It is widely recognized that a humble aspirin tablet can help sufferers from heart disease.Aspirin helps to thin the blood and it is can also help to reduce arterial inflammation which can lead to the arteries becoming less flexible. In other words, aspirin can help many people who suffer cardio vascular disease to live longer.
Now, scientists believe that ibuprofen might be able to do the same thing. Ibuprofen was developed in the 1960’s by the Boots Company of Great Britain and is now found in many medicine cabinets around the world.
It is often used to reduce the symptoms of influenzas and colds but can also be beneficial to take if you suffer from an inflammatory disease such as arthritis.
But is it also an anti aging drug? In reason tests it appears that the drug can help to hold back the aging process. Most scientists now believe that inflammatory disease, or general inflammation in the body, causes aging. If, we could stop or slow down inflammation we would also be able to live longer.
Scientific Research on Ibuprofen
Scientists at the Texas A&M University carried out tests on the drug using fruit flies and a worm called Caenorhabditis elegans. The doses used were modified but could easily be upscaled to doses used in humans.
Lead researcher Professor Michael Polymenis and his team discovered that both organisms did not only live longer but also stayed healthier. If, the results were to be compared to the human aging process, it would indicate that ibuprofen could add an average of 12 years to our lives.
Exciting News on Ibuprofen
Dr Brian Kennedy from Buck Institute for Research on Ageing in California seems to think the results are something to be excited about.
He says that ibuprofen is a relatively safe and cheap drug which many people already have in their medical cabinets. Dr Kennedy also points out that there may be other existing treatments which may extend our lives, and we need to study as many treatments as possible.
Other universities around the world such as the University of Newcastle in the UK, seem to suggest that recent trials of cheap anti-inflammatory medication extend our life span.
How does Ibuprofen Work?
First of all, it works by reducing inflammation. Once inflammation has established itself in the body, it can spread or other types of inflammation may develop. This process can greatly increases the rate of the aging process and chronic inflammation is also known to be behind diseases such as diabetes type 2.
Another good example of this would be arthritis which can lead to other inflammatory diseases such as cardio vascular disease.
When inflammation is reduced, our bodies are less likely to come under attack from disease causing organisms such as bacteria and viruses. In other words, our immune system will function better and help us to fight of diseases.
Skin cancer and Ibuprofen
There are even suggestions that ibruprofen can help to reduce the incidences of skin cancer in people with very pale skin according to recent research from Australia.
Studies are still ongoing but there is a possibility that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help to protect your skin. In the meantime, it is important to stick to a good skincare routine and protect your skin.
How to take Ibuprofen Safely
Just like any medications it is important to be aware of possible risks. Ibuprofen, which is also sold as Nurofen, Advil and Motrin, can have side effects and has been known to cause gastric upsets. It should always be taken with or after food, and it is important to follow the correct dosage.