The ONE Treatment to Absolutely Avoid

The ONE Treatment to Absolutely Avoid

Relying on over-the-counter analgesics is not advised, and may not even provide much relief. Taking ibuprofen before a workout in order to reduce muscle soreness has been linked to intestinal leakage and systemic inflammation. When used long-term, it may lead to intestinal permeability, allowing bacteria and digestive enzymes to leak into your bloodstream.

Habitually using ibuprofen before workouts may also reduce your absorption of key nutrients, particularly after exercise, making it harder for your muscles to rebuild. And ibuprofen use has not been shown to reduce muscle damage or soreness. Aspirin fares no better. Research suggests the coating on aspirin, which is there to help protect your stomach, may actually be interfering with its purported benefits. It is a much better approach to treat muscle soreness with a combination of natural measures, which may require a bit of experimentation to see what works best for you.