Many of us may have taken ibuprofen, sometimes two pills at once, especially when we are struggling with menstrual cramps. Well, as good these pills may be in treating the pain, they are not recommended for your health, especially if you are someone who consumes it on a daily basis or frequently. Gastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha, MD, writes in The Washington Post about why should you avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.

What happens when you consume pain killers?

She writes that NSAIDs are great in treating short term pain. They comprise of a group of drugs that inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which serve as a variety of purposes in the body. Some of which also includes contracting the uterus during menses and regulating blood flow in our vessels.

While one to two doses every now and then is okay, following a regular dosage routine, which could range from several times a month, or twice in an hour or so could lead to health risk. NSAIDs are well known to increase intestinal permeability. This means, these painkillers could damage the lining of your gut.

A 2018 review by Ingvar Bjarnason et. al., also writes about how NSAIDs can reduce the blood flow in the tiny vessels that feeds our guts. It can also disrupt the intestinal cells forming a barrier between the outside world and your insides.

What can be done?

While people with conditions like migraines, chronic back pain or bad period cramps can find NSAIDs to be helpful. It is always advisable to have a chat with your physicians to explore NSAID alternatives.

Pasricha suggests acetaminophen.

However, if someone is in dire need of NSAID, her tip is to take the pill right at the start of your symptoms. She says that the drug can do a far better job at stopping things at the source than chasing after all prostaglandins.

Why is it a concern?

NSAIDs are available as over the counter drug, which means people do not need a prescription for it and can make medical decision about them without the guidance of a physician.

A 2018 study published in the Official Journal of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology by David W Kaufman, et.al., found that 15% of adult ibuprofen users in the US have exceeded the maximum recommended daily dose. The study also mentions that more than a third of ibuprofen users were taking other NSAIDs, like aspirin and naproxen, while consuming ibuprofen at the same time. Out of these, 61% did not realise that they were using NSAIDs.

Pasricha talks about how it ruptures the gut wall, as she herself has rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night "far more times than" she can count "to perform an emergency endoscopy on someone who was bleeding profusely from an ulcer caused by NSAID".

Another 2009 study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology states that as many as 1 in 4 chronic NSAID users will get an ulcer and about 4% will bleed or rupture through the gut wall.

An older study from 2005 titled A quantitative analysis of NSAID-induced small bowel pathology by capsule enteroscopy, found that as 75 percent of people regularly using NSAIDs develop low-grade inflammation in their small bowels. NSAIDs can also lead to development of fatty liver disease. This happens because your gut lining becomes more permeable, more toxins and bacteria from the outside world enters your liver and leads to inflammation.

A 2011 study titled Haemoglobin decreases in NSAID users over time: an analysis of two large outcome trials, states that as many as 6% of people taking NSAIDs regularly have found their blood count dropping within a few months of starting the medicines, this suggests that this is due to the small, slow amount of bleeding in the gut overtime.

In a heartbreaking yet urgent reminder of the gaps that can exist in cancer follow-ups and survivorship care, a 38-year-old mother from Kent, England is now battling stage 4 brain cancer after being repeatedly assured by her doctors that she was cancer-free. Kelly’s fight with melanoma began in 2017, when she noticed a strange dark line on her fingernail. Though it may seem like a minor cosmetic issue to many, it became a life-altering clue. Medical professionals initially failed to find any cancerous cells but advised her to monitor it. As months passed, the line thickened, prompting a diagnosis of melanoma that eventually led to the amputation of her fingertip in 2020.

Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Kelly was repeatedly reassured that her cancer was in its earliest form—classified as stage 0 and therefore considered "non-spreadable." But Kelly wasn’t convinced. She requested additional scans to be safe. Her pleas were dismissed.

“I wish I had been that annoying patient who kept going,” she now says.

In 2022, Kelly’s worst fears came true. A lump appeared in her armpit, confirming that the melanoma had spread to her lymphatic system. The finding drastically altered her treatment path—she underwent surgery to remove 20 lymph nodes and later received aggressive immunotherapy.

By October 2023, she was told her scans were clear. In April 2024, Kelly was officially in remission. Two weeks later, she found out she was pregnant with her fourth child.

It was a joyous moment—but it wouldn’t last long.

At 35 weeks pregnant, Kelly experienced a seizure that led to an emergency hospitalization. Doctors performed a scan and delivered devastating news: the cancer had spread to her brain. She was now facing terminal, stage 4 brain cancer. Within days, she delivered her baby via C-section and soon after, underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor.

“The surgeons had to leave part of the tumor because removing it entirely would have caused permanent paralysis on my left side,” she explained. “That’s why I’ll now undergo targeted radiotherapy.”

Kelly’s case challenges the traditional protocols of cancer remission, underscoring a critical truth: clear scans are not always a guarantee that the disease is gone.

Kelly’s story is filled with poignant what-ifs. She wonders what might have been different if doctors had acted on her earlier concerns or if they had performed the scan she had begged for after her fingertip amputation.

“I don’t think I’ve fully accepted that I have terminal cancer,” she admits. “There’s a 50 percent chance the new immunotherapy treatment will work, but it’s hit or miss. It’s terrifying.”

Her words speak volumes to cancer survivors worldwide who often experience anxiety and lingering doubts even after receiving an all-clear.

One disturbing aspect of Kelly’s experience is the persistent dismissal of her concerns by medical professionals. What she experienced is now widely recognized as medical gaslighting—a phenomenon where patients, especially women, are told their symptoms are “in their head” or “not serious.”

Whether due to systemic issues, implicit gender bias, or pressure to limit costly imaging, patients are too often discouraged from advocating for themselves.

Healthcare experts argue that self-advocacy should be seen not as a nuisance but as a necessity. “Any doctor who won’t help you search for answers when you're suffering isn’t a good doctor,” said a leading U.S. oncologist when asked about cases like Kelly’s.

Kelly Heather’s story isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a public health warning. Her plea to the world is simple but powerful: “Do more tests.”

She wants women, in particular, to realize that being proactive can mean the difference between life and death. Even when scans appear clear, symptoms or gut instincts shouldn't be ignored.

As science advances, survivorship care must also evolve—from one-size-fits-all follow-ups to more personalized approaches, especially in patients with previous late-stage cancers.

Why Women Should Push Doctors for More Tests?

Medical experts increasingly agree on a vital truth: women must trust their intuition when it comes to their health and push for more thorough diagnostic care, especially in complex or recurring conditions. Historically, women’s symptoms have been downplayed or misinterpreted, often leading to delayed diagnoses in conditions ranging from autoimmune disorders to cancer.

In the case of cancer, remission doesn't always guarantee eradication. Sometimes, rogue cancer cells escape detection and resurface in more aggressive forms—something Kelly Heather’s story painfully illustrates. Pushing for extra scans, follow-ups, or second opinions shouldn’t be viewed as paranoia; it should be considered a smart, preventive measure.

Women are also more likely to be dismissed when they express concern over subtle or unexplained symptoms. Persistent fatigue, body pain, or changes that don’t feel “normal” deserve full attention and clinical investigation.

You know your body best. If something feels off—even when tests say otherwise—it’s your right to question it. Don’t settle for “wait and see.” Whether you’ve survived cancer or are just concerned about unusual symptoms, insist on getting the tests and answers you need. Your voice matters, and it could save your life.

A 30-year-old woman recently revealed a shocking side effect of Ozempic that has left everyone worried. Taking to Instagram, Avery shared that after taking the popular weight loss drug for a year, she was diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis, which causes the excessive loss of bone density. Her news has sparked a debate against the abuse of weight-loss drugs and their long-term effect on one's health.

Avery admitted to using Ozempic as part of her struggle with an eating disorder and getting the medication without a doctor's prescription. She said she deeply regrets using it and advised others to watch out. "I am in kind of a shock right now because I never thought this," she posted through her tearful message. "Ozempic can cause bone loss of density, and I never thought that this was going to happen to me because I was only taking it for a year. I have osteoporosis and osteopenia. Ozempic is very easy to get nowadays, and people all over are getting their hands on it. But don't do it. I messed up. Please learn from my mistake."

Weight Loss Drugs Linked To Low Bone Density

Clinical research has associated the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, with bone density loss. A JAMA Network Open Study confirmed that patients taking liraglutide had lower bone density than those who did not. The participants—aged 18 to 65—were randomly split into four groups for one year: one that exercised and received a placebo, one that received just a placebo, a group that received Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug liraglutide and another group that received liraglutide and exercised. Liraglutide, like Semaglutide (Ozempic) is a GLP-1 angonist but less dense.

A trial of 195 adults with obesity found that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of drugs used to treat diabetes, resulted in reduced hip and spine bone mineral density when used without exercise compared to a placebo or exercise alone, researchers said.

Does Ozempic Have Side Effects?

As reiterated by doctors and health care experts, Ozempic is a drug that is tasked to help diabetic patients manage their blood sugar levels and weight. However, recent research has shown its effectiveness in mitigating various addictions like alcohol and drugs by inhibiting hormones. But what people ignore are its side effects, which include:

Nausea is a frequent side effect, especially when starting Ozempic or increasing the dose, and vomiting may occur along with nausea.

Diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort also show up in people using Ozempic, but they generally resolve as your body adjusts.

Ozempic can reduce appetite but may also lead to unintended weight loss or reduced food intake, causing discomfort for some people.

There are certain less common, but serious side effects also, like Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas.

This drug may also cause severe kidney issues, particularly if dehydration occurs from side effects like vomiting or diarrhoea.

Japanese scientists are now testing a new drug that could possibly allow people with missing teeth to grow new ones. This could be a groundbreaking research which would offer hope for a natural alternative to dentures and implants.

So, What Really Is The Science Behind Tooth Regeneration?

Unlike reptiles and fish, who can regrow their teeth throughout their lives, human and most mammals are believed to grow only two sets of teeth. However, a research led by Katsu Takahashi, who is the head of oral surgery at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka, humans may also have dormant buds for a third set of teeth hidden beneath their gums.

Takahashi's team has therefore launched clinical trials at Kyoto University Hospital in October, administering an experimental drug which was designed to activate these dormant tooth buds. The researchers are now hoping that this treatment will restore natural teeth and eliminate the need for prosthetics, which are often costly and invasive.

How This Drug Works?

The drug targets a protein called USAG-1, which has been shown to suppress tooth growth. By blocking this protein, researchers believe they can trigger the development of new teeth. Studies on mice and ferrets have already demonstrated successful tooth regeneration, with lab images confirming the growth of new teeth in these animals.

A study published last year by Takahashi’s team confirmed that their "antibody treatment in mice is effective for tooth regeneration and can be a breakthrough in treating tooth anomalies in humans." The ongoing clinical trials will determine whether this success can be replicated in humans.

Who Could Actually Benefit From It?

As of now, the research is currently focusing on people with congenital tooth loss. This means people who have a hereditary condition that affects approximately .1% of people. These people are born missing six or more permanent teeth, which can make chewing difficult for them. It can also impact their confidence. Many in Japan wear face masks during adolescence to hide the gaps in their mouths, explained Takahashi.

"This drug could be a game-changer for them," he said. The team aims to make the drug available to children with this condition by 2030, offering a revolutionary solution to those who struggle with missing teeth from an early age.

What Others Are Doing About It?

There is indeed a global race to regrow teeth. The research has also sparked global interested with Angray Kang, a dentistry professor at Queen Mary University of London nothing that only one other team worldwide is pursuing a similar goal, using antibodies.

"I would say that the Takahashi group is leading the way," Kang told AFP, emphasizing that the approach is "exciting and worth pursuing." He noted that a similar antibody drug is already being used to treat osteoporosis, adding credibility to the concept of targeting USAG-1 for tooth regeneration.

However, experts caution that while animal studies have been promising, human trials may present unforeseen challenges. Chengfei Zhang, a clinical professor in endodontics at the University of Hong Kong, called Takahashi’s method "innovative and full of potential" but warned that "outcomes observed in animals do not always directly translate to humans."