of the common painkillers can upset the balance of your gut microbiota. This collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other tiny lifeforms live in your gut and are vital for you to stay healthy......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
Ibuprofen and aspirin are part of a family of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken by over 30 million people worldwide every day. However, the Hungarian researchers say popping too many NSAIDs can cause dysbiosis, messing up the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut.
Their findings, published in the journal Pharmacology & Therapeutics show that NSAIDs can lead to dysbiosis, messing up the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut, with wide ranging health impacts, including potentially worsening some illnesses NSAIDs are commonly taken to treat.
Popping too many NSAIDs can also cause symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or anaemia and even lead to holes in the wall of the bowel in rare cases, other research has shown.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin can upset your gut bacteria
“We have long known that excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota,” Dr Zoltán Zádori, leader of the Gastrointestinal Research Group at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy at Semmelweis University, explained. “We are now looking for the underlying mechanisms, which are only partially understood.”
The researchers found similarities between gut microbiome imbalances associated with certain diseases and those caused by taking NSAIDs. Conditions like chronic joint inflammation affecting the spine and limbs or rheumatoid arthritis have been linked to an imbalance in gut bacteria – causing some bacteria to reproduce too much. This overgrowth of certain bacteria has been linked to these diseases getting worse, Dr Zádori said.
“We found that these bacterial deviations are similar to those caused by NSAIDs,” he explained. “This raises the possibility that drug-induced gut dysbiosis could worsen the underlying diseases and limit the therapeutic effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the long run.”
But he said it was hard to tell which changes in gut biota were caused by which properties of NSAIDs and which of the interacting processes preceded each other. “These processes are closely linked, so it’s difficult to determine which caused which,” Dr Zádori explained.
The gut microbiome plays a number of vital roles in keeping you healthy including bolstering your immune system, regulating digestion and balancing sugar levels, among others. An imbalance in the community of microbes in your gut can contribute to the development of a range of diseases. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hormonal disorders and cardiovascular, autoimmune, and psychiatric diseases are all linked to gut health, scientists have said.
The composition of your gut microbiome varies according to your age, lifestyle and health status – this means there is no one-size-fits-all rule about how many NSAIDs you can take while ensuring your gut stays healthy, Dr Zádori said. However, following a healthy diet and exercising regularly can be important for maintaining a healthy gut and easing the effects of NSAIDs on your microbiota. The research team are now looking into ways of counteracting the harmful effects NSAIDs have on the gut.
Always take ibuprofen as directed on the leaflet or as instructed by a health professional. Adults can usually take one or two tablets (200mg) every four to six hours but shouldn’t take more than 1,200mg (6 x 200mg) tablets in the space of 24 hours. Ideally, pregnant women shouldn’t take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it. Children under 16 may need to take a lower dose, depending on their age; check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
