Ibuprofen has an anti-inflammatory effect. Tylenol (acetaminophen) does not. It's my opnion that you shouldn't just take it out of habit, pop it like candy, etc. It can have side effects, like stomach bleeding.

Jansd is correct, use it but don't abuse it. I take an anti-inflammatory dose before my long runs (15 miles plus), but rarely any other time.

Tom

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quote:<HR>Originally posted by figbash:
Jansd is correct, use it but don't abuse it. I take an anti-inflammatory dose before my long runs (15 miles plus), but rarely any other time.

Tom

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Tom - before the runs. Isn't that the worst time to take it due to its stress on the liver?

I am addicted to running and (shamefully) Vitamin "M". Motrin=ibuprofen. I actually have a pretty good diet...think it's the age.

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I believe taking ibuprofen makes me retain water. Does it do this to anyone else??

I've taken several NSAIDs such as Advil, Alleve and Etodolac and they all make me retain water.

Supposedly this is not good: by imparing water loss by the kidneys hyponatremia (low blood sodium level) can result. Prior to the Walt Disney World marathon, Disney published a warning in the marathon program NOT to take any NSAIDs 24 hours before the race until 48 hours after because of this.

But if you search the web, this is apparently a matter of debate amongst physicians. Better be safe than sorry.

Nice reply Herbalist. I'm not saying your diet ideas are necessarily bad, however as BTN suggests following an "anti-inflammatory diet" will not necessarily obviate the need/want for additional anti-inflammatory support when needed.
To the point of the original post what do you do if you are sore after a race/hard run? Certainly you can rest, ice etc. I and many others believe anti-inflammatories can be quite helpful when used judiciously. I am unaware of any diet or supplements that are as effective as Ibuprofen and other oral medications. This was taken directly from the New Chapter webpage
Zyflamend® is not a drug product that is intended as an alternative to prescription anti-inflammatories. We suggest that you consult your health care professional if you suffer from pain and inflammation associated with arthritis

If you find supplements effective for you that is great. However "natural" supplements are not without side effects. Quercetin which you mention in your original post can interact with some chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics. I often see people buy supplements at GNC assuming they are "safe." For the most part they are however there are many instances of supplements not containing what they claim and containing other substances you might not be expecting. Just today I had a patient with a shellfish allergy buy glucosamine on a neighbors reccomendation. He was fortunate to recognize the problem before taking the glucosamine. This why I suggest checking with your doctor if you are unsure about the safety of any supplement or medication in reference to your overall health.
In reference to the glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate debate it is true the study was examining pain control. In my experience most people take it for pain control. If you take it to maintain/repair cartilage more power to you. Bear in mind you are spending alot of money on a belief not supported by any scientific evidence. Until there is I will not be reccommending it to my patients. Having been in the arthritis business for some time I have seen many cures and remedies for arthritis come and go. We all hope one day one will prove effective. However for now I believe taking glucosamine to build/maintain cartilage is analogous to simply eating steak to build/maintain muscle.