What Doctors Don't Tell You* Take it with liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Certain flavonoids in liquorice extract are called ‘DGL’ (deglycyrrhizinated liquorice). These can help to avoid the usual irritating effect of NSAIDs on the stomach and intestines. According to one study, 350 mg of chewable DGL with each dose of aspirin reduced gastrointestinal bleeding (Scand J Gastroenterol, 1979; 14: 605-7). If you do have ulcers from NSAIDs, DGL has been shown to be as effective as cimetidine in healing stomach ulcers (Gut, 1982; 23: 545-51).
* Avoid supplementing with copper, which significantly boosts the effects of the drug (J Med Chem, 1976; 19: 135-48), with iron, which can cause further gut irritation, and with potassium, as blood-potassium levels are increased in patients taking NSAIDs.
Daniel Redwood DC
Tom Ferguson MD
