Pain Killers Might Kill You

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Written By Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII
There is now growing evidence showing that non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), e.g., naproxen and ibuprofen, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), at least in part by raising blood pressure (BP). It appears that all NSAIDS, with the possible exception of aspirin in low doses (which actually is protective against CVD), increase the risk of CVD deaths. All NSAIDS (including aspirin) can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding and several thousand Americans die each year as a result of these bleeds. The drug industry developed a new class of NSAIDS called Cox-2 inhibitors (Celebrex, Vioxx) in the hopes there would be less GI bleeding. The danger of GI bleeding, increased BP, and more CVD mortality from all classes of NSAIDS has caused many doctors and people to switch to acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Unfortunately, a new study that followed 5,000+ Nurses (ages 34-77) found that those who took even 1 extra strength pill or 2 regular dose acetaminophen pills daily for several years doubled their risk of developing hypertension (HTN). By contrast NSAIDS increased the risk of developing HTN in these women by about 60 to 80%.1Bottom Line: Given that NSAIDS and acetaminophen are taken regularly by millions of Americans daily, the results of this recent study are disturbing. We have known for years that acetaminophen, particularly in higher doses, impairs kidney function and contributes to kidney failure. No doubt this makes it more difficult for the kidneys to get rid of excess salt and fluid. NSAIDS also appear to impair the kidney’s ability to get rid of excess salt.However, it is likely that if Americans cut their sodium intake to no more than 1500mg/day (and less if they have BP higher than 110/70), the risk of developing HTN from pain medications would be dramatically reduced. It appears that most people with elevated BP and/or compromised kidney function would be better off using aspirin rather than acetaminophen. By James J. Kenney, PhD, RD, FACN. 1 Hypertension 2005;doi: 10.1161/01.HYP. 000177437.07240.70
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Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Judy’s passion for cooking began with helping her grandmother make raisin oatmeal for breakfast. From there, she earned her first food service job at 15, was accepted to the world-famous Culinary Institute of America at 18 (where she graduated second in her class), and went on to the Fachschule Richemont in Switzerland, where she focused on pastry arts and baking. After a decade in food service for Hyatt Hotels, Judy launched Food and Health Communications to focus on flavor and health. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Johnson and Wales University with a BS in Culinary Arts, holds a master’s degree in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America, two art certificates from UC Berkeley Extension, and runs a food photography & motion studio where her love is creating fun recipes and content.

Judy received The Culinary Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certification, the American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal, Gold Medal, and ACF Chef of the Year. Her enthusiasm for eating nutritiously and deliciously leads her to constantly innovate and use the latest nutritional science and Dietary Guidelines to guide her creativity, from putting new twists on fajitas to adapting Italian brownies to include ingredients like toasted nuts and cooked honey. Judy’s publishing company, Food and Health Communications, is dedicated to her vision that everyone can make food that tastes as good as it is for you.

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