Big Pharma tells us they are “safe, fast, and effective” for relieving temporary aches and fever. They encourage you to take them for everything from headaches and muscle pain to menstrual cramps and arthritis.
We already knew that ibuprofen and naproxen can lead to heart attacks… But now a major new study shows they are even more dangerous than we thought.

It showed that taking ibuprofen for just one day can nearly double your chances of a heart attack. University of Montreal Hospital Research Center scientists studied data on 450,000 adults given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This class of over-the-counter pain relievers includes ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

The researchers used medical databases to compare NSAID users and non-users with their incidence of heart attack.
They found that taking ibuprofen for between one to seven days raises heart attack risk 97%. And taking naproxen raises it 99%.

Epidemiologist Michèle Bally, who led the study, said “This study reveals a new finding, which is that for all common NSAIDs the risk of heart attack starts as early as in the first one to seven days of use.”
She added, “People should consider alternatives when treating aches and pains."
The researchers found that taking NSAIDs longer than a week did not appear to further increase their heart risk. In other words, after seven days the damage was already done.

Read the Fine Print
The new study confirms what we already know about the dangers of NSAIDs… They cause up to 16,000 deaths per year in the U.S. They send 100,000 people to the emergency room. And they increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. This is a rapid and weak heartbeat. It can lead directly to a heart attack or stroke.

Not many people bother to read the labels of pain relievers. But if you look at the packaging of ibuprofen, you’ll find these words: “NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. These can be fatal. The risk is higher if you use more than directed or for longer than directed.” Of course, the type is so small you can barely read it.

Natural, Safe Alternatives to NSAIDs:
If you’re going to use a pain-relieving drug, choose aspirin. It is the safest, although it can cause stomach bleeding so should not be used everyday. It’s better to consider these natural, safe and effective alternatives:

• Turmeric contains curcumin which reduces pain from muscle pulls and other injuries. A typical turmeric supplement dose is 400-600 mg.


• Willow bark contains salicin. This is the same compound in aspirin that relieves pain and inflammation. It treats headache, low back pain, menstrual cramps, fever, flu, tendonitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis. Take 1-3 grams.


• Capsaicin is the compound in hot peppers that makes them spicy. It is applied as a topical treatment for arthritis pain.


• MSM is a natural source of sulfur, the primary component in all connective tissue found in joints, the lungs, sinuses, etc. It is effective in reducing inflammation associated with arthritis and helps tissues heal without scar tissue. Take 3,000 mg two to three times daily.


• Bromelain is an extract of pineapple. It is effective in treating inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Take 250 mg twice daily.


• Magnesium can be extremely effective for migraines. A recommended dosage is 400-600 mg. daily

These natural products allow many people to throw away their NSAIDs…and their worries about giving themselves a heart attack.