Andrew Huberman on Aspirin
6 episodes · 7 references · 2021–2025
- Huberman is broadly cautious about aspirin and NSAIDs, warning they can blunt exercise gains, disrupt sleep, and interfere with beneficial inflammation. - He personally avoids painkillers but occasionally takes aspirin, suggesting minimal and reluctant use. - No specific dosing guidance or health benefits discussed; his references focus almost entirely on downsides.
Consumption
- Huberman says he personally likes to avoid painkillers unless necessary. - He mentions taking aspirin "every once in a while" but provides no specific dose or frequency. - No brand, form (tablet, buffered, etc.), or routine schedule is described.
Best Practices
- Huberman advises avoiding NSAIDs including aspirin within 4 hours before or after exercise. - The concern is that anti-inflammatories blunt the adaptive response exercise is meant to trigger. - No positive use-case timing or recommended dose is provided.
Cautions
- NSAIDs like aspirin can reduce gains in endurance, strength, and muscle size from exercise by blocking beneficial inflammation. - Aspirin shifts circadian rhythm and disrupts REM sleep, even at a single dose. - Early use of anti-inflammatories after injury may impair healing by suppressing the inflammatory phase the body needs.
