A couple friends recently were over my house and asked me if they
could grab a painkiller for a headache (aspirin, tylenol, aleve, etc), and they
were shocked by my answer...
I told them that I apologize, but I
don't have any painkillers in my house... that I never use painkillers,
and haven't used one in at least 10 years... that I don't think they
are healthy, nor natural in any way for your body. I think they were a
little shocked, but they were also concerned because they didn't know
that painkillers could have any negative effects in your body.
You can read this article about 5 of the most dangerous painkillers and 12 herbal alternatives that are much safer and healthier.
What about effects of pain killers on your fat loss and muscle building?
Here's an excerpt from well-respected author (and very detailed science writer) Ori Hofmekler, and his book, Maximum Muscle, Minimum Fat...
"...This inhibitory effect of cortisol on AA release may partly
explain why anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisol have a suppressive
effect on muscle gain. The enzymes that synthesize prostaglandins from
AA are called COX1 and COX2. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and
other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are all COX
inhibitors. Anti-inflammatory drugs, including over-the-counter NSAIDs,
have been known to inhibit AA actions. Athletes and bodybuilders who
take anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers should be aware of the
potential inhibitory effect of these drugs on muscular development."
Now
I know that might sound a bit overly scientific for some people, but
the message is clear... painkillers can inhibit muscle building efforts,
and as you know, muscle regulates your metabolism and your ability to
lose fat.
That's just one reason that I personally avoid
drug-based painkillers. I also think that common sense should tell us
that they simply aren't natural, and anything not natural will have some
sort of side effect, which is why pretty much every drug has a list of
negative side effects.
Read this page below to see natural alternatives to possibly harmful painkillers:
The 5 most dangerous painkillers --and 12 healthier herbal alternatives
Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer