Ibuprofen Has An Unexpected Effect On These Body Parts And Functions

Ibuprofen is classed as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) typically used to reduce inflammation, lower fever, and relieve pain. This potent drug works by inhibiting the production of chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation known as prostaglandins. [1] It is used by millions of people every day to treat conditions like toothaches, headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches. However, there are also several other effects on the body that you may not be aware of.

7 Unexpected Effects that Ibuprofen Has on the Body

Ibuprofen can be found in first aid kits and medicine cabinets worldwide, renowned for its pain-relieving qualities. However, this versatile drug has proven to also have an influence on the body in many other ways. Let’s take a deeper look that the unexpected effects that Ibuprofen has on the body.

1: Dementia Risk Reduction

Dementia case rates grow every year, with 8% of individuals over 65 years of age currently affected. Recent research has associated the use of Ibuprofen with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted in 2008 revealed that people who took Ibuprofen for a period of five years or more showed a 40% lower risk of developing the disease. [2] The researchers believe that this is due to the drug’s anti-inflammatory properties. People with Alzheimer’s disease often have high levels of amyloid-beta 42 peptides in their brains. These high levels often lead to inflammation, which is something that ibuprofen can reduce, thus helping to prevent the development of the disease.

2: Prostate Issue Reduction

As men grow older, they can often develop issues with their prostates, such as prostatic hyperplasia. Typical symptoms of this condition include having to urinate frequently and developing urinary tract infections. One unexpected effect of regularly taking Ibuprofen is improving men’s urinary health. In fact, studies have indicated that taking this drug can slow down the onset of prostatic hyperplasia, if not inhibit it completely. It has also shown promise in helping to prevent prostate cancer. One study revealed that people who took Ibuprofen for more than five years had a minimum of 11.8% lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

3: Protection Against Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that progressively affects the body’s nerve regulation. As the disease progressively worsens, individuals start to tremble, have problems sleeping, and develop depression. New studies have revealed that regularly taking Ibuprofen could potentially reduce the risk of Parkinson’s development. [3] Researchers discovered that individuals who took the drug more than twice a week were around 38% less likely to develop Parkinson’s. This was in comparison to people who used other NSAIDs, such as aspirin.

4: Colorectal Cancer Risk Reduction

Colon cancer is rated as the fourth most prevalent cancer in the United States. In fact, it affects more than a staggering 150,000 Americans every year. What’s even more concerning is the rise of diagnoses in younger adults. Luckily, it can be treated if caught at an early stage due to regular screenings. Once again, inflammation is a typical sign of the disease, which is something that Ibuprofen is renowned for treating. Chronic inflammation can potentially damage DNA, which promotes the growth of cancer cells. Taking Ibuprofen prevents the formation of polyps which could turn cancerous in the colon.

5: Increase in Longevity

Studies have indicated that using Ibuprofen can extend an individual’s lifespan by 15%. However, this has so far only been proven true for organisms such as yeast, flies, and worms. Researchers still don’t understand how taking Ibuprofen extends longevity yet, though. Usually, the results can be linked to the anti-inflammatory properties of Ibuprofen, but yeast and flies don’t develop inflammation. This is because they don’t have the necessary enzymes that lead to inflammation.

6: Reduction of Altitude Sickness

While we all enjoy a great hike, the high elevations can often lead to fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. This is due to the lower levels of oxygen experienced at higher altitudes. In a recent study, 86 participants hiked in the White Mountains. Six hundred milligrams of Ibuprofen was administered to half of the participants while the rest received a placebo. The placebo control group participants turned out to have a three times greater risk of experiencing altitude sickness. However, this was not tested for altitudes greater than 15,000 feet.

7: Reduction of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Inflammation

Cystic fibrosis causes the production of sticky mucus in the lungs of patients. This typically leads to chronic inflammation and persistent lung infections. A Study from 2019 revealed that high doses of Ibuprofen slow down lung disease progression in cystic fibrosis patients. This is because the drug slows down the production of prostaglandins, which usually triggers inflammation. Patients who took Ibuprofen exhibited less lung function decline than patients who didn’t take it.

The Risks of Taking Ibuprofen

While many studies have revealed the positive aspects of taking Ibuprofen, there are certain side effects to be aware of. Regularly taking Ibuprofen can have a negative effect on your kidneys. One study also indicated that regular consumption of Ibuprofen can increase your risk of heart failure. The risk was especially higher if the drug was taken for an extended period of time, or at high doses. This increased risk was noted in both people with pre-existing heart conditions and those without. You can read more about this study here.

Sources

“Ibuprofen Mechanism.” Medical. Sally Robertson, B.Sc.
“Ibuprofen Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.” AAN. May 5, 2018.
“Study shows ibuprofen may reduce risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.” Harvard T.H. Chan