On Taking Food With Ibuprofen and Other NSAIDS

Greetings, I understand that the risk of GI bleeding from this drug (and class of drugs) is due to the combined effect of reducing platelet aggregation and blocking of the COX-1 enzyme which normally is involved in formation of materials that protect the stomach lining. I presume that both these effects act through the bloodstream. If that is so, I am a bit incredulous at the instruction to not take them on an empty stomach. What difference could this make in protecting the patient from GI bleeding risk? Michael