What kinds of Nutrition and Nature products can relieve Pain ?

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are essential nutrients derived from dietary intake of fats. They are an important source of energy for the body, and serve a variety of other biologic functions.

Greater dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has been linked to a reduction in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and has been shown to be beneficial for decreasing pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation), inflammatory bowl disease, and neuropathy (Tokuyama 2011). Conversely, excessive levels of omega-6 PUFAs, such as arachidonic acid, are associated with inflammatory activities, an effect that can be offset by the simultaneous consumption of omega-3 PUFAs (Surette 2008).

omega-6 fatty acid

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a plant-derived omega-6 most abundant in seeds of an Eastern flower known as borage. Although a member of the omega-6 family, it is metabolized differently than other omega-6s.

GLA plays an important role in modulating inflammation throughout the body, especially when incorporated into the membranes of immune system cells (Johnson 1997; Ziboh 2004). Early in 2010, a team of Taiwanese researchers discovered that GLA regulates the inflammatory “master molecule” nuclear factor-kappaB or Nf-kB, preventing it from switching on genes for inflammatory cytokines in cell nuclei (Chang 2010).

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an unsaturated fatty acid derived from plant seed oils, such as evening primrose and borage seed oils. A number of studies have suggested that it reduces inflammation and produces improvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Improvements include decreases in the duration of morning stiffness, joint pain and swelling, and the ability to reduce other medication usage (Rothman, 1995; Zurier, 1996; Leventhal, 1993). In addition GLA’s may be useful in the preventive approach to migraine headaches by reducing the severity, frequency and duration of migraine attacks (Wagner, 1997). Since GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid, it is optimally taken with a balance of omega-3s.

5-hydroxytrytophan is the precursor to tryptophan, which is converted to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pain and inflammation. Increasing tyrptophan levels in the body may help to reduce chronic pain and reduce episodes of migraine headaches in those who are predisposed to migraines (Nicolodi, 1999). Tryptophan is no longer available as a dietary supplement due to a history of contamination. However, foods that contain high levels of tryptophan include salmon, tuna, garbanzo beans, cashew nuts, sunflower seeds, turkey, yogurt, bananas and dairy products.

Vitamin deficiencies are associated with a variety of diseases, some of which (like neuropathy) may be painful. The recommended daily allowances of vitamins are calculated to prevent deficiency, and a vitamin supplement should be taken if the ability of the diet to provide these substances is in question.

Minerals also may have therapeutic uses. Zinc and copper may help in wound healing and reduce pain and inflammation (Honkanen, 1991, Lansdown, 1996). Magnesium is analgesic for neuropathic pain in animal studies (Begon, 2002) and has shown clinical benefit in the treatment of migraine, cluster and tension headaches (Peikert, 1996; Mauskop, 1996; Demirkaya, 2001). It is unclear whether magnesium can reduce pain related to surgery (Hoinig, 1998; Ko, 2001). Magnesium’s mechanism of action in pain management may be partly due to NMDA blockade (Begon, 2002).

Enzymes are substances that influence chemical reactions. Bromelain, a complex enzyme of pineapple, is commonly used in Europe as an anti-inflammatory compound for many forms of musculoskeletal injury, arthritis, cramps, post-surgery and post-traumatic swelling. It has been shown to be beneficial in reducing swelling, inflammation and pain by blocking the creation of proinflammatory compounds like prostaglandins, decreasing the production of kinins, and inhibiting fibrin production (Tasman, 1964). Although it is generally well tolerated, it can aggravate ulcers or esophagitis, and can interact with blood thinners (Meletis, 2000).

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate may favorably influence cartilage and have been studied as treatments for arthritis. Although some studies have had negative results, others suggest significant benefit from both these agents (McAlindon, 2000). Glucosamine sulfate has been shown to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis (Reginster, 2001; Muller-Fassbender, 1994) and temporomandibular joint pain (Thie, 2001). The onset of improvement may take from one to three months; side effects are mild (Fillmore, 1999). Chondroitin sulfate was shown to be significantly superior to placebo in reducing pain in osteoarthritic joints, producing at least 50% improvement compared to placebo (Leeb, 2000). Further studies are needed to clarify its role in the treatment of arthritis and other pain conditions.

Miscellaneous Natural Compounds

  • Curcumin – Curcumin is the major component of turmeric, a spice that gives Indian curry its distinct color and taste.
  • Ginger – Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe progressive muscle pain (Black 2010).
  • Proanthocyanidins – Proanthocyanidins (tannins) belong to a group of chemical compounds called “flavonoids”, which provide a variety of beneficial functions for humans (e.g., their well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory affect).
  • Melatonin – Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is synthesized by the pineal gland and regulated by the environmental light/dark cycle (Kaur 2011).
  • Methylsulfonylmethane – Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound (Debbi 2011) found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats. Among its many beneficial functions, MSM has been shown to display anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (AMR 2003).
  • Korean angelica – Decursinol is a medicinal compound found in the roots of the Korean flower called Angelica gigasNakai (Korean angelica) (Song 2011).
  • Capsaicin – Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spicy taste, also has medicinal value as an over-the-counter topical pain reliever.
  • DL-Phenylalanine – While L-phenylalanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is a precursor to dopamine and related neurotransmitters (Fernstrom 2007), D-phenylalanine appears to slow metabolic breakdown of endogenous opioids (Kitade 1990).

Minerals also may have therapeutic uses. Zinc and copper may help in wound healing and reduce pain and inflammation (Honkanen, 1991, Lansdown, 1996). Magnesium is analgesic for neuropathic pain in animal studies (Begon, 2002) and has shown clinical benefit in the treatment of migraine, cluster and tension headaches (Peikert, 1996; Mauskop, 1996; Demirkaya, 2001). It is unclear whether magnesium can reduce pain related to surgery (Hoinig, 1998; Ko, 2001). Magnesium’s mechanism of action in pain management may be partly due to NMDA blockade (Begon, 2002).

Enzymes are substances that influence chemical reactions. Bromelain, a complex enzyme of pineapple, is commonly used in Europe as an anti-inflammatory compound for many forms of musculoskeletal injury, arthritis, cramps, post-surgery and post-traumatic swelling. It has been shown to be beneficial in reducing swelling, inflammation and pain by blocking the creation of proinflammatory compounds like prostaglandins, decreasing the production of kinins, and inhibiting fibrin production (Tasman, 1964). Although it is generally well tolerated, it can aggravate ulcers or esophagitis, and can interact with blood thinners (Meletis, 2000).

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate may favorably influence cartilage and have been studied as treatments for arthritis. Although some studies have had negative results, others suggest significant benefit from both these agents (McAlindon, 2000). Glucosamine sulfate has been shown to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis (Reginster, 2001; Muller-Fassbender, 1994) and temporomandibular joint pain (Thie, 2001). The onset of improvement may take from one to three months; side effects are mild (Fillmore, 1999). Chondroitin sulfate was shown to be significantly superior to placebo in reducing pain in osteoarthritic joints, producing at least 50% improvement compared to placebo (Leeb, 2000). Further studies are needed to clarify its role in the treatment of arthritis and other pain conditions.

 

 

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