Longtime readers of Run DMZ may recall I’ve had some rather interesting experiences with analgesics and running. I once overdosed on Tylenol while running in one of the nation’s richest ZIP codes. More spectacularly, too much Motrin seriously impacted my renal system during my last marathon. Since then I’ve had a love-hate relationship with over-the-counter painkillers, which is why I read with deep interest a recent entry on the New York Times’ Well blog about whether NSAIDs, particularly ibuprofen, actually do more harm than good – at least on really, really long runs.
In one experiment, researchers monitored Western States runners separated by those who took ibuprofen and those who didn't.
Those runners who’d popped over-the-counter ibuprofen pills before and during the race displayed significantly more inflammation and other markers of high immune system response afterward than the runners who hadn’t taken anti-inflammatories. The ibuprofen users also showed signs of mild kidney impairment and, both before and after the race, of low-level endotoxemia, a condition in which bacteria leak from the colon into the bloodstream.
Not only did consuming “Vitamin I” cause these ill side effects, but it apparently had little to no difference on pain. And, according to the post, it actually increased the risk of injury. Scientists involved in these studies recommend you take painkillers only when you suffer acute pain.
15 comments:
Thanks for the info, I usually take 800 mg of Ibuprofen before a long run, now I need to rethink that.
Very interesting! Deserves our attention!
I need to figure out a way "dog-ear" this post. Maybe I'll link the article somewhere... The discussion of analgesics and running comes up quite frequently! Thanks so much!
I'd definitely advise avoiding anti-inflammatories before and during runs. The risk/reward ratio is way too high. Here's some proof: http://www.aolhealth.com/fitness/running/running-with-pain
Louise says...To think, I was "eating" these like tick-tacks! The line..."bacteria leak from the colon to the blood stream" eeewww
Yeah, I gave up on Vitamin I during races quite a while ago. I've heard the same kind of stuff, and we discussed it with a doctor-friend of ours - he confirmed what we were reading/hearing.
I struggle with this in every ultra; Advil really does give me a boost from a pain-control standpoint, but it also shuts my kidneys down pretty dramatically. Unfortunately, Tylenol doesn't give me the same pain relief, so I keep trying to tinker with my Advil intake to find the right dosage. I haven't figured it out yet.
Great find with that article, thanks.
I used to take Motrin for cramps (the female kind) but noticed my kidneys were working overtime and I was developing bruises with just the slightest bump. So I stopped!
Thanks for the article.
My husband sent me this exact article this morning. Very eye-opening.
Timely...I've been taking a fair amount of Ibuprofen recently for all my running aches and pains, but usually not before a run, only after. But I still think about it.
interesting! i am starting to think more and more that all this pill popping is just a bunch of malarkey. i stopped the glucosamine/chondrotin because honestly i did not notice any difference other than having to use the bathroom much more and i've always thought the same about ibuprofen & running.
Great article, very important for me to take note of since I will be starting a lot more long runs in the upcoming weeks.
I remember that marathon so well . . . it doesn't seem like that long ago. I am so guilty with Vitamin I, woe is me.
I've stopped taking ibuprofen for this very reason!! Even if I'm not running, I don't take ibuprofen anymore. i'd rather take Tylenol if I need anything....
That's an interesting study. I ate ibuprofen like candy on my recent hike. It wasn't so much for anti inflamatory though. One of the issues with high altitude is hypoxia (lack of oxygen). One ofthe affects of hypoxia ca be some pretty severe headaches. I like to take an ibuprofen as soon as I feel one coming on. By nipping the pain in the butt before it happens, I am a much more likeable person....
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