11 Ways to PROTECT YOUR GUT when taking IBUPROFEN or NSAIDs (+ Alternatives)

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While I haven’t taken ibuprofen for many years, I have loved ones who use it occasionally or rely on it regularly. 11 Ways to PROTECT YOUR GUT when taking IBUPROFEN looks at what happens to the gut and organ systems as a result of repeated ibuprofen use — noticeable outcomes that may occur.

The article also provides solutions for how to protect the gut and organ systems when ibuprofen use is unavoidable.

And … this newly updated article includes better alternatives.

Ultimately, whether the product is branded Advil, Motrin, Nurofen or is the generic drug ibuprofen, we need to know that, long term, understanding the cause of one’s pain and addressing that health issue should become a priority instead of allowing the damage caused by this pain killer.

Basic information about Ibuprofen

Approved by the FDA in 1974, ibuprofen is an over-the-counter, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that many turn to for pain relief, to reduce inflammation or to reduce fever. Chemicals called prostaglandins are released by the body to cause these symptoms, and ibuprofen works by blocking the enzyme (cyclooxygenase) that makes prostaglandins.

What patients often don’t realize are the specific side effects that are silently occurring within their bodies as a result.

Warning: There are many conditions and medications that are contraindicated with the use of ibuprofen. Common medications should not be taken alongside ibuprofen unless a doctor has been consulted. Similarly, there are medical conditions that can worsen with the use of ibuprofen, including asthma, solid-organ transplants, anatomical abnormalities and cystic fibrosis. Those who are breastfeeding should also avoid ibuprofen.

Briefly, the dangers of Ibuprofen use

It is estimated that one in five long-term ibuprofen users will develop gastrointestinal difficulties directly resulting from Ibuprofen use. As one PubMed study says,

The major adverse reactions include the effects on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), the kidney and the coagulation system…It has been estimated that 1 in 5 chronic users (lasting over a long period of time) of NSAIDs will develop gastric damage which can be silent. (source)

It’s likely that one in five is a conservative estimate, as damage from the drug is hard to monitor and assess.

How does gut damage occur from Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen reduces DAO levels, an enzyme that helps to break down and clear histamines. Elevated levels of histamine in the gut increases zonulin, which is the protein that breaks apart the epithelial cells that line the gut.

Thus ibuprofen causes leaky gut and allows food particles into our blood stream, causing food sensitivities and autoimmunity. (source and source)

Other dangers include:

• Increased bleeding after an injury, as NSAIDs reduce the blood’s ability to clot
• Ulcers of the stomach or intestine
• Impaired kidney function, kidney disease and lithium toxicity
• Increased risk of heart attacks, stroke and heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention
• Lowered hormone production and testicular changes (source)

Using the lowest possible dose of ibuprofen reduces the risks associated with ibuprofen use. More frequent use and higher doses of ibuprofen increase risk factors.

11 Ways to PROTECT YOUR GUT when taking IBUPROFEN

If a patient is in great pain (or has inflammation) and has no other alternative, what can they do to protect their gut and organ systems from the damage ibuprofen causes, when they take it?

What’s an alternative to ibuprofen that’s a bit better?

Or if a patient has discontinued the use of NSAIDs but wishes to heal the damage already done to the gut, the following are supplements and lifestyle choices to consider:

1. A “Love Your Liver” Diet — This approach reduces toxins and increases nutrients. Toxins from the liver are able to detox, and nutrients rebuild the gut lining and restore organ health. This term was created by Dr. Garrett Smith, and it’s the approach I’ve taken personally, with the healing of six autoimmune diseases to show for it, as well as major gut healing that no other diet could do. You can read more about this approach, which is low copper, low vitamin A and low aldehyde, and find excellent community support (that’s well worth the investment) here.
2. Alka-Seltzer or Aspirin — Alka-Seltzer is the bubbly drink form of aspirin. Aspirin is an NSAID, but it’s a better choice than newer ones like ibuprofen. I’ll talk more about this.
   • Whereas aspirin (or any pill, like Advil) can land on one spot of your stomach repeatedly and cause tissue damage, Alka-Seltzer delivers an old fashioned pain killer spread out more gently in the stomach, while it absorbs. This form of aspirin is also buffered, so again, more gentle than aspirin alone. One packet equals two aspirin. Find Original Alka-Seltzer here.
   • I learned what I know about Alka-Seltzer from my doctor. He also adds these cautionary words about it: Use only enough Alka-Seltzer or aspirin to take the edge off the pain — not to eliminate it completely. You don’t want your body to start relying on higher amounts, and stop using it as soon as you’re able. Also remember: Never give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
   • Some of you may know that the herbal aspirin is white willow bark. While it may be more natural, that doesn’t make it better for everyone. The body turns white willow bark into aspirin in your liver, and it takes six times more of the herb to get the same effect. It can be more cost effective and just as gentle (if not more so) to choose Alka-Seltzer.
   • On the other hand, if you understandably prefer natural remedies, white willow bark is gentler than higher doses of aspirin on the gut lining, and it provides a broader mechanism of action than aspirin, so it may be more effective for some people. Follow the dosage suggestions on the bottle. This white willow bark product is effective and affordable.
3. NAC — N-Acetyl L-Cysteine is an amino acid that may protect mitochondria from the damage antibiotics cause. Similarly, NAC, being a precursor to glutathione, may help the gut to rebuild itself (short term), even while damage is occurring. Keep in mind, NAC is not the special secret solution some say it is: It is sulfur-based and likely works by slowing down detox enzymes (ALDH) and may cause long term liver injury (as bile and aldehydes accumulate). So there will be a reckoning, so to speak — healing the cause is a better long term approach. (Find NAC here. I consider this the best brand.) Taking 1000 to 2000 mg of NAC daily with Alpha Lipoic Acid may restore ideal levels of glutathione. (source)
4. Alpha Lipoic Acid — Involved in energy production and detoxification, ALA (find it here) works with NAC to rebuild glutathione levels. (source) ALA becomes depleted during times of stress, and used as a supplement, can be effective in healing the gut as well as balancing blood sugar levels and brain health.
5. Vitamin C — A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C is also a co-factor required by collagen to rebuild tissue. Vitamin C helps the body to detoxify, by helping to send toxins to the liver, and reduces excess histamine. As mentioned earlier, histamine overload is a bi-product of ibuprofen use. (Find the best form of Vitamin C here, that’s also encapsulated to protect the mouth tissue and gums.)
6. Zeolite — Zeolite is a binder. It clings to toxic substances, helping to usher them from the body. Zeolite also reduces histamine levels and balances vitamins and minerals in the body. (Find Zeolite here. Use code MEGANSTEVENS at checkout for 10% off your entire order.) One of the best supplements of all time — great for many different aspects of improving one’s health!
7. Reduce or eliminate sugar and processed foods, even if it’s temporary — Sugar and processed foods are both hard for the body to digest, taxing the epithelial cells that line the gut. This gut lining is significantly compromised by the increased histamine levels that ibuprofen causes. By removing processed foods (especially rough foods like fried foods) and sugar, and adding in potentially helpful supplements, we are removing antagonistic foods and providing healing agents, thus allowing the gut to repair itself without further aggravation. (Removing lectins may also be helpful, as lectins can be abrasive to the gut.)
8. Consider Gentian Digestive Bitters — This herbal product assists digestion by creating the right pH in the gut. The right pH for digesting foods also helps to close the sphincter valves to the esophagus and small intestine, produce bile which clings to toxins and helps to usher them from the body (especially if taken with high fiber foods and a binder like zeolite or activated charcoal); and an acidic stomach during meals keeps things moving through the liver, preventing stagnation and disease. Perhaps most noticeably, Bitters help to digest meat and fat, so our belly’s digestion feels light and efficient, which means the lining can heal more easily. (Find Gentian Digestive Bitters here.)
9. Magnesium — If you’re not already taking this mineral, it alone can often produce relief from one’s symptoms. If you take ibuprofen for pain relief (cramps, headaches, muscle spasms), magnesium quickly addresses the cause of these symptoms and is often a solution in and of itself. Magnesium malate is a compounded product that also gently addresses constipation, helping the body to detoxify. Doctors recommend you find your magnesium dosage by increasing until stools become soft. Reduce pills by one if your stool is too soft. Read more about magnesium here. (Find my preferred magnesium here. Some require up to 6 capsules nightly.)
10. Reduce stress — Amazingly, stress wreaks havoc on our body’s ability to detoxify, cleanse and heal itself. When we are in stress mode our bodies put their energy into fight or flight. When we reduce stress, our bodies are able to turn their energy to our organ systems, regenerating and healing. To cleanse and detoxify, our bodies should be in healing mode.
11. Switch to an anti-inflammatory diet, if you haven’t already. Inflammatory foods cause pain. Oftentimes, just switching the foods we eat makes all the aches and pains go away; it can be that easy.

Symptoms that Ibuprofen can cause, and other NSAIDs

It’s important to know the names and be aware of other NSAIDs too, which can cause the same side effects as ibuprofen:

• Aspirin — Yes, I list it above as a good alternative to ibuprofen. And, it is. That doesn’t make it good. It’s just better.
• Aleve (naproxen sodium)
• Celebrex
• Naprosyn (naproxen)
• Lodine (etodolac)
• Mobic
• Nalfon (fenoprofen)
• Daypro (oxaprozin)
• Ansaid (flurbiprofen)
• Cambia / Cataflam / Voltaren (diclofenac)
• COX-2 Inhibitors

Symptoms associated with the use of NSAIDs include fluid retention, dizziness, headaches, confusion, raised liver enzymes (detected through blood test), diarrhea, high blood pressure, hives or other skin irritation, gastric pain, nausea, ulcers of the esophagus, kidney complications and asthma. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swollen ankles, black stools, difficulty breathing or dark, coffee colored vomit.

Certain groups are at higher risk: those who are aging, those with a history of heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, ulcers or high blood pressure. Drinking alcohol also increases risk factors.

While NSAIDs seek to relieve symptoms, healing the cause removes not only the symptoms but also the underlying sickness.

Alternatives to Ibuprofen use Conclusion

Tempted to reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead?

Just like ibuprofen affects the gut, acetaminophen affects the liver. Consider minerals like magnesium instead, dietary changes, zeolite, gentler drugs like Alka-Seltzer or white willow bark and finding the cause of your symptoms.

Alternative therapists can also be a source of long term healing from pain and symptoms. Consider finding a craniosacral practitioner or a therapist who specializes in body work. Ask your doctor for a recommendation uniquely suited to your situation.

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Additional Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4