Introduction
Aspirin is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications in the world. It is used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, muscle pain, and fever. But did you know that taking an aspirin every day can also have a positive effect on your body? Studies have shown that taking an aspirin daily can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. In this article, we will discuss the potential benefits and risks of taking an aspirin every day. We will also provide tips on how to safely take aspirin and when to talk to your doctor about taking it.
What Taking An Aspirin Every Day Does to Your Body
Aspirin is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications in the world. It’s used to treat pain, reduce fever, and prevent blood clots. But did you know that taking an aspirin every day can also have a positive effect on your body? Here’s what you need to know about the potential benefits of taking an aspirin every day.
Reduces Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
One of the most significant benefits of taking an aspirin every day is that it can reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Studies have shown that taking a low-dose aspirin (81 mg) every day can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who have already had a heart attack or stroke, or who have a high risk of having one. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting an aspirin regimen, as it can have serious side effects.
Reduces Risk of Certain Cancers
Another potential benefit of taking an aspirin every day is that it may reduce your risk of certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that taking a low-dose aspirin every day can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, as well as other types of cancer such as prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting an aspirin regimen, as it can have serious side effects.
Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Finally, taking an aspirin every day may also reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that taking a low-dose aspirin every day can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in people who are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting an aspirin regimen, as it can have serious side effects.
As you can see, taking an aspirin every day can have a number of potential benefits for your health. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting an aspirin regimen, as it can have serious side effects. Your doctor can help you decide if taking an aspirin every day is right for you.
Aspirin has been a staple of medicine cabinets well before many other residents of those shelves were invented. Fifty years ago, it was the go-to for a headache or fever, and it’s still widely used today. But science has continued to learn about aspirin’s effect on the body—some of the good, some of them not-so-good, and some of them changes to conventional wisdom. If you’re taking a daily aspirin, take a look at what that may be doing to your health. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Aspirin has been around since 1899 as the first over-the-counter painkiller and fever reducer. It’s very effective in reducing pain and swelling. It works by inhibiting prostaglandins, the enzyme that functions as an on-off switch for aches and inflammation. Technically, it’s an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), the forerunner of more modern drugs in that class like Advil and Motrin.
“If you have had a heart attack or stroke, your doctor may want you to take a daily low dose of aspirin to help prevent another,” says the American Heart Association. “Aspirin is part of a well-established treatment plan for patients with a history of heart attack or stroke.” But you shouldn’t take daily aspirin unless your doctor prescribes it; they can evaluate your individual risks and benefits. Read on to find out why this is important.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its recommendation about taking daily aspirin. It used to be routinely recommended to reduce the risk of heart disease. But taking daily aspirin increases the risk of serious bleeding, particularly in the stomach, intestines, and brain. So the USPSTF recommends that people over 60 no longer start taking daily aspirin, and people aged 40 to 59 should take it on a case-by-case basis. It’s also recommended that people under 40 without a history of heart disease not take it.
(The panel’s recommendations don’t apply to people who have been taking daily aspirin or have already had a heart attack. If you’re taking daily aspirin and wonder if you should continue, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before making any changes.)
RELATED: 5 Ways to Make Sure You Don’t Die in Your Sleep
Aspirin is very strong medication, and it can irritate the lining of the stomach, causing pain, ulcers, and bleeding. That risk is higher in people who are older, already have stomach ulcers, take blood thinners, or drink alcohol.
RELATED: 6 Signs You Might Have Multiple Sclerosis
Experts say that children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not be given aspirin. It can lead to Reye’s Syndrome, a serious condition that causes swelling in the brain and liver damage. This usually affects children and teens recovering from a viral infection.
RELATED: COVID Symptoms Usually Appear Like This
In 2016, the USPSTF recommended that people take baby aspirin to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Late last year, they indicated they may reverse that guidance. The main reason: A study in the elderly found that aspirin use was associated with an increase in colon cancer deaths. “That said, the jury is still out regarding colon cancer—any benefits of aspirin in clinical trial participants will likely take 10 or 20 more years to come to light,” said Andrew Moran, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine at Columbia University. “This means that in the future, these guidelines may change again.” He notes the best way to prevent colon cancer is to be screened for it.
And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.