Zombies, Liver Toxicity, and Leaky Gut: Why Painkillers Should Have New Warning Labels
As popular as Tylenol, Advil, and other common pain killers are, they are not as harmless as our culture has lead us to believe. Learn about the lesser-known, surprising, and severe ways these these tiny pills affect our bodies and brains.
By Dr. Lauren Dyer
(DAC, LAC, DIPL. AC - NCCAOM)
“Just take a Tylenol.”
You hear it in commercials, in conversation with co-workers, family, and friends—maybe you were told this since childhood so now you don’t even question it. But should you? Why be in pain if you don’t have to? Isn’t it harmless?
The short answer is no. Tylenol, Advil, and other common pain killers are not as benign as we have been culturally indoctrinated to believe. Just because they are available over-the-counter does not make them safe or safer than prescription opioids. Recent studies show that even the suggested dose can cause harm to our bodies and negatively affect our mental + emotional health.
Before we get into that, here are some things to keep in mind...
The main ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen. It is the most common drug compound in the United States, found in over 600 medicines. It is estimated that 23% of the population (about 52 million American adults) takes a medicine containing acetaminophen a week.
If it’s so popular, what’s the big deal, right?
For starters, acetominophen is the #1 cause of acute liver failure in America, with a little over 110,000 injuries and deaths linked to Tylenol (and its generic versions) annually. By impairing the liver’s ability to detoxify chemicals ingested, even the “safe” suggested dose poses a risk.
Tylenol’s toxicity is linked to depleting glutathione, an essential antioxidant responsible for managing free radicals and inflammation in the body. Given how vital glutathione is for brain health, it’s no wonder that ingesting Tylenol blunts our emotions—limiting our ability to feel pleasure or pain just one hour after use. This observation was so startling that researchers called it a “zombification” effect.
That’s right.
Zombies.
Tylenol figuratively turns us into the undead by diminishing our sentience.
A 2015 study from Ohio State University had half of its participants take 1,000mg of Tylenol while the rest took a placebo. After one hour each group was shown pleasant and disturbing photos. In both scenarios, those who took Tylenol had lower sensitivity and emotion ratings compared to those who took a placebo.
For reference, 1,000mg is two Extra-Strength Tylenol pills, with the “safe” upper limit being 3,000mg. So the fact that a “normal” dose can exert that much of a physiological and psychological change is pretty alarming, if not totally disturbing.
The implications for how such a seemingly harmless drug contributes to “psychiatric-like” side effects such as depression, irritability, and apathy should not be ignored.
What About Anti-Inflammatory Drugs?
Unfortunately, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) like Motrin, Aleve, Advil, or Ibuprofen are not innocent either. In order to reduce aches and fevers, this class of drugs works by reducing the number of prostaglandins in the body—molecules that protect our gut lining, support inflammation needed for healing, and blood clotting. The result from habitual use? Increased gut permeability (aka “leaky gut” which sets-off an auto-immune response linked to chronic illness & psychiatric-like symptoms) ulcers, and intestinal bleeding.
Not everyone who takes NSAIDS will get side effects, but the odds are not in our favor. A 2005 study by Gastroenterologist Dr. David Graham used a small endoscopic camera to compare structural intestinal changes between NSAID users vs. non-users. He found that 71% of NSAID users had damage in the small intestine lining compared to 10% of non-users. The interesting but insidious fact was that nobody in the study reported GI symptoms, even though the damage was already done. For women it’s worth noting that NSAIDS interfere with hormone balance and fertility. Studies show they can inhibit ovulation and lower progesterone levels after just 10 days of use.
Now What?
On a personal and collective level, it’s time to re-consider our reflex to reach for Tylenol and other OTC pain-killers at the first sign of discomfort.
Instead of viewing our symptoms as inconveniences that need to be silenced, endured, or defeated, what if we appreciated them for how intelligent they are—that they communicate with us when something isn’t right. Slowing down and tuning inwards to listen to why they are appearing in the first place is the first step to healing them.
Understandably, you need to work, provide, and pain is incredibly inconvenient.
But is it worth the liver toxicity, numbing our humanity, while leaving us with an increased risk for chronic illnesses because the integrity of our intestinal lining has been compromised? Let’s not forget, once the drugs wear off, the pain inevitably returns.
What would you rather do?
A Better Way…
If you want pain relief that is safe, natural, and evidence-based, you can consider:
TUMERIC
For centuries tumeric has been known as a medicinal herb in Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory properties. I suggest patients add it to their cooking or supplement with it regularly for preventative measure.
CURCUMIN
Curcumin is tumeric extract, as its the active ingredient that rivals NSAIDS at decreasing inflammation. Studies show it can be used for general pain, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramping, post-operative pain and more.
Be sure to talk with your healthcare providers before taking any supplements.
CHIROPRACTIC
SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Our Chiropractic care is comprehensive. Instead of just relying on joint manipulations, we look at the bigger picture of how your muscles, movement patterns, relate to your pain. When you collaborate with us, we will give you the tools and knowledge to understand these relationships, plus how to prevent and improve your pain beyond your appointments.
By helping you take your pain and healing process into your own hands, our patients see quicker results with longer-lasting relief.
These are some of the reasons why we are not your average Chiropractor.
ACUPUNCTURE
By mobilizing the body’s healing response, promoting the release of endorphins and endogenous opiates (your body’s own pain-killers), and regulating your brain’s stress response, Acupuncture works on both the body and mind to creates a solid foundation for sustainable relief.
Through our integrative and holistic approach, we can identify and treat the root causes to your pain—allowing for a complete healing process with lasting relief rather than masking it.
Learn more about Acupuncture for chronic pain, mental health, and related conditions in this overview of scientific research here.
So next time someone says “just take a Tylenol,” weigh its effects, do your own research, and talk to your healthcare provider so you can make the most informed decision for your well-being.
To learn more about how we can manage your pain safely and effectively, reach out with any questions.
SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTO
Hi, I’m Lauren Dyer, the Co-Founder and Doctor of Acupuncture here at Empower in New Gloucester, Maine.
I specialize in supporting those for Chronic Pain Management and Mental/Emotional Well-Being. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these are areas that not only relate to and reflect one another, but are also close to my heart. I consider myself lucky because I truly love Acupuncture and what I do. Getting to connect with others while empowering them to live with a renewed sense of relief, inner peace, and vitality are some of my greatest joys. So if you are struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, the residual effects of trauma, a difficult transition, or other related symptoms, I am here to help you navigate and own your healing process.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible or claiming to be responsible for any recommendations regarding the continuation or discontinuation of any of the pharmaceutical drugs mentioned. The information presented in this article is not meant to diagnose or replace the treatment for any medical condition. Please seek out professional care as needed.
SOURCES
A Mind of Your Own and Own Yourself by Dr. Kelly Brogan, MD
“Visible Small Intestine Mucosal Injury in Chronic NSAID Users” PMID: 15645405
“Curcumin” on Examine.com (Science-Based Nutrition & Supplement Information)
Acupuncture for Pain Relief: Research Summaries on Evidence-Based-Acupuncture
Our Top Health + Wellness Gift Guide
We are sharing our top health-conscious gift ideas inspired by our favorite brands. Whether you need ideas for the athlete in your life, the chef, or the clean-beauty obsessed, we’ve got you covered. Learn how each of these items promote wellness to earn a spot on our list.
by lauren dyer, dac
As if the holidays were not stressful enough, finding the perfect gift for those you love only adds to the pressure. Even if you want to take advantage of the sales and buy for yourself, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.
To make things easier, here are our Top Picks for holiday gifts inspired by our care and favorite brands. With an emphasis on quality, functionality, and experiences, each item is meant to elevate your health and nurture your well-being. Plus, everything included is something we personally use and trust—so you know it’s legitimate.
this ARTICLE contains links for some Companies we are affiliated witH. However all opinions are 100% our own and we are TRue fans of everything we choose to endorse. the brands featured are ones we want you to know about so you can benefiT from them too.
FOR THE CLEAN-BEAUTY CONNOISSEUR
BEAUTY COUNTER
This is a skincare company that places their customer’s health as their #1 priority. Their mission is simple but powerful: to get safer products into the hands of everyone because “beauty should be good for you.”
Beauty Counter has become the gold standard in the clean beauty movement because of their strict sourcing and production qualifications. In fact, there are over 1,500 harmful and questionable ingredients they forbid from their formulations (The Never List™) whereas the U.S. government restricts only 30 ingredients while Canada restricts more than 600 and the E.U. more than 1,400 ingredients. If you are wondering why such a disparity exists, here is an eye-opening statement from Founder/CEO Gregg Renfrew:
“Decades of studies indicate that serious health issues (including but not limited to asthma, cancer, and infertility) are on the rise and are due in some part to our ongoing exposure to toxic chemicals—whether it's in the shower, on our commute, while we eat lunch at a local restaurant, or when we clean our kitchens at home. There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market today. Many don't have any safety data. This is particularly true of those used in the skin care and beauty industry. What's worse is that the Food and Drug Administration (the agency that regulates cosmetics in the United States) does not have the authority to remove harmful ingredients from the products we put on our bodies and on our kids' bodies every single day, day after day.”
This brand don’t just advocate for change, they take action. Their founder recently testified as an expert witness in Congress for a landmark hearing on Cosmetic Reform, “the first time in 80 years since the U.S. government has passed legislation protecting consumers from harmful ingredients used in personal care and beauty products.” If passed, this bill would empower the FDA to screen ingredients and remove unsafe products from the market—finally.
When it comes to their products, there is something for everyone—men too . My everyday staples include their Dewy Skin Moisturizer, Charcoal Facial Mask, Vitamin C Facial Oil, Brow Gel, and Cream Highlighter. If you or someone you care about is wanting to make the switch to cruelty-free, safer beauty too, I cannot recommend Beauty Counter enough.
(NOT AFFILIATED, JUST OBSESSED)
FOR THE SELF-CARE ENTHUSIAST
FACIAL GUA SHA STONE & ROLLER SET
If you followed any major wellness blog in 2019, you have probably seen Gua Sha & Jade Rollers make a few appearances.
These Traditional Chinese Medicine tools have come into the spotlight for their ease of use and ability to smooth + sculpt facial muscles when paired with the right technique. Facial Gua Sha and Jade Rolling works by gently boosting blood flow to the skin, mobilizing connective tissue in the facial muscles, while stimulating the production of elastin + collagen. When done consistently, these tools can re-pattern the way the skin ages.
In Chinese Medicine, our face is a reflection of our life experiences, emotions, and internal health. Every line and wrinkle emerges from the consistent expressions of our lives and stories we tell ourselves. In that sense, our ability to glow and feel beautiful is truly and inside-out job.
Facial Gua Sha and Jade Rolling is also ideal if you get frequent headaches and jaw pain which can emerge from tension stored in the muscles of the face. It makes a soothing self-care ritual to start or end your day alongside your skincare routine (I prefer evening).
To find your own set, check out this review of the “10 Best Gua Sha Facial Tools” by Rank & Style. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but a nice resource to get you started.
I personally use the 6Babe Beauty Facial Bundle by expert Cosmetic Acupuncturist Amrit Singh, RAC in Toronto. Follow her Instagram (@6babebeauty) where she shares tutorials on her Highlights!
When it comes to proper use, you’ll need to learn the technique. So before trying it at home, check out Amrit’s videos or this How-To Video by Mind Body Green so you can get your glow on like a pro.
(Not affiliated, JUST sharing the love)
FOR THE FOODIE & CHEF
CLEAN COOKWARE
If you are like me and enjoy cooking, you probably know that using the right cookware for the job can make or break your meal. Nowadays with countless options on the market, there are bigger concerns like how safe (or not) non-stick cookware is, since not all are created equally. This scrutiny is in light of the FDA recently confirming “Toxic Nonstick Cookware Chemicals Are Contaminating Our Food and Water Supply.”
Here is an excerpt of their findings:
“The agency has been conducting studies on the prevalence of PFAS—a common chemical ingredient in nonstick pans—in various food and water sources. These chemicals (are used) as a means of repelling oil and water—but at the price of potentially leaching into our next meal […] The FDA presented its findings from three studies on the prevalence of PFAS at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry's [and] explained that these chemicals that have been widely used in nonstick cookware, contact paper, food packaging, cleaning products, and other industrial products have leached into our food and water supply, as well as contaminated our livestock and the sewage sludge used for fertilization. This is a serious problem as these “forever chemicals” are linked to liver damage, certain types of cancers, thyroid disease, infertility, high cholesterol…and several other serious health conditions.”
If you would like to switch to safer options, here is a reliable article on “The Best (and Worst) Cookware Materials” written by Chris Kresser, a fellow Acupuncturist and Functional Medicine expert. In summary the CLEANEST materials are: Cast Iron, Ceramic (Enamel), and Stainless Steel. The most TOXIC and questionable ones are: TEFLON (including cheap teflon replacements), COPPER (potentially less worriesome if stainless-steel lined), and ALUMINUM.
So whether you want to gift yourself or the beloved chef in your life some safe and quality cookware, now you know what to look for.
As for me, I’ll be adding some more Le Creuset to my kitchen this season.
(NOT AFFILIATED JUST A FAN)
FOR THE GO-GETTER + ORGANIZER
DAY DESIGNER PLANNER
This planner is a game-changer if you thrive on routine, structure, and organizing. Being “Type-A” is a badge I don’t mind wearing and if you can relate, neither should you. I began using Day Designer’s Planners at the start of 2019. When researching options, I was drawn to how different their layout was compared to most agendas. Instead of trying to fit your daily goals and to-dos in an inconveniently small rectangle that covers 1/4 of the page (since most planners cram Monday-Wednesday and Thursday-Sunday onto two pages), Day Designer’s layout is a breath of fresh air. They give you—get this—an ENTIRE PAGE for every day of the year. Genius.
Now, if you are thinking that’s unnecessary, I assure you it’s not. Their daily spread gives you a nice balance of structure and space. You have an area to list your “Top 3” priorities, a free-form section for listing your to-dos on paper as well as a hourly break-down to schedule-in more time sensitive tasks and appointments. I regularly used their “Don’t Forget,” “Dinner” and “Daily Gratitude” boxes too. After using Day Designer for a year now, I can confidently share how thankful I am for the ability to go about each day with clearer intentions and efficiency.
You can take a close-up look at their layout here.
As a bonus, these planners are just as durable as they are aesthetic: their brass binding, hardcovers, and chic patterns all convey how this brand is for those who are serious about planning (and living) their best life. Be sure to check them out and you can even sample their free printables before investing!
(NOT AFFILIATED, JUST OBSESSED—AGAIN)
FOR THE ATHLETE IN YOUR LIFE
WHOOP FITNESS TRACKER
Whoop is the next generation of fitness trackers. This all-in-one, light weight strap monitors your heart rate, calories burned, sleep (including the breakdown for how much of each stage you’re getting) plus Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to determine your daily strain and recovery levels.
What is HRV? It measures the time between individual heart beats, reflecting your central nervous system’s (CNS) response to stress. A high HRV is positive: it shows your CNS can easily shift out from a sympathetic “fight or flight” state to one that can “rest and digest.” Low HRV is seen in those with poorly managed chronic stress, where the CNS becomes stuck on high-alert, often associated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and cardiovascular issues. HRV is considered a new way to measure overall health and fitness—and it is a metric Whoop accounts for unlike other trackers on the market. To learn more about HRV and its benefits for athletes, read Whoop’s blog about it here.
Dr. Travis Dyer actually uses Whoop to optimize his training and loves it. As a clinician, competitive powerlifter, and coach, he always says “if it can’t be measured, it can’t be managed.” This is especially true when it comes to athletes looking to build strength or endurance while managing fatigue. It can be a hard balance to find which is why knowing the ins-and-outs of how your body works is, in his opinion, the key to performance. What sets Whoop apart is its ability to help you intuitively understand your strain + stress + sleep levels to optimize your performance.
Features any athlete will appreciate:
WHOOP LIVE: Record yourself your during a workout, going for a big lift, a sprint, etc. and see your metrics change in action.
STRAIN COACH: Know when to go all out and when to dial-it-back. Whoop’s Strain Coach lets you know what your exertion levels should be for your training that day based on your recovery.
SLEEP COACH: Find out what time you need to go to bed by and how many hours of sleep you need to recover from daily activities. You can alter these metrics based on whether you are trying to “Get By” “Perform” or “Peak.”
GET A FREE WHOOP 3.0 STRAP Plus $30 TOWARDS YOUR MEMBERSHIP WHEN YOU JOIN below:
(dR. TRAVIS Dyer IS A WHOOP member and ATHLETE)
FOR THE OVERWORKED & OVER-STRESSED
DAO LABS CHINESE HERBAL TEAS
If you’ve worked with us, you have probably heard us recommend DAO Labs as a way to compliment your care—and for good reason.
Each tea is a modern adaptation of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine but with better taste, delicious flavors, and hassle-free enjoyment: just pour in water, stir, and sip! We trust DAO Labs for our patients because they have the highest standards for quality control and sustainable sourcing—with third-party testing to ensure the integrity of each formula. All of their teas are made and tested in the USA without any artificial ingredients or fillers. They also donate a portion of each sale to Wildaid to end illegal wildlife trade.
The teas that we recommend (and our patients love the most) are:
EMOTIONAL BALANCE
Inspired by the calming, popular and powerful herbal blend Free & Easy Wanderer (Xiao Yao San), this formula is ideal for those with overwhelming stress and a tendency towards irritability. It is also beneficial for mood swings due and symptoms due to PMS.
MENTAL TRANQUILITY
Mental Tranquility is for the stressed sleeper whose mind won’t turn off in the night, leaving them stressed and restless—then fatigued the next day. Inspired by the classic Chinese herbal bled Return to Spleen (Gui Pi Tang), this natural, non-habit forming formula is for those with a tendency towards worry, daytime anxiousness, and a racing mind that makes it hard to fall asleep or fall-back to sleep if wakened during the night.
PHYSICAL TRANQUILITY
Physical Tranquility is for the physically restless and overheated sleeper, who wake repeatedly or toss and turn through the night, leaving them agitated the next morning. Inspired by the classic formula Emperor of Heaven Elixir (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan), this natural, non-habit forming sleep formula is designed to calm and cool the body during the night, delivering peaceful rest and more energy the next day. I also like to recommend this formula for women looking for relief from menopause-related hot flashes.
DIGESTIVE HARMONY
Digestive Harmony, inspired by the classic herbal blend Preserve Harmony Decoction (Bao He Wan) is a soothing yet powerful solution for balancing one’s stomach, upgrading digestive health, and generally delivering gut happiness when other western options have fallen short. It provides fast digestive balance and harmony after over-indulging, when you’re in an urgent digestive pinch, as well as daily support to keep your stomach settled.
I like to recommend this formula for those who get digestive disturbances that are clearly linked to (and worse with) stress. However, its also best for bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion/nausea after meals.
USE THE CODE *EMPOWER* AT CHECKOUT TO SAVE 10% ON YOUR FIRST ORDER!
WE ARE AFFILIATEs OF DAO LABS
FOR THE EXPERIENCE-SEEKER
GIFT A TREATMENT
SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTOGRAPHY
SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTOGRAPHY
If buying “stuff” is not your style and your loved ones would much rather have an experience dedicated to elevating their health, we would be grateful to serve them.
Our practice specializes in supporting those in our community with Chronic Pain, Sports Injuries, Chronic Stress, Burnout, Anxiety, Depression, Digestive Imbalances, and more. If you are wondering if we are the right practice for you, feel free to contact us.
HAVE A RESTFUL and HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON!
Disclaimer: Information contained in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, or replace the care for any health concern or medical condition. Please seek out professional advice from a licensed medical provider for any concerns you have.
Not Your Average Chiropractor
If you think all Chiropractors are the same, this article is for you. There is a reason why people drive from all over Maine to work with Dr. Travis Dyer.
“He’s not your average chiropractor.”
—Patient Testimonial
“If you have been used to visiting a clinic to sit down and have your chiropractor only crack you where it hurts, this is not the place for you.” —The Maine Business Review
You may have seen this quote in our patient’s reviews and social media posts.
But what does this even mean?
Aren’t all Chiropractors the same?
The short and definite answer is no, but let’s explain why…
Typically when people think of going to see a Chiropractor, they envision getting their spine “cracked” or “manipulated” but that’s pretty much it. They think the “adjustment” is the main purpose for the whole appointment. That’s because most Chiropractic offices are set up so that once you check in with reception, you go into a treatment room to have a heating pad or e-stim applied for a few minutes, sometimes by an assistant, before the doctor comes in to adjust you. At some offices, appointments are even shorter—you might be in a room with several other people and the doctor will go down the line adjusting everyone, hence the “rack and crack” treatment style name. Overall at these places, you can spend 10-15 minutes there, and be asked to return up to 3x/week for months receiving practically the same exact treatment.
Does this sound familiar? If you have had treatments like these you wouldn’t be alone: the majority of our patients who make their way to see us have described these scenarios as their only other experience with a Chiropractor.
But how effective is that style of care?
You might feel better for a few hours after treatment but the truth is, by only adjusting the joints, this type of treatment does not address the underlying muscular issues that are actually what cause joint restrictions and pain in the first place. After all, the joints are a “passive” system, meaning they do not move on their own. It’s the muscles that control the movement of your joints in the first place. So if you have been told that your spine is “out of alignment,” the real culprit is typically dysfunctional muscles causing joint restriction.
THIS is where our philosophy of care and treatment style deviates from the norm...
We know that painful conditions are rarely isolated in the joints, which is why Dr. Travis Dyer always looks at the bigger picture by:
Connecting what muscles are involved (just because you feel pain somewhere does not mean it’s from that spot—sometimes it is “referred pain” from up or down the kinetic chain)
Recognizing when (and what) muscle(s) requires stretching, strengthening, or stabilizing to improve the patient’s condition
Treating the involved muscle dysfunctions with therapies such as Active Release Technique, Soft Tissue Mobilization (including Instrument Assisted like “Graston”), and PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretches—basically, a fancy way of pre-fatiguing the muscle to get a better stretch reflex
Assessing problematic movement patterns and educating patients on corrective exercises to restore mobility and reduce pain
If this sound pretty time-consuming, it is!
Your first appointment with Dr. Travis Dyer is a full hour long, one-on-one with him the entire time. He will guide you through a full orthopedic and movement assessment to get a better understanding of your bio-mechanics and what is causing the pain. This allows him to formulate your treatment to your condition, which includes a lot of the soft tissue work mentioned above. He communicates with you about what he finds and how he would like to approach treating it.
But that's not all!
Sharyn Peavey Photography
During the last 10-15 minutes of your appointment, Dr. Dyer will give you stretches and exercises to perform at home (or at the gym) so YOU have the tools to prevent the problem from returning, or at least maintain relief until your next treatment. Sometimes at the very end , after all of that, he will adjust the area of the spine that needs it, because the joints still do become restricted. Follow up treatments are a half hour long and involve re-assessing, treating, and adding/changing exercises as needed to keep you progressing.
Treatments are always dynamic and adapted to what your condition requires that day.
So as you can see, his treatment style is comprehensive. This not only leads to quicker results and longer-lasting relief, but it also means less treatments are needed overall! Most treatment plans start at once a week and are resolved by the third to fifth treatment—NOT the typical “I’ll need to see you three times a week for six months” where you just hope for some improvement. Nope—not happening here!
That’s also why our practice is named Empower—it’s what we aim to do. We want to help you learn more about your body and how to care for it to make the most of your every day activities. We give you the ability to engage in your treatments and take control of your care plan instead of you handing the keys over to someone who intimidates you into some long-term treatment plan with minimal effort and results.
That is why Dr. Travis Dyer is “not your average Chiropractor.”
To schedule, book online below or call our office (207) 926 - 1375 to learn more!