Pharmacy staple SABOTAGES your immune system?
When’s the last time you walked through the aisles of your local pharmacy and thought to yourself…
I better STEER CLEAR!!
Now, I don’t know many folks that like going to pharmacy… but, your pharmacy is the one place you should feel assured that there isn’t a health hazard sitting on the shelves.
But unfortunately, that’s NOT the case… at least according to one study.
In fact, this study found that some of the TOP items at a pharmacy SABOTAGE your immune system… leaving you a sitting duck for a serious infectious disease.
According to a scientific study out of the University of Sydney (Australia), a variety of common over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers could have a negative impact on your IMMUNE SYSTEM.
The study specifically looked at the immune responses linked to acetaminophen (Tylenol), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, and opioid analgesics.
While results largely varied from person-to-person, some of their findings were eye-opening (and frankly, scary).
For instance, they found that a class of drugs called antipyretics — pain relief medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin — showed a tendency to “reduce desirable immune responses.”
And again, this was not seen in everyone. But we shouldn’t dismiss the fact that there WERE instances where these medications impacted how the body responds to foreign invaders.
The bottom line?
Relying solely on OTC painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to fight off a virus, bug, or disease isn’t your best option.
Thankfully, there are options that DON’T suppress your body’s natural immune response.
We all know that vitamin C is associated with better immunity. But studies have also found that supplementing with vitamin D, zinc, and even elderberry can improve your immune response and fight inflammation.
Consider stocking your medicine cabinet with these natural solutions instead of the run-of-the-mill OTC drug. A consistent regimen of these natural remedies could go a long way in supporting your immune system all year long.
To the perils of OTC drugs,
Sarah Reagan
Sources:
Kubala, Jillian. The 15 Best Supplements to Boost Your Immune System Right Now. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/immune-boosting-supplements
Anderer, John. Common pain relievers can weaken immune system’s defense against infectious diseases. https://www.studyfinds.org/pain-relievers-weaken-immune-system/
