Scientists suggest that aspirin prevents premature aging. And it has a therapeutic effect in a dozen other diseases. The active ingredient of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. It began to be widely used in the twentieth century. And all points to the fact that aspirin will become a universal tool for treating many diseases of the twenty-first century.
Over the years, aspirin has been known as an anti-inflammatory analgesic. However, not so long ago, an amazing property was discovered - mitigation of the consequences of a heart attack, and even its prevention. There are increasing reports of a prophylactic and therapeutic effect of aspirin for the treatment of cancer and many neurological diseases associated with changes in the brain. And do not forget that it prevents premature aging. Therefore, it is not surprising that a well-known aspirin, which turned 100 years old, can become the most universal medicine of all time.
How it works? Aspirin in the body inhibits the production of prostaglandins - compounds responsible for the body's reactions to infections and injuries. They increase blood coagulability, reduce sensitivity to pain and strengthen the immune response in inflammations. Unfortunately, recent studies show that inflammatory processes can underlie various diseases: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, venous thrombosis, and many cancers (including lungs, breast, cervix, colon, prostate, skin). The anti-cancer effect of aspirin has recently been scientifically confirmed. Scientists have found that it also reduces the secretion of the enzyme, which is produced in excess in cancer cells, which leads to their rapid growth.
There is nothing perfect. It may seem that every one of us should swallow an aspirin tablet daily for preventive purposes from now on? It's not exactly true! Despite its useful properties, aspirin is not completely safe. Aspirin interferes with the mechanism of blood clotting, which can threaten bleeding, especially from the gastrointestinal tract. If you take aspirin for a long time, it causes irritation and even damage to the inner surface of the stomach and duodenum (peptic ulcer is a contraindication to the use of this drug.) There are also people who are sensitive to aspirin - after taking the drug with them, an acute asthma attack can occur. It also appears that a certain group of medical drugs, which include aspirin, can weaken the effect of certain drugs to lower blood pressure. Therefore, before making a decision about regular intake of aspirin, you should always consult with your doctor. Only he can prescribe a suitable safe dosage. Check also if there are any contraindications for taking this medication.
The proven therapeutic effect of aspirin. In the world, scientific work is carried out, which shows in what diseases, known medicine, aspirin can be effective. In the 80's and 90's of the twentieth century there is no doubt that aspirin has a beneficial effect on our heart. Today, aspirin is prescribed as one of the main medicines for ischemic heart disease. Why? Even small doses of aspirin counteract the adhesion of platelets. If this process is not slowed down, it can lead to the formation of dangerous thrombi in the blood vessels, which are the most common cause of heart attack or stroke.
A heart attack. Aspirin is given if there are signs of a heart attack. First, the risk of a patient's death is reduced by 25 percent. Secondly, aspirin also halves the likelihood of the next attack. Doctors recommend that patients with suspected myocardial infarction take aspirin with a shock dose of 300 mg. As a preventive measure, aspirin should be taken by anyone who is at risk for heart attacks.
If you do not take preventive measures, blocking blood vessels can lead to brain hypoxia and damage to nerve cells, or to ischemic stroke. Studies conducted by specialists from Brown University in Rhode Island (USA) confirm previous findings: Even low doses of aspirin taken regularly for several years reduce the risk of stroke caused by blockage of the artery - especially in those who have already experienced a stroke .
However, research continues. Scientists have identified ten new ways to use aspirin, which are high hopes.
Mammary cancer. Professor Randall Harris of the University of Ohio conducted a series of studies. It is clear from studies that if you take at least 2 tablets of aspirin a week (about 100 mg) for 5-9 years, then the risk of getting this type of cancer decreases by an average of 20 percent.
Cancer of the larynx. Regular intake of small doses of aspirin can reduce the risk of cancer of the mouth, larynx and esophagus by as much as 70 percent! These are the data obtained by scientists from the Italian Institute of Medical Research in Milan.
Leukemia. Aspirin can protect adults from this disease if you take the medicine only twice a week - say researchers from the University of Minnesota.
Ovarian cancer. It was proved (but so far only in the laboratory) that aspirin reduces the growth of ovarian cancer cells by 68 percent. Higher doses were added directly to the cell culture - in this case the effect was even more pronounced. The research was conducted by a team of researchers from the College of Medicine in Florida.
Pancreas cancer. Scientists from the University of Public Health of Minnesota said that it is enough to take aspirin 2-5 times a week to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 40 percent.
Lungs' cancer. Aspirin reduces the incidence of cancer in women. Researchers from the University of New York believe that its use prevents genetic changes in the cells of the epithelium of the respiratory tract, which can provoke a cancerous process.
Staphylococcus aureus. These are very dangerous bacteria, which quickly adapt to antibiotics. It turns out that they are very sensitive to aspirin. Its administration prevents the staphylococci from sticking to human cells and destroying the body. So said the researcher Dartmouth from the School of Medicine in the United States.
Alzheimer's disease. Aspirin delays the appearance of the disease. So scientists from Seattle, who are headed by Dr. John, believe. It was found that patients who receive aspirin for more than 2 years, reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by half.
Cataract. Doctors from the UK recently discovered that aspirin can reduce by 40 percent the risk of developing cataracts, which is the main cause of blindness in the elderly.
Parkinson's disease. Those who are taking aspirin on a regular basis are 45 percent less vulnerable to the disease. Evidence was demonstrated by scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health. T
Aspirin - tablets are not for children! Do not give aspirin to children under 12! Very rarely, but there are severe complications after taking aspirin in children. There are symptoms of a brain tumor, vomiting, loss of consciousness. In severe cases, this can lead to brain damage and even the death of the child. Parents should remember that they should keep aspirin away from children. And be sure to ensure that aspirin is not in the composition of other medicines. Especially those that are sold without a prescription.
Aspirin, preventing premature aging, also works beneficially against many diseases. But before you start taking it on a regular basis, be sure to consult a doctor. After all, there are very dangerous contraindications.