Should you take an aspirin a day?
Most of us have taken an aspirin at some point in our lives. Some of us take it every day.
Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that’s used to treat fever, mild to moderate pain, and inflammation in the body. It works by blocking substances in the body that cause pain and swelling. This helps to relieve the amount of pain sensed and reduces the inflammatory response.
Aspirin can also be used to lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It has blood-thinning properties, which means it can improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots. If you have high blood pressure or are at risk for heart disease, your doctor may recommend daily aspirin.
Despite the benefits, aspirin is still a drug. And, every drug has side-effects and risks. Some to watch out for include:
- Easy bruising and bleeding.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Intestinal damage.
- Kidney problems.
- Liver failure.
- Hearing loss.
- Tinnitus.
- Haemorrhagic stroke.
The good news is that there are natural, heart-healthy alternatives to aspirin. Before popping your next dose, stop the pain with these instead:
- Ginger works in the same way as aspirin by blocking the enzyme that causes inflammation. It can also break down existing inflammation in the body. Like aspirin, ginger also contains salicylates; natural acids that thin the blood. This means it can keep blood from clotting, and prevent heart attack and stroke.
- Tumeric is a potent anti-inflammatory. Its active element, curcumin, can help thin the blood and stave off blood clots. Tumeric can also help fight inflammation, reduce plaque build-up in the arteries, and improve blood circulation. Tumeric may be helpful in managing heart conditions, e.g. atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
- Garlic is a useful blood thinner as aspirin, minus the side-effects. With its blood-thinning potential, it can increase blood flow and prevent heart conditions like atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Garlic is also rich is antioxidants known to combat free radicals that contribute to heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer disease.
- Cayenne pepper has blood-thinning salicylates and can improve blood circulation without raising blood pressure. It also has clot-busting effects and can be used for relief from angina and heart attack recovery. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne peppers, is a known painkiller and may help reduce nerve, muscle, and joint pain.