Wednesday

These painkillers can harm your fat loss and muscle building

A couple friends recently were over my house and asked me if they could grab a painkiller for a headache (aspirin, tylenol, aleve, etc), and they were shocked by my answer...

I told them that I apologize, but I don't have any painkillers in my house... that I never use painkillers, and haven't used one in at least 10 years... that I don't think they are healthy, nor natural in any way for your body.  I think they were a little shocked, but they were also concerned because they didn't know that painkillers could have any negative effects in your body.

You can read this article about 5 of the most dangerous painkillers and 12 herbal alternatives that are much safer and healthier.

What about effects of pain killers on your fat loss and muscle building?

Here's an excerpt from well-respected author (and very detailed science writer) Ori Hofmekler, and his book, Maximum Muscle, Minimum Fat... "...This inhibitory effect of cortisol on AA release may partly explain why anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisol have a suppressive effect on muscle gain. The enzymes that synthesize prostaglandins from AA are called COX1 and COX2. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are all COX inhibitors. Anti-inflammatory drugs, including over-the-counter NSAIDs, have been known to inhibit AA actions. Athletes and bodybuilders who take anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers should be aware of the potential inhibitory effect of these drugs on muscular development."

Now I know that might sound a bit overly scientific for some people, but the message is clear... painkillers can inhibit muscle building efforts, and as you know, muscle regulates your metabolism and your ability to lose fat.

That's just one reason that I personally avoid drug-based painkillers.  I also think that common sense should tell us that they simply aren't natural, and anything not natural will have some sort of side effect, which is why pretty much every drug has a list of negative side effects.

Read this page below to see natural alternatives to possibly harmful painkillers:

The 5 most dangerous painkillers --and 12 healthier herbal alternatives

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer