Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most popular medications worldwide. More than 30 million people take NSAIDs every day.

NSAIDs are generally safe and effective for most people. But they can cause unwanted side effects on gut health, especially for people with certain digestive conditions.

This article will discuss what NSAIDs are and how they work. We’ll also highlight how they affect your gut health and the steps you can take to minimize potential complications. Lastly, we’ll outline some natural alternatives for pain relief. Keep reading to learn more about the effect of NSAIDs on gut health.

What Are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs are a class of FDA-approved drugs that can reduce fever, inflammation, and pain. These drugs often treat muscle pain, arthritis, gout, migraines, abdominal cramping, and other aches and pains. The most popular NSAIDs are ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.

NSAIDs work by preventing the expression of two enzymes in the body: cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

These enzymes produce substances known as prostaglandins. COX-1 synthesizes prostaglandins that protect the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. COX-2 creates prostaglandins that play a role in inflammation and pain responses.

By blocking the functions of these enzymes, NSAIDs can reduce inflammation and pain. But they may also make you more susceptible to digestive problems.

How Do NSAIDs Affect Your Gastrointestinal System?

Regular NSAID use can damage the GI tract and increase your risk of complications. These side effects are due to the blockage of COX-1, which protects the mucosal barrier.

NSAIDs can impair the mucous lining in the GI tract, which can cause a leaky gut. Increased intestinal permeability allows harmful, inflammatory bacteria and toxins to enter the GI tract. This can make you more prone to certain diseases.

Losing the protective lining in the GI tract can result in ulcers in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. In more severe cases, NSAIDs can cause strictures and perforations. Moreover, taking NSAIDs is also a risk factor for GERD symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, belching, bloating, and nausea.

Besides affecting mucus in the GI tract, COX-1 also affects the clotting of your blood. NSAIDs can prevent your body from forming blood clots, which can lead to GI bleeding. You have a greater risk of bleeding if you have a history of GI ulcers or diseases that decrease platelet activity, such as thrombocytopenia.

How to Reduce the Risk of NSAIDs on Gut Health

You can reduce your risk of GI side effects with NSAID use by following the tips below.

Always Take NSAIDs With Food

Taking NSAIDs with food can prevent your stomach from becoming irritated. Because NSAIDs weaken the gastric mucosa, you should always take them with food to provide a protective barrier for your stomach lining.

Don’t Exceed the Recommended Dosage

NSAID toxicity is dose-dependent and can cause GI complications. To avoid risks to your health, you should never consume more than the recommended daily dosage on the package.

Take COX-2 Selective NSAIDs

Most NSAIDs are nonselective and block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. But COX-2 selective NSAIDs such as celecoxib only inhibit COX-2. This medication can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of mucosal damage.

Know the Signs of Internal Bleeding

On rare occasions, NSAIDs can cause GI bleeding. You should seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of internal bleeding, such as:

  • Blood in the stool, which may look like black, tarry stools
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Bloody vomit, which may look like coffee grounds

Let Your Doctor Know If Your GI Symptoms Don’t Improve

If you experience GI symptoms that don’t improve after a few days or weeks, you should talk to your doctor. Persistent symptoms may be a sign of a more serious medical problem.

Natural Alternatives for Pain Relief

If you’re experiencing pain, there are other remedies besides taking NSAIDs. Below, we’ll highlight natural alternatives for pain relief that can protect your gut health.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. It contains curcumin, a polyphenol that can reduce inflammation and improve pain. Curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own, so consuming it with piperine, a component of black pepper improves its effectiveness.

Research shows that curcumin can improve pain in people with inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. It can also reduce inflammation and muscle soreness after exercise.

Cloves

Cloves are natural spices that have pharmacological benefits. They contain many phytochemicals that can treat inflammation, pain, and infections.

Traditionally, clove essential oil is a natural remedy for burns and wounds. It can also relieve painful toothaches. Studies show that cloves may also benefit your digestive health by reducing symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and stomach aches.

Cold and Heat Therapy

Cold and heat therapy are one of the most popular home remedies for pain. Applying ice or heat directly to the source of the pain can treat a variety of conditions.

For example, applying ice packs to the anal area for up to 20 minutes can relieve pain and inflammation from swollen external hemorrhoids. When using cold therapy, you should always protect your skin by wrapping a towel around the ice pack to prevent ice burn. A sitz bath can also reduce pain from hemorrhoids. Soaking your anal area in a warm, shallow bath for 20 minutes can relax the muscles in the anal canal and soothe hemorrhoid pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that can relieve chronic pain. Interestingly, acupuncture may alleviate pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research shows that acupuncture can enhance neural connections in the brain and improve IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain.

Acupuncture may be an effective treatment for pain in other GI motility disorders such as gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and chronic constipation.

NSAIDs Aren’t Recommended for Everyone

NSAIDs are safe and effective for many people. But they occasionally cause GI problems with regular use. Taking NSAIDs can damage the mucous membrane in the GI tract. It can also prevent your blood from forming clots. This can increase your risk of the following GI complications:

  • Leaky gut
  • GI bleeding
  • Ulcers
  • Strictures
  • Perforations
  • GERD

You can reduce your risk of NSAID complications by taking the medication with food and only consuming the recommended dosage. Before taking NSAIDs, you should talk to your doctor to find the best treatment for your painful condition. This is especially important if you have an existing GI condition or a history of ulcers.

Taking NSAIDs is not recommended for everyone. But there are many alternatives for pain relief. If you’re suffering from a painful digestive condition or have any digestive health concerns, you can schedule an evaluation by calling our office at 806-696-4440 or requesting an appointment online.