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{{DISPLAYTITLE: NSAIDs (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen) for runners, impairs healing and interferes with hydration}}
[[File:Extra Strength Tylenol and Tylenol PM.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Acetaminophen (brand names Tylenol, aspirin-free Anacin, Excedrin, and numerous cold medicines)]]
NSAIDs are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, the most common are Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Acetaminophen (Tylenol, aspirin-free Anacin, Excedrin, and numerous cold medicines) and Aspirin. They work by inhibiting a particular enzyme ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclooxygenase|Cyclooxygenase]) which reduces pain, fever and inflammation. NSAIDs are generally bad for runners, impairing healing, masking symptoms, interfering with hydration and in extreme situations can be life threatening. Ibuprofen use is so common among runners that it is sometimes called "Vitamin I"<ref name="VitaminI"/>.
==NSAIDs and Healing==
The inflammation response of our bodies is a key part of the healing process. Using NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation has been shown to impair healing in different tissue types:
