by Mila McManus, MD
For decades, ibuprofen and acetaminophen have been the go-to remedies for everyday aches and pains. Found in nearly every household medicine cabinet, these drugs are considered safe when used as directed. Yet, emerging research suggests their impact may not be as harmless as once thought, raising concerns for both individual health and the global community. It may be time to rethink pain relief solutions.
A recent study from the University of South Australia found that ibuprofen and acetaminophen may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. When combined with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, these medications accelerated genetic mutations in E. coli, creating more resilient bacterial strains. Even more troubling, these strains showed resistance not only to ciprofloxacin but also to multiple classes of antibiotics.
This matters because antimicrobial resistance already causes over 1.27 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization. In other words, humans are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics to the extent that when they are desperately needed to save lives, there is not one that will do the job. While researchers do not advise eliminating ibuprofen or acetaminophen completely, the findings underscore the need for cautious prescribing and heightened awareness of drug interactions—especially among older adults and those taking multiple medications.
Pain Has Many Roots
Not all pain stems from injury. In fact, much of the discomfort people experience daily can be traced to chronic inflammation, hormone imbalance/decline, stealth infections, nutrient deficiencies, stress, or lifestyle habits:
- Dietary triggers like refined carbohydrates, sugars, and processed oils fuel systemic inflammation.
- Nutrient gaps—particularly low omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and magnesium—may heighten pain sensitivity.
- Stress and poor sleep amplify pain perception and slow healing.
- Hormone imbalances can greatly contribute to chronic pain.
- Stealth infections such as parasites, viruses, mold, and bacteria can wreak havoc!
- Gut health imbalances can drive body-wide inflammation, affecting joints and muscles.
Addressing these root causes often reduces pain naturally—without the risks linked to long-term painkiller use.
Natural Approaches to Pain Relief
Instead of relying solely on over-the-counter drugs, consider these evidence-based strategies:
- Anti-inflammatory foods: Incorporate vegetables, herbs, and omega-3-rich foods like wild salmon, flax, and chia. Turmeric, ginger, and peppers provide natural compounds that ease inflammation.
- Collagen and bone broth: Support joint and connective tissue health.
- Hydration and gut health: Drinking enough water and eating fiber-rich or fermented foods can reduce systemic inflammation.
- Gentle movement: Walking, swimming, or yoga improves circulation and mobility.
- Optimize and balance your hormones.
- Get tested and treated for leaky gut.
- Targeted supplements: Vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s may improve resilience against chronic pain.
Supplements and Therapies to Discuss with Your Provider
Beyond foundational diet and lifestyle changes, some people explore advanced or emerging options for pain relief. Talk with one of our medical providers about this growing list of safer options.
- NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) injections or oral precursors (NMN, NR) for cellular repair and energy.
- Helleborus injections, studied for potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Protease with bromelain, plant-derived enzymes that may reduce swelling and pain.
- Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, with well-documented anti-inflammatory effects.
- Krill oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant astaxanthin.
- Local castor oil packs for circulation and inflammation relief.
- Prolotherapy, an injection-based treatment designed to stimulate healing in tendons and ligaments.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to enhance tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
- Valasta (astaxanthin supplement), a potent antioxidant.
- BPC-157 peptide, an experimental compound with early evidence of healing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) for joint health and pain reduction.
- Red light therapy
- PEMF therapy like ONDAMED
The Takeaway
While ibuprofen and acetaminophen remain useful tools, their hidden risks highlight the importance of looking deeper into the causes of pain. Moreover, these types of pain medications, as well as opiate pain killers, produce a lot of oxidative stress and actually hasten degeneration! Addressing inflammation, nutrition, and lifestyle factors while guarding the gut and immune function can provide powerful, lasting relief. And for those seeking further support, a growing list of supplements and therapies offer additional avenues to explore under medical supervision.
Pain relief is not just about masking symptoms. It is about healing from the inside out.
By rethinking our reliance on over-the-counter painkillers and leaning into healthier pain relief solutions, we can reduce risks for antibiotic resistance, improve long-term wellness, and move closer to lasting relief.
Be pain-free. Be Well.
References
Health.com. (2025, August 26). Healthy diet linked to lower chronic pain, study shows. Health.com. https://www.health.com/study-healthy-diet-lower-chronic-pain-8761603
Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Anti-inflammatory diet. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/anti-inflammatory-diet
ScitechDaily. (2025, August 28). Common painkillers like ibuprofen could be fueling a global health threat. SciTechDaily. https://scitechdaily.com/common-painkillers-like-ibuprofen-could-be-fueling-a-global-health-threat/
Verywell Health. (2024, June 17). Anti-inflammatory supplements: Options. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/anti-inflammatory-supplements-options-190474
Woodlands Wellness MD. (2017, August 5). Dietary adjustments for pain relief. Woodlands Wellness MD. https://woodlandswellnessmd.com/dietary-adjustments-pain-relief.html