Tylenol Linked to High Rates of Asthma in Children

There is an epidemic of asthma in American children.  A new study of over 300,000 children is sounding alarm bells and indicates that Tylenol¹ use may be at least partly to blame.  One dose of Tylenol in the past 12 months was associated with a 43% increased risk of developing asthma.  Higher use was associated with a whopping 240% increased risk.  Even over-the-counter drugs are proving their dangers.

It is well known that Tylenol depletes the core antioxidant enzyme in the human body called glutathione.  This is why the antioxidant nutrient N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), which is known to boost the production of cellular glutathione, is the standard medical remedy for Tylenol overdose.

However, this study suggests that depleting the antioxidant system with Tylenol as commonly prescribed also depletes this important antioxidant system thereby setting up asthma risk. As I have explained in previous articles, the risk is higher in children who over-consume sugar or have recently been treated with antibiotics, because asthma is readily caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans.

There are obviously situations where the pain-suppressing effect of Tylenol is more helpful in the short-term than the pain.  It would also be a goal not to get into repetitive Tylenol use as a tool to manage a health situation. 

Glutathione is restored by ensuring adequate antioxidants that support the status of glutathione within cells.  Since glutathione does not cross cell membranes as a dietary supplement, it requires that you take antioxidants that help to make it inside your cells.  N-acetyl cysteine is a top choice.  R-alpha lipoic acid, quercetin, silymarin, vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin E are all helpful.  As a basic foundation of health, it is a good idea to have the synergistic antioxidant team on board — which is rooted in a diet of fresh foods.  Based on this new study, to prevent immune system dysfunction that can lead to asthma, parents should give antioxidants to any child who has used Tylenol.