Aspirin
Aspirin saved my ass more times than I am proud to admit, and it is one of the first things I reach for when I am sick.
It is cheap, easily available over the counter worldwide, and in our modern toxic world may serve as a powerful tool against inflammation and stress.
In this article, I will review the benefits of aspirin based on scientific research and my personal experience.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice.
Aspirin is mainly known for its anticoagulant effect, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. It inhibits the inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) by donating it's acetyl group.
[PMID: 23384979, 32371071]
These enzymes convert the omega-6 fatty acid metabolite Arachidonic Acid into highly toxic inflammatory mediators
Prostaglandins (PGE1–3, PGD1–2, PGF1–3α, PGI1–3, PGA2)
Thromboxanes (TXA1–3, TXB1–3)
Leukotrienes (LTB3–5, LTC4, LTD4, LTE4, 5-HETE)
[PMID: 37746665]
These metabolites promote the release of
Lipoxygenase-derived mediators (12-HETE, 15-HETE, 5-oxo-ETE)
Interleukins (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9)
Which in turn further activate COX and LOX, forming a powerful inflammatory loop. This cascade is estimated to account for approximately 60–80% of the total inflammatory response and damage.
These COX- and LOX-derived mediators are also deeply involved in a wide range of pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, asthma, fever, cancer, and diabetes.
[PMID: 3488620, 3258319, 9679667, 6301011, 22187483, 21508345, 17167474, 9737710]
Estrogen and serotonin are two hormones that, as I discussed in previous posts, are involved in many diseases.
To my surprise, aspirin has been found to lower estrogen by inhibiting aromatase
[PMID: 40464588, 15687328]
And to block serotonin creation by inhibiting TPH
[PMID: 31629717]
Nitric oxide is a toxic substance that rises in disease, stimulates cortisol production, and activates COX and LOX.
[PMID: 9951625, 9394493]
Aspirin helps to block its creation
[PMID: 7544010, 10092995]
NF-κB is a strong inflammatory mediator that causes nitric oxide production.
Aspirin blocks it as well
[PMID: 15987633]
If you consider our body as a whole metabolic system, then blocking inflammation should improve metabolism.
You can probably see where I am going with that.
Aspirin improved glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetics
[PMID: 12021247]
If aspirin actually helps with glucose metabolism, one could suspect it should increase physical performance, and apparently it does.
Not only by improving endurance and lowering pain during exercise, but also by lowering lactate during exercise.
[PMID: 18824931, 32269652]
Researchers looked into the benefits of exercise in multiple sclerosis and concluded
“Aspirin is an effective pretreatment for exercise in multiple sclerosis”
[PMID: 29076760]
If you live in a city, smoke, or are exposed to pollution, your lungs work overtime.
Aspirin helps to mitigate those effects and increase
FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) and FVC (forced vital capacity)
These measures are known to be lower in asthma, fibrosis, and lung dysfunction.
[PMID: 31553629, 26396235]
Researchers compared aspirin and Cialis for vascular erectile dysfunction.
Aspirin was as effective as Cialis.
[PMID: 31230261]
The dosages in the studies I provided ranged from 100 mg to 1 g daily.
Usually, it is recommended to begin with the lower dose and increase it slowly to let the body acclimate.
Make sure it says on your aspirin “acetylsalicylic acid”, as the acetyl group is key in COX and LOX inhibition.
Coated aspirin is shitty, and I take the uncoated form.
Aspirin is an amazing molecule so Use but don't Abuse.
I'll end this article with a quote by Raymond Peat PhD
"I think it's important that we don't allow the drug publicists to obscure the broad importance of substances such as aspirin, vitamin E, progesterone, and thyroid. For 60 years, a myth that was created to sell estrogen has harmed both science and the health of many people."
Hope you enjoyed, stay safe and educated.
#Aspirin #RayPeat #Bioenergetics #ProMetabolic #AntiInflammatory #Metabolism #PUFA #Health #Nutrition #Inflammation #Wellness #Biohacking