Ibuprofen is one of the most common painkillers in the world. Most of us have it in our cabinets, and we don’t think twice about popping one when we’ve got a headache, sore muscles, or cramps. But just because it’s easy to get doesn’t mean it’s always safe.
Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist, is raising awareness about the risks of taking ibuprofen too often. In a recent YouTube video and Instagram reel, Dr. Sethi shared some serious concerns about what this everyday pill can do to your body- especially your gut.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
“It’s Not Harmless”: What Dr. Sethi Sees in the Hospital
Dr. Sethi doesn’t just study these risks, he sees them first-hand. “I perform endoscopies regularly,” he said, “and see these ulcers firsthand. I’ve seen young, otherwise healthy people come in with gut damage so severe they’ve ended up in the ER, just because they didn’t know the risk of these medications.”
He’s talking about NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ibuprofen is one of the most popular ones. While it can be great for pain and inflammation, taking it too often can hurt the lining of your stomach and intestines.
According to Dr. Sethi, around 75% of people who take ibuprofen regularly develop gut inflammation, and one in four can develop ulcers. That’s a lot higher than most people think.
What’s Actually Happening in Your Gut?
Ibuprofen works by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and swelling. But here’s the catch- it also blocks chemicals called prostaglandins. These are important for protecting your stomach lining. Without those prostaglandins, your stomach becomes more vulnerable to acid. That can lead to inflammation, painful ulcers, and even internal bleeding in serious cases.
Read More: 5 Types of Pain That Should Never Be Ignored
Dr. Sethi explains it like this: “NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the gut, which can harm its lining.” That’s how ulcers start forming without you even knowing it.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Gut damage doesn’t always show up right away. It can build up over time if you’re using ibuprofen regularly- especially on an empty stomach. So how do you know if something’s wrong?
Here are a few red flags to watch for:
- Burning pain in your stomach
- Nausea or indigestion
- Black or tarry stools (this could mean bleeding)
- Vomiting blood
- Feeling tired or weak without explanation
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to stop taking ibuprofen and call your doctor right away.
“More Than a Couple Times a Month? Be Cautious.”
Dr. Sethi doesn’t say you should never take ibuprofen. But he does urge people to be more careful-especially if you’re using it often. He says: “If you’re taking these medicines more than a couple of times a month, here are three things you can do.” Let’s go through his advice one step at a time.
Step 1: Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives
If you’re dealing with regular pain- like back pain, period cramps, or arthritis, don’t just keep taking ibuprofen day after day.
Dr. Sethi recommends checking in with your doctor. There may be better options for your specific needs. You might be able to switch to a pain reliever that’s easier on the stomach, or even try non-drug methods like physical therapy, stretches, or diet changes.
Pain is your body’s way of signaling something. Long-term pain needs a long-term solution, not just another tablet.
Step 2: Ask About Stomach-Protection Medications
For people who do need to take ibuprofen more often, there are medications that can help protect the stomach.
Your doctor might suggest a type of drug that reduces stomach acid or helps keep the stomach lining strong. These are often prescribed along with NSAIDs for people at risk of ulcers or gut damage.
It’s not something to guess on by yourself, though. You need a doctor’s help to figure out what’s right and safe for you.
Step 3: Always Take It With Food
This one’s simple but powerful. Taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach is a fast way to upset your gut. Dr. Sethi advises, “Take these medicines with food to minimize the risk of damage to the gut lining.”
Even a small snack or a glass of milk is better than nothing. This gives your stomach some protection and helps slow the absorption of the drug. If you’re taking ibuprofen regularly and skipping meals, that combo can be risky.
Kidney Risks and Ibuprofen
Your kidneys do the vital job of filtering your blood and the wrong medications can have a serious impact. Scientific studies back this up. A Southampton University team found that too much ibuprofen “can damage kidneys,” especially in people already at risk. The term doctors use is “acute kidney injury” (AKI): the kidneys suddenly stop working well. Symptoms include swelling of the ankles, blood in the urine, or not peeing much at all. If you notice any of these, get medical help – they could be signs your kidneys are stressed.
So, Is It Safe to Take Ibuprofen?
Yes, but only in small, occasional doses. A few pills here and there for short-term pain relief are usually fine for most healthy adults. But taking it every day, or several times a week for months, is when the risks go up. Dr. Sethi’s message is clear: “Even though it’s over-the-counter, ibuprofen can still do harm if you use it too often.” If you rely on it regularly, it’s time to rethink your plan.
Final Thoughts: Treat Ibuprofen With Respect
Ibuprofen has its place- it can really help when you’re in pain. But the idea that it’s harmless just because it’s sold without a prescription? That’s a myth. Dr. Sethi’s goal is simple: to help people stay safe. His real-world experience as a gastroenterologist gives him a unique view of the damage he sees too often.
Take his advice seriously:
- Don’t take ibuprofen casually every day
- Always eat before taking it
- Ask your doctor for help if you’re using it often
Read More: 10 Natural Pain Killers That Actually Work
