Why millions of people take common pain relievers every day without realizing how inflammation, fatty acids, and the body’s own signaling system may influence heart health.
Millions of people take pain relievers every day.
Some take them for headaches. Others take them for joint pain, back pain, sore muscles, arthritis, or inflammation.
Most people assume these medications are harmless because they are sold in grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and supermarkets.
But growing research suggests that some commonly used pain relievers may increase the risk of:
-
- heart attack
- stroke
- high blood pressure
- heart failure
- kidney stress
- fluid retention [2,9]
At the same time, very few people have ever been taught about one of the body’s most important systems for helping regulate pain and inflammation naturally.
It is called the endocannabinoid (EN-doe-cuh-NAB-uh-noid) system.
This system may help explain why inflammation, stress, fatty acids, metabolism, food, and even cell membrane health are all connected.
Recent research also suggests that omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids help “program” the endocannabinoid system and influence how strongly it responds inside the body. [1,5,10]
Not All Pain Relievers Work the Same Way
Most people think all pain relievers work the same way.
They do not.
Some pain relievers reduce inflammation more directly throughout the body.
Others mainly affect pain and temperature pathways in the brain and nervous system.
Understanding this difference matters.
What Are Common Pain Relievers?
Many common pain relievers belong to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Common examples include:
-
- Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
- Naproxen (Aleve®)
- Aspirin (Bayer® Aspirin)
These drugs are often used to help reduce:
-
- pain
- swelling
- fever
- inflammation
NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenase (SIGH-kloh-OX-uh-juh-nase)-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase (SIGH-kloh-OX-uh-juh-nase)-2 (COX-2). These enzymes help produce substances called prostaglandins (pros-tuh-GLAN-dins), which are involved in pain and inflammation. [2,9]
When prostaglandins decrease, pain and swelling often decrease too.
That may sound like a good thing, and sometimes it is.
But inflammation is also part of the body’s natural defense and repair system.
The body uses inflammation to:
-
- respond to injury
- fight infection
- repair damaged tissue
- and send important signals throughout the body
When inflammation pathways are repeatedly blocked or altered, there may sometimes be unintended consequences involving:
-
- blood pressure
- circulation
- kidney function
- clotting balance
- and cardiovascular health [2,9]
This does not mean pain relievers are always bad.
It simply means the body’s systems are highly connected and more complicated than most people realize.
Not All Pain Relievers Reduce Inflammation the Same Way
Some pain relievers mainly affect inflammation pathways throughout the body.
Others work more through the brain and nervous system.
One of the most popular examples is Tylenol®.
Tylenol Works Differently
The active ingredient in Tylenol® is acetaminophen (uh-SEE-tuh-MIN-oh-fen). Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is not considered an NSAID.
It reduces:
-
- pain
- fever
But it does not strongly reduce inflammation throughout the body the same way ibuprofen does. [3]
Scientists still debate exactly how acetaminophen works, but researchers believe it may affect:
-
- pain pathways in the brain
- nervous system signaling
- serotonin pathways
- oxidative stress
- glutathione levels
- and possibly parts of the endocannabinoid system [3,11]
Think of it like this:
Ibuprofen works more like lowering the volume of inflammation alarms throughout the body.
Acetaminophen works more like changing how the brain perceives pain and temperature.
When Might Someone Choose NSAIDs vs. Acetaminophen?
Different pain relievers may work better for different situations.
NSAIDs are often used when inflammation appears to play a major role.
For example:
-
- joint swelling
- arthritis
- muscle inflammation
- menstrual cramps
- sports injuries
- and some migraines
may sometimes respond better to NSAIDs because these drugs reduce inflammation more directly. [2,9]
Acetaminophen is often used more for:
-
- headaches
- fever
- mild pain
- or situations where reducing inflammation is less important.
Because acetaminophen does not strongly reduce inflammation throughout the body, it may sometimes be considered gentler on:
-
- the stomach
- blood pressure
- and certain cardiovascular pathways. [3]
However, acetaminophen may place more stress on:
-
- glutathione pathways
- liver detoxification systems
- and oxidative stress balance when used excessively or long term. [3,11]
NSAIDs, on the other hand, may increase risk of:
-
- stomach irritation
- ulcers
- kidney stress
- fluid retention
- elevated blood pressure
- and cardiovascular complications in some people. [2,9]
This does not mean one option is always “good” or “bad.”
It simply highlights how differently these medications may affect the body.
Researchers now believe it is important to look beyond symptoms and ask deeper questions about what may be contributing to recurring pain and inflammation in the first place.
The Heart Risk Many People Never Hear About
Research over the years has shown that some pain relievers may increase cardiovascular risk in certain people. [2,9]
Researchers have linked some NSAIDs to increased risk of:
-
- heart attack
- stroke
- high blood pressure
- abnormal clotting
- fluid retention
- heart failure [2,9]
The risk may increase when:
-
- higher doses are used
- the drugs are taken frequently
- the drugs are taken long term
- a person already has cardiovascular disease
- a person has obesity
- a person has insulin resistance
- chronic inflammation is already present
One of the most famous examples was a pain reliever called Vioxx®. In 2004, it was removed from the market after studies linked it to increased cardiovascular events. [9]
Today, scientists continue to study how these drugs may affect:
-
- blood vessels
- kidney function
- blood pressure
- inflammation pathways
- clotting balance
Researchers are also learning that COX-2 pathways interact with the endocannabinoid system itself. Some studies suggest excess endocannabinoids may be converted by COX-2 into compounds that further promote inflammation. [4,11]
What Is the Endocannabinoid System?
Most people have never heard of the endocannabinoid system.
But your body depends on it every single day.
The name may sound complicated, but it is simple when broken down:
-
- “Endo” means inside the body.
- “Cannabinoid” means cannabis-like.
Your body naturally produces compounds that are similar to compounds found in the cannabis plant. These natural compounds are called endocannabinoids. [4,11]
They help regulate:
-
- pain
- inflammation
- appetite
- sleep
- mood
- memory
- stress
- immune response [4,11]
Think of the endocannabinoid system like the body’s balancing system or thermostat.
A thermostat helps keep the temperature balanced in your home.
The endocannabinoid system helps keep balance inside your body.
Scientists call this balance homeostasis (home-ee-oh-STAY-sis).
What Is a Receptor?
A receptor is like a tiny docking station or antenna found on cells throughout the body.
Its job is to receive messages and signals.
When the correct signal attaches to the receptor, the cell responds.
Think of it like:
-
- a key fitting into a lock
- or a text message being delivered to a phone
The receptor receives information and tells the cell what to do next.
Some receptors tell the body to:
-
- increase inflammation
- reduce pain
- store fat
- release hormones
- increase appetite
- calm the nervous system
The endocannabinoid system works through receptors that respond to the body’s own cannabis-like compounds. [4,6,11]
The Cannabinoid Receptors
The endocannabinoid system works through special receptors called cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2).
Cannabinoid Receptor 1
CB1 receptors are found mostly in the:
-
- brain
- nervous system
- spinal cord
These receptors help influence:
-
- pain signals
- appetite
- mood
- memory
- stress response [4,6,11]
Researchers now believe CB1 signaling also influences:
-
- fat storage
- insulin sensitivity
- liver fat production
- appetite regulation [6,7,8]
Researchers now believe that excessive CB1 activity in fat tissue and the liver may increase fat storage and make it harder for insulin to work properly. [6,7,8]
Cannabinoid Receptor 2
CB2 receptors are found mostly in the:
-
- immune system
- tissues
- organs
These receptors are more connected to:
-
- inflammation
- immune balance
- tissue repair [4,11]
Why Arachidonic Acid Matters
One of the most important fatty acids connected to the endocannabinoid system is arachidonic acid (uh-RACK-uh-DON-ick acid), also known as AA.
AA is an omega-6 fatty acid found in cell membranes throughout the body.
Your body uses AA to help produce important signaling compounds involved in:
-
- inflammation
- immunity
- blood clotting
- pain signaling
- endocannabinoids [1,4,5]
Think of AA like a raw material or ingredient the body uses to build signaling molecules.
One important endocannabinoid made from AA is called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Researchers now believe that excessive production of 2-AG may overstimulate CB1 pathways and contribute to:
-
- increased fat storage
- insulin resistance
- chronic inflammation
- metabolic dysfunction [1,6,7,8]
Researchers now believe chronic elevation of 2-AG may overstimulate CB1 pathways and interfere with healthy insulin signaling. [12]
Researchers also believe that high omega-6 intake, inflammation, chronic stress, and infections may all contribute to excess 2-AG production. [12]
Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Cellular Stress
Inflammation is only one part of the story.
Researchers now believe oxidative stress may also play a major role in pain, inflammation, metabolic health, and brain health. [3,5,11]
Oxidative stress happens when the body produces more unstable molecules, called free radicals, than it can properly control.
Think of free radicals like sparks coming from a fire.
A few sparks may be manageable.
Too many sparks may begin damaging nearby structures.
The body normally protects itself using antioxidants.
One of the body’s most important antioxidants is glutathione (gloo-tuh-THIGH-own).
Glutathione helps protect:
-
- cells
- mitochondria
- proteins
- fatty acids
- and cell membranes
from excessive oxidative stress.
Researchers now believe oxidative stress may influence:
-
- inflammation
- insulin resistance
- brain health
- aging
- mitochondrial function
- and endocannabinoid signaling pathways [3,5,11]
This is where the conversation around acetaminophen becomes important.
Acetaminophen, Oxidative Stress, and Brain Health
Researchers are also studying whether acetaminophen may influence:
-
- oxidative stress
- glutathione levels
- mitochondrial (my-toe-KON-dree-uhl) function
- inflammation pathways
- and neurodevelopment [3,11]
Glutathione is one of the body’s most important antioxidants.
Think of glutathione like the body’s internal fire extinguisher.
Its job is to help protect cells from excessive oxidative stress and damage.
When glutathione levels become too low, cells may become more vulnerable to:
-
- oxidative stress
- inflammation
- mitochondrial dysfunction
- cellular damage
Some researchers have explored possible associations between frequent acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy or early childhood and increased autism risk. [3]
This remains an evolving and controversial area of research.
At this time, researchers have not proven that acetaminophen directly causes autism.
However, some scientists believe oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, glutathione depletion, and altered endocannabinoid signaling may help explain possible associations being studied. [3,11]
How Pain Relievers and the Endocannabinoid System May Be Connected
Scientists now believe that inflammation pathways and the endocannabinoid system communicate with each other. [4,11]
In simple terms, the body’s pain and inflammation systems are connected like a giant communication network.
Pain relievers may block certain inflammation signals.
The endocannabinoid system may help regulate and balance many of those same pathways.
Think of the body like an orchestra.
Pain, inflammation, hormones, sleep, stress, metabolism, and immunity are all musicians playing together.
Pain relievers may quiet one section of the orchestra.
But the endocannabinoid system acts more like the conductor trying to keep everything balanced.
The Endocannabinoid System Is Built From Fatty Acids
One of the most important things most people do not realize is that the endocannabinoid system is heavily influenced by the types of fats found in the body. [1,5,10]
The body creates endocannabinoids from fatty acids stored inside cell membranes.
That means the quality of fats we eat may influence:
-
- inflammation
- metabolism
- insulin sensitivity
- brain signaling
- and even how strongly the endocannabinoid system responds [1,5,10,12]
Think of cell membranes like the walls of a house.
The materials used to build the walls affect:
-
- strength
- flexibility
- communication
- and overall function
Similarly, the fats stored in cell membranes help influence how cells communicate and respond throughout the body.
This is one reason researchers now pay so much attention to the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids Matter
The brain is made largely of fat, especially omega-3 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DOE-co-suh-HEX-uh-ee-NO-ick acid), also known as DHA.
Healthy omega-3 levels help support:
-
- brain development
- nervous system signaling
- cell membrane fluidity
- inflammation balance
- mitochondrial health
- communication between cells [5,10]
Researchers also believe that modern diets high in omega-6 fatty acids may overstimulate the endocannabinoid system, while omega-3 fatty acids may help support a healthier balance and even increase glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) activity. [10,12]
Researchers also believe that omega-6-rich seed oils may increase the raw material needed to produce more 2-AG. [12]
Researchers now believe fatty acid balance may influence:
-
- inflammation signaling
- cell membrane fluidity
- metabolic health
- insulin resistance
- endocannabinoid activity [1,5,6,7]
This is one reason the omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio matters so much.
Cell Membrane Fluidity and Cellular Communication
Every cell in your body has a membrane around it.
That membrane acts like both a protective wall and a communication center.
Healthy, flexible membranes help cells:
-
- communicate properly
- transport nutrients
- remove waste
- transfer oxygen
- produce energy more efficiently
Think of it like a healthy water balloon.
A flexible balloon moves and functions better than one that is old, stiff, and brittle.
Rigid cell membranes may interfere with communication and cellular function.
Researchers now believe omega-3 fatty acids play a major role in helping maintain healthy and flexible cell membranes. [1,5,10]
Without adequate omega-3 fatty acids in the cell membrane, membranes may become more rigid and less efficient at communication.
This may affect:
-
- hormone signaling
- insulin sensitivity
- glucose transport
- nervous system communication
- inflammation pathways
- mitochondrial function
- antioxidant activity
- and overall cellular performance [1,5,6,7,10]
Researchers also believe poor membrane function may interfere with signaling pathways involved in glutathione production and oxidative stress protection. [3,5,11]
Because endocannabinoids are produced from fatty acids in cell membranes, the health of the membranes themselves may influence how well these systems function. [1,5,10]
This is one reason why cell membrane fluidity may play an important role in overall wellness.
Why Cellular Communication Matters
Cells are constantly sending and receiving messages.
These messages help regulate:
-
- energy production
- inflammation
- blood sugar
- fat burning
- hormone activity
- immune function
- and metabolism
For communication to work properly, cells need healthy and flexible membranes.
If cell membranes become more rigid or unhealthy, communication between cells may become less efficient.
Think of it like trying to make a phone call with a weak signal.
The message may become distorted, delayed, or incomplete.
Researchers now believe poor cellular communication may contribute to:
-
- chronic inflammation
- insulin resistance
- metabolic dysfunction
- and reduced energy production [1,5,6,7]
This is one reason scientists are paying closer attention to the connections among fatty acids, cell membrane fluidity, inflammation, and metabolic health.
Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and the Bigger Picture
Researchers now believe insulin resistance may not simply be a glucose problem, but also a lipid-signaling problem connected to the endocannabinoid system. [12]
Researchers believe that chronic overstimulation of CB1 pathways may:
-
- increase fat storage
- reduce insulin sensitivity
- impair glucose transport
- increase oxidative stress
- contribute to beta-cell dysfunction in the pancreas [6,7,8]
Researchers also believe excess 2-AG signaling may interfere with insulin receptor communication, making it more difficult for glucose to enter cells efficiently. [6,7,8]
Think of insulin like a key trying to unlock the door of the cell so glucose can enter.
If the signaling system becomes damaged or disrupted, the key may no longer work efficiently.
That is one way insulin resistance may begin.
Supporting the Body Instead of Only Masking Symptoms
Modern health care often focuses on managing symptoms.
For example:
-
- headaches may lead to pain relievers
- acid reflux may lead to antacids
- fatigue may lead to stimulants
- low mood may lead to medications
- inflammation may lead to anti-inflammatory drugs
Sometimes these approaches are necessary and helpful.
But many people never stop to ask:
“Why is the body struggling in the first place?”
This may be one of the most important questions in health.
For example, instead of only asking:
“How do I increase glutathione?”
it may also help to ask:
“What is preventing the body from naturally producing and using glutathione efficiently?”
Researchers now believe factors such as:
-
- chronic inflammation
- oxidative stress
- insulin resistance
- poor sleep
- nutrient deficiencies
- omega-3 deficiency
- mitochondrial dysfunction
- and poor cell membrane fluidity
may all interfere with healthy cellular communication and normal antioxidant activity. [1,3,5,10,11]
Without healthy and flexible cell membranes, cells may struggle to:
-
- communicate efficiently
- respond properly to hormones
- transport nutrients
- regulate inflammation
- and maintain healthy metabolic function.
This is one reason why improving the cellular environment may be just as important as treating symptoms themselves.
Pain Is Often a Signal
Pain is not always the true problem.
Often, pain is a signal that something deeper may be happening inside the body.
The body may be responding to:
-
- inflammation
- oxidative stress
- poor sleep
- poor nutrition
- insulin resistance
- chronic stress
- lack of movement
- fatty acid imbalance
Pain relievers may sometimes reduce symptoms in the short term.
But reducing symptoms is not always the same as improving overall health.
Supporting Healthy Inflammation Balance Naturally
Healthy lifestyle habits may help support healthier inflammation pathways and metabolic health.
These include:
-
- regular movement
- healthy sleep
- stress reduction
- blood sugar stabilization
- improved omega-6 to omega-3 balance
- adequate omega-3 intake
- polyphenol-rich foods
- gut health support
- reducing ultra-processed foods [1,5,10]
Researchers also believe that:
-
- omega-3 fatty acids
- intermittent fasting
- polyphenols
- botanical compounds
may help support healthier endocannabinoid system balance. [12]
Testing may also help people better understand what is happening inside their body.
The BalanceTest is one way to measure:
-
- omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
- omega-3 index
- fatty acid balance
Many people are surprised to learn how imbalanced their fatty acid levels are.
Improving these markers may support healthier cell membrane function, balanced inflammation, and overall metabolic health.
Because omega-3s and cell membrane fluidity play such an important role in inflammation and signaling pathways, many people may benefit from measuring their omega-6 to omega-3 ratio instead of simply guessing.
The BalanceTest helps measure:
-
- omega-3 levels
- omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
- and fatty acid balance at the cellular level
Many clients who improve these markers using BalanceOil+ also report improvements in inflammation, energy, recovery, and overall wellness.
Questions or Want Help?
If you have questions about:
-
- inflammation
- omega-3 fatty acids
- insulin resistance
- metabolic health
- cell membrane fluidity
- or improving your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
you can email Robert Ferguson directly at:
You may also schedule a free consultation at:
Final Thoughts
The future of health may not simply be about blocking symptoms.
It may be about understanding how the body’s systems work together.
Pain, inflammation, metabolism, stress, fatty acids, and cell communication are all connected.
The more we understand these systems, the more opportunities we may have to support health naturally and intelligently.
References
-
- Alvheim, A. R., Malde, M. K., Osei-Hyiaman, D., Lin, Y. H., Pawlosky, R. J., Madsen, L., & Hibbeln, J. R. (2012). Dietary linoleic acid elevates endocannabinoid signaling and obesity in mice. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1821(10), 1560-1568.
- Bally, M., Dendukuri, N., Rich, B., Nadeau, L., Helin-Salmivaara, A., Garbe, E., & Brophy, J. M. (2017). Risk of acute myocardial infarction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in real world use: Bayesian meta-analysis of individual patient data. The British Medical Journal, 357, j1909.
- Borrelli, F., Fasolino, I., Romano, B., Capasso, R., Maiello, F., Coppola, D., & Izzo, A. A. (2015). Role of natural products in modulation of the endocannabinoid system. Phytotherapy Research, 29(1), 1-13.
- Di Marzo, V., & Matias, I. (2005). Endocannabinoid control of food intake and energy balance. Nature Neuroscience, 8(5), 585-589.
- Kim, H. Y., Lee, H. J., Chang, Y., & Kim, D. K. (2014). Omega-3 endocannabinoid epoxides regulate inflammation. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 289(44), 30412-30424.
- Kunos, G., Tam, J., Liu, J., & Osei-Hyiaman, D. (2008). Cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonists for cardiometabolic risk factors. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 7(8), 726-740.
- Liu, J., Gao, B., Mirshahi, F., Sanyal, A. J., Khanolkar, A. D., Makriyannis, A., & Kunos, G. (2012). Cannabinoid receptor 1 in obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism, 15(1), 57-64.
- Osei-Hyiaman, D., DePetrillo, M., Pacher, P., Liu, J., Radaeva, S., Bátkai, S., & Kunos, G. (2005). Endocannabinoid activation of hepatic cannabinoid receptor 1 stimulates fatty acid synthesis and contributes to diet-induced obesity. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 115(5), 1298-1305.
- Patrono, C., & Baigent, C. (2014). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the heart. Circulation, 129(8), 907-916.
- Simopoulos, A. P., & Paul, C. (2025). Addressing the omega-6 and omega-3 imbalance in the U.S. food supply. White paper submitted to the Office of the President and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: Signaling and function in the central nervous system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(3), 833.
- Paul, C. (2026). 2-Arachidonoylglycerol as a Central Lipid Signal in the Pathogenesis of Insulin Resistance: Mechanistic Integration of Endocannabinoid and Metabolic Pathways.
__________
Robert Ferguson is a California- and Florida-based single father of two daughters, clinical nutritionist, Omega Balancing Coach™, researcher, best-selling author, speaker, podcast and television host, health advisor, NAACP Image Award Nominee, creator of the Diet Free Life methodology, and Chief Nutrition Officer for iCoura Health. He also serves on the Presidential Task Force on Obesity for the National Medical Association and the Health and Product Advisory Board for Zinzino, Inc.
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