Are you popping Tylenol or other acetaminophen-containing medications like candy? Many people don’t realize how strong acetaminophen is and the risk for side effects that come with it.
The western world has trained us to avoid pain and even potential pain at any cost. However, acetaminophen is hard to avoid even if you wanted to, considering it is in 600+ medications. If you’re a woman who is pregnant, breastfeeding or preparing for pregnancy, you’re going to want to check your labels for acetaminophen.
According to the Journal, Nature Reviews Endocrinology, prenatal exposure to acetaminophen can affect fetal development and increase risk of neurological, urogenital, and reproductive development in growing babies and can lead to acute liver failure in children and adults.
One of the primary reasons for not taking Tylenol or acetaminophen is that it decreases glutathione production, our body’s master antioxidant. As glutathione production goes down, the risk for disease and dysfunction goes up. Our bodies start aging faster when we have low glutathione production.
If you are taking Tylenol for headaches or migraines, you may first want to rule out an iron deficiency. Low iron can definitely cause headaches and even migraines. This is because iron affects oxygen transmission, electron storage and transport, neurotransmitter metabolism (like serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), DNA synthesis and a host of other energy related processes. Please be sure to get your iron and ferritin levels checked and keep them optimized to enjoy the benefits of an iron- optimized brain.
For headaches, muscle aches or cramps, you may want to try Magnesium as it supports muscle recovery, stress management and general relaxation.
Talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking that contain acetaminophen and request an alternative medication or supplement.
