# Ray Peat on Aspirin vs Ibuprofen: Which Did He Prefer?

By Dr. Benedicte Lerche · Pro-Metabolic Health · Published 2026-10-04

> Ray Peat preferred aspirin over ibuprofen for its broader protective effects on metabolism. Learn why, and what he thought about Tylenol.

Dr. Ray Peat generally preferred aspirin over ibuprofen. Both reduce inflammatory prostaglandins, but in his view aspirin has broader protective effects on metabolism: it supports mitochondrial energy production, lowers stress-related free fatty acids, and has a long history of use. He was far more cautious about acetaminophen (Tylenol), which he considered harmful to the liver.

## Why do people compare aspirin and ibuprofen?

Both are anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs). They lower the production of prostaglandins, signalling molecules involved in pain, swelling and fever. Ray Peat looked at them differently: not just as painkillers, but by their effects on the body's energy metabolism.

## What is the standard view?

In conventional medicine, aspirin is mainly used in low doses to prevent blood clots, and ibuprofen is often preferred for pain and inflammation. Both can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of bleeding, so long-term use is usually discouraged without medical supervision.

## My view, inspired by Dr. Ray Peat

In Ray Peat's bioenergetic view, inflammation is closely linked to stress and low metabolic energy. He saw aspirin as more than a painkiller:

-   **It protects energy production.** Aspirin was, in his view, protective of mitochondrial function and helped cells use energy efficiently.
-   **It lowers stress-related fatty acids.** Aspirin reduces the release of free fatty acids, especially [polyunsaturated fats](/blog/polyunsaturated-fats-thyroid-ray-peat), during stress. Peat considered these fats a major driver of inflammation and low thyroid function.
-   **It has a long track record.** Aspirin is derived from salicylic acid, found naturally in plants such as willow bark, and has been used for over a century.

Ibuprofen also reduces prostaglandins, and Ray Peat acknowledged anti-inflammatory benefits from that. But it does not share aspirin's broader metabolic effects, so he saw it as a narrower tool.

## What about acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Ray Peat was clearly critical of acetaminophen. It is not an anti-inflammatory in the same way, and it depletes glutathione, the liver's main protective antioxidant, which can stress the liver.

## Is aspirin safe for everyone?

No. Aspirin can irritate the stomach, increase bleeding risk, and interact with blood thinners and other medications. It must not be given to children or teenagers with viral infections because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Always talk to your doctor before using aspirin or any other painkiller regularly.

## Learn more

Inflammation, thyroid function and hormones are closely connected. In my book \[Book title\] and my course \[Course name\], I explain how to support your metabolism and lower inflammation in a bioenergetic way.

-   [Chronic Inflammation: Causes & a Pro-Metabolic Approach](/blog/inflammation-ray-peat)
-   [Who Was Ray Peat? Life, Ideas & Bioenergetic Diet](/blog/who-is-dr-ray-peat)

You can learn more about the safe use of aspirin in my [Bioenergetic Supplements™](/courses/bioenergetic-supplements) course.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Did Ray Peat take aspirin?

Ray Peat spoke positively about aspirin and considered it one of the most useful and protective substances available, when used sensibly.

### Is ibuprofen bad according to Ray Peat?

Not bad as such. It reduces inflammatory prostaglandins too, but in his view it lacks aspirin's broader protective effects on metabolism.

### What did Ray Peat say about Tylenol?

He was critical of acetaminophen (Tylenol), mainly because it depletes glutathione and can stress the liver.

## Related articles

-   [How to Fight Chronic Inflammation: A Pro-Metabolic Perspective](/blog/inflammation-ray-peat)
-   [Who Is Dr. Ray Peat?](/blog/who-is-dr-ray-peat)
-   [Do Vegetable Oils Harm Your Thyroid? The Truth About Polyunsaturated Fats](/blog/polyunsaturated-fats-thyroid-ray-peat)

**Tags:** Ray Peat, aspirin, ibuprofen, inflammation, pro-metabolic

Source: https://biochemnordic.com/blog/ray-peat-aspirin-ibuprofen