Researchers from the Buck Institute for Age Research in California have revealed that the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen may act like the proverbial fountain of youth, at least as far as yeast, lab worms and fruit flies are concerned.
The drug extended the lifespan of such creatures by 15 percent[i], which researchers suggest is comparable to 12 human years.[ii] What’s more, according to the study’s lead researcher Dr. Chong He, ibuprofen not only lead to longer lives but longer healthier lives. He said:[iii]
“We have some preliminary data on worms that showed that this drug also extended the health span in worms. It made them live not just longer but also more healthy. You can measure the thrashing of the worms. If they’re healthy, they do have a tendency to thrash a lot, and also we can measure the pumping as they swallow, because if they’re healthy, the pumping is faster.”
It would seem upon first glance that ibuprofen’s longevity factor would be due to its anti-inflammatory effects. As you may know, inflammation is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, may promote the formation of fatty plaques in your arteries and contributes to many other chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity and digestive disorders.
The quandary, however, is that flies yeast and worms lack an enzyme (cyclooxygenase) that is involved in inflammatory response. As such, they do not have an inflammatory response, and therefore the ibuprofen must have extended longevity via another pathway.
As of now it’s unclear what that other pathway is, with researcher Dr. Michael Polymenis of Texas A&M University noting “We are not sure why this works …”[iv]
What is for certain is that taking ibuprofen in the name of longevity is not a wise idea …
Ibuprofen May Harm Your Heart and Destroy Your Cartilage
NSAIDs are notorious for increasing your risks of heart attack (Vioxx, anyone?). A National Cancer Institute study found taking 400 mg of the NSAID Celebrex twice a day for about 33 months increases your heart attack risk by 340%!
Even aspirin, which is another type of NSAID that has been linked to slight longevity benefits in mice, carries significant risks, including serious gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, stroke, cataracts, hearing loss and a risk of chronic overdose when taking for a long period of time. Aspirin’s side effects are so severe researchers have recommended it be changed to prescription-only status.
And all NSAIDs are hard on your gastrointestinal tract, leading to potentially fatal side effects such as bleeding in your digestive tract, ulcers and perforation of your stomach or intestines. Further, NSAIDs disrupt cartilage synthesis and actually speed up the destruction of cartilage and joints, which is particularly disturbing because one of the most common uses for NSAIDs is for treating osteoarthritis, a leading cause of joint pain in the United States.
Some of the negative cartilage effects linked to NSAID use include the inhibition of synthesis of cellular matrix components, collagen synthesis and chondrocyte proliferation. In the latter case, chondrocytes are essential for healthy joint function, as they are the only cells that produce cartilage tissue. According to some reports, NSAID use may actually be a key reason for the rapid rise in knee and hip replacements in recent years! Writing in the Journal of Prolotherapy, researchers noted:[v]
“The long-term consequence of the deterioration of the joint is a need for joint replacement. This author notes that massive NSAID use in osteoarthritic patients since their introduction over the past forty years is one of the main causes of the rapid rise in the need for hip and knee replacements both now and in the near future.”
The researchers continued:
“Because of the potential for significant side effects of these medications on the liver, stomach, gastrointestinal tract and heart, including death, treatment guidelines advise against their long term use …”
If You Want a Safe Anti-Aging Tool, You Want Proteolytic Enzymes
There’s no reason to risk your health and your life to enhance your longevity and well-being … to do this you instead need to put out the fire of chronic inflammation. According to Discovery Medicine:[vi]
“While the etiology of the aging process is not fully understood, inflammation clearly plays a major role, inextricably linking inflammation and aging.”
Inflammation is a natural response, so everyone experiences it sometimes (and this is a good thing, as it helps protect you from bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and injuries).
Chronic inflammation is different; it’s caused by negative emotions (stress), poor diet (sugar, alcohol, soda, trans fats, etc.), lack of exercise, smoking and other unhealthy lifestyle choices. You can cut down on chronic inflammation drastically by eating fresh whole foods (lots of veggies and antioxidants), exercising and keeping your stress under control, and you can also try Heal-N-Soothe, a 100% natural blend of 12 inflammation-fighting ingredients that is as effective as prescription anti-inflammatories (but much safer).
It also contains proteolytic enzymes, and herein lies its real anti-aging secret. Dr. Edward Howell, one of the pioneers of enzyme research, in particular believed that you are born with a limited supply of enzyme energy, and if you don’t consume enough enzymes via your diet (in raw foods, for instance), your digestive system will become stressed and unable to properly break down your food.
This could lead to a reduced availability of metabolic enzymes (which are ‘used up’ to support digestion), which he believed was at the root of most chronic health problems.[vii] According to Dr. Howell, you life expectancy is only as good as your “enzyme potential.”[viii]
Proteolytic enzymes are naturally produced in your pancreas, but your natural production declines with age.[ix] Hydrochloric acid in your stomach is also reduced with age, and this is another variable, as hydrochloric acid plays a role in activating enzymes.
Including raw foods in your diet is important to help replenish some of your body’s enzyme stores naturally, however for anti-aging effects you’re going to want Heal-n-Soothe, the best systemic enzyme formula to replenish your body’s supply of vital enzymes (now with double the enzymes) … without any risks of side effects.
Dr. Robert Thompson: “The More We Stop Inflammation, The More Gracefully We Age”
[i] PLoS Genetics. 2014;10(12):e1004860.
[ii] Digital Journal December 19, 2014
[iii] Digital Journal December 19, 2014
[iv] Digital Journal December 19, 2014
[v] Journal of Prolotherapy. 2010;(2)1:305-322.
[vi] Discovery Medicine June 25, 2012
[vii] PositiveHealthOnline December 2001
