Is Ibuprofen Bad For You?
Also Known As: Advil, Motrin, C13H18O2
Short answer
Ibuprofen has been proven to be effective against pain and inflammation, however, there are serious possible side-effects associated with the drug. If you are taking other medication or have a history of illness, it is highly advisable to consult a doctor before using.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for the management of pain and inflammation. It works by reducing the hormones that cause pain and inflammation. While Ibuprofen is effective in treating pain and inflammation, there are several things that consumers should be aware of. First, Ibuprofen has several possible side-effects, not all of which are listed here. The most common of these include upset stomach, mild heartburn, nausea, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea, among others. More serious side effects include rapid weight gain, loss of appetite, numbness, and seizure. While Ibuprofen has not been found to cause physical addiction, people who use more than the minimum dose necessary may find themselves developing tolerance to the drug whereby they use the drug even when it is not needed and develop a mental addiction. Withdraw from Ibuprofen for such people may involve agitation, nausea, headaches, anxiety, depression, and increased pain levels. For the above reasons, it is very important to be sure to use Ibuprofen carefully. Only the minimum needed dose should be used. Also, people who use the following should consult a doctor before using Ibuprofen: antidepressants, lithium, methotrexate, diuretics, medicine for heart disease and/or blood pressure, other NSAIDs. Lastly, it is important to note taking excessive amounts of ibuprofen at one time have the potential to cause stroke, heart attack, stomach ulcers, and other serious health complications.
Possible short-term side effects
- mild heartburn
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drowsiness
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upset stomach
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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jaundice
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seizure (if taken in excessive amounts)
Possible withdrawal symptoms
- agitation
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anxiety
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depression
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headaches
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increased awareness of pain
Benefits
- treats inflammation
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treats pain
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metabolizes quickly
Healthier alternatives
- white willow bark
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cats claw
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boswellia
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capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers)
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essential oils
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-01-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-01-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023
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