How does a headache tablet know where it hurts?

How does a headache tablet know where it hurts?

From Ask the Naked Scientists by Dr Chris Smith

May 29, 2026 · 24 min · Episode 790

About this episode

This episode explores various questions related to headaches, water consumption, and bodily functions.

Does water boiled in a microwave oven taste different from kettle-heated water? How long does it take the body to absorb a drink of water? Does too much water cause a kidney problem? What are essential fatty acids? Why do farts linger longer in the shower? What's better for your body, hot water, cold water, or warm water? How does the body know to swallow a drink and breathe air? How does an aspirin know where it hurts? And how does the anus tell a fart from a shart? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

People in this episode

Host: Dr Chris Smith

Topics covered

  • headaches
  • water absorption
  • kidney health
  • essential fatty acids
  • digestive health
  • temperature of water
  • body functions

Keywords

  • headache tablet
  • water absorption
  • kidney problems
  • essential fatty acids
  • farts
  • swallowing
  • breathing

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