WARNING about the unexpected health effects caused by over-the-counter cold and flu drugs, according to health officials

by: | February 4, 2019
WARNING about the unexpected health effects caused by over-the-counter cold and flu drugs, according to health officials
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(NaturalHealth365) Cold and flu season reportedly peaks between December and February – which means we’re still in the thick of it now.  Unfortunately, as sneezes, runny noses, and coughs run rampant throughout our workplaces, schools, and homes, people increasingly reach for NSAIDs, decongestant medications, and other drugs that come with some unexpected consequences.

Of course, we’re not even mentioning the issue of highly propagandized flu vaccines, a major big pharma money makers of questionable efficacy – which have been shown to lead to extremely harmful outcomes.

For example, did you know that many of the drugs in the typical American medicine cabinet can damage your heart?

The surprising side effect of NSAIDs and over-the-counter cold medications, revealed by AHA higher ups

In public releases from the American Heart Association (AHA) and other major organizations, officials warn that people should use caution while taking decongestant medications like pseudoephedrine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.

Why? Because it turns out these drugs can damage your heart, especially if you already have risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

For instance, NSAIDs and decongestants increase blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke and heart attack. Additionally, research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases has shown that people who take NSAIDs – to manage a respiratory infection – had a three times higher risk of heart attack compared to other times when they weren’t taking NSAIDs.

Additionally, many of these over-the-counter drugs contain high levels of sodium (salt), which is believed to contribute to high blood pressure. In fact, the AHA notes some medications have as much as (if not more than) the entire recommended daily allowance for sodium intake (which they advise to be no higher than 1,500 to 2,300 mg).

Their official stance? (no real surprise here.)  ‘Use these drugs sparingly, and speak with your doctor if you have known heart disease risk factors.’

Under the weather? Try these natural cold remedies for a positive result

Let’s admit it: for many people, the automatic response to feeling ill is to make an expensive trip to the pharmacy or simply open up the medicine cabinet and dig in.

And while nobody should ever start or stop medications (even over-the-counter ones) without chatting with their doctor, it’s important to remember there are many natural remedies that can help ease cold and flu symptoms without subjecting you to potentially harmful side effects.

Consider these tips:

  • Enhance your diet with a quality supplement, including zinc, vitamin C, probiotics, and herbal extracts
  • Practice excellent hand hygiene techniques to avoid the risk of spreading germs
  • Add honey to tea or take it as a single night-time dose before bed to ease coughing
  • Get quality sleep
  • Stay well-hydrated
  • Avoid foods and beverages which promote inflammation, such as sugary soft drinks and refined carbohydrates

Sources for this article include:

CDC.gov
Medicalnewstoday.com
Piedmont.org
Academic.oup.com
Heart.org
NIH.gov

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