Aspirin is a common pharmaceutical that we have in our medicine cabinets that is typically used to ease pain and lower fevers. But recently, it has gained attention for its potential to prevent many health problems. New evidence suggests that taking a small dose of aspirin every day might help keep you healthy and avoid visits to the doctor.
Keep inflammation at bay
Aspirin employs a biomechanism that can help stop the production of things in our body that cause inflammation. When we take aspirin, it can help reduce the risk of getting sick with diseases like heart problems, cancer, and conditions that affect the brain.
For a healthy heart
One of the most well-established benefits of daily aspirin intake is its role in cardiovascular health. Aspirin works as a blood thinner, which inhibits the formation of blood clots. This property can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in individuals at high risk due to factors such as hypertension or a previous history of cardiovascular events.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that taking a low dose of aspirin can help prevent a first heart attack by 44% in men and 25% in women. It also lowered the risk of a first stroke by 32%. These results show how important aspirin can be in reducing heart problems and death.
Cancer prevention
Up-and-coming research also suggests that aspirin might help prevent cancer. Studies show that taking aspirin regularly can lower the risk of getting certain types of cancer, like colon cancer, which is gaining prevalence among the younger generations (i.e., 20- and 30-year-olds). Scientists are still trying to figure out how aspirin works to prevent cancer, but it might be because it reduces inflammation and stops cancer cells from growing.
A study published in The Lancet found that taking aspirin for a long time can lower the risk of getting colorectal cancer by 24%. Other studies suggest that aspirin may also help protect against other types of cancer, such as esophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer.
Some precautions to take
If you are considering a daily dose of aspirin, there are some important things to keep in mind. While it can have some good effects, it can also cause stomach problems and might not be right for everyone. If you have a history of bleeding problems or ulcers, or you are allergic to aspirin, you should talk to your doctor before starting to take it.
