Ibuprofen (common brand names Advil, Motrin) can cause a host of ** serious gut side effects**, especially with regular use.
Ibuprofen is a type of non-steroidal anti inflammatory medication (NSAID).
Common problems include: diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. (Sounds just like IBS!)
The drug also causes indigestion, heartburn, burping, nausea, and vomiting. (Not what you need on top of IBS!)
NSAIDs like ibuprofen work by blocking the action of enzymes that are responsible for producing the fatty acids called prostaglandins in your body.
But prostaglandins help protect your gut lining by aiding the release of gut-protective mucus, and they promote blood clotting.
When these functions are inhibited, your gut is exposed to increased permeability, ulcers, bleeding, and perforations in the intestinal tract.
This means that ibuprofen can physically compromise your gut lining, and that damage can **change your gut microbome, **leaving you vulnerable to disease. If you have to take ibuprofen, take the lowest dose / least frequency possible, and always have it with a soluble fiber safe food.
You are not alone.
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Heather
Heather Van Vorous
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