CHRONIC PAIN
Description
Body System
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1. Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses, which are crucial in managing chronic pain. Adequate levels may help alleviate symptoms in conditions involving inflammatory pain.
2. Benfotiamine: Benfotiamine improves nerve function and helps reduce pain associated with neuropathy by increasing nerve conduction and lowering HbA1c levels, making it effective for managing chronic neuropathic pain.
3. Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce pain by lowering inflammatory markers like cytokines, which are often elevated in chronic conditions. This helps alleviate pain and promote overall well-being.
4. Curcumin: Curcumin alleviates pain by inhibiting inflammatory pathways like the COX-2 enzyme and NF-kB, which are responsible for inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Magnesium: Magnesium blocks NMDA receptors involved in pain transmission, reducing pain sensitivity and promoting muscle relaxation, making it effective for managing chronic pain.
1. Stinging Nettle Extract: Stinging nettle contains flavonoids and other compounds that provide pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it useful for managing chronic pain.
2. Boswellia Serrata: Boswellia serrata contains boswellic acids, which reduce inflammation and help alleviate pain in chronic conditions, improving function and quality of life.
3. Devil's Claw: Devil’s claw contains harpagosides, active compounds that reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, enhancing function in individuals with chronic pain.
4. White Willow Bark: White willow bark contains salicin, similar to aspirin, providing natural pain relief for conditions like osteoarthritis and lower back pain.
1. CBD Oil: CBD oil interact with the endocannabinoid system to modulate pain perception, reduce inflammation, and offer relief in conditions like neuropathic pain, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture promotes pain relief by stimulating points such as LI4 (Hegu) on the hand and ST36 (Zusanli) just below the knee, modulating nerve signals and promoting overall well-being.
2. Biofeedback: Biofeedback teaches individuals how to control physiological responses, providing a powerful self-management tool for pain relief and enhanced well-being.
3. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care adjustments realign the spine, alleviate pain, and improve musculoskeletal function, supporting overall health and physical well-being.
4. Massage Therapy: Massage therapy reduces pain, inflammation, and muscle tension, improving muscle function and offering long-lasting relief from discomfort.
5. Yoga: Yoga alleviates pain by improving flexibility, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing circulation. Through its calming effect on the nervous system and the release of endorphins, yoga promotes physical and mental well-being.
6. Tai Chi: Tai chi combines gentle movements and breathing techniques to reduce pain, enhance mobility, and promote relaxation, supporting overall physical and mental health.
7. Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy uses deep focus and relaxation techniques to help manage pain, offering a natural, non-pharmacological method for improved mental and physical health.
8. Osteopathy: Osteopathy uses manual manipulation to relieve pain, improve circulation, and support musculoskeletal health, helping the body function optimally.
9. Ozone IV: Ozone therapy modulates pain receptors and neurotransmitter levels, reducing discomfort and inflammation, which may help alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
10. Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces inflammation, enhances tissue regeneration, and increases oxygen levels in the blood, supporting healing and pain relief over time.
11. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation [TENS]: TENS therapy uses low-voltage electrical currents to block pain signals, offering a non-invasive, drug-free way to manage pain and improve quality of life.
12. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy through warm water immersion soothes muscles, reduces tension, and alleviates pain, promoting relaxation and comfort for overall physical well-being.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Illness, Injury, Inflammation, Musculoskeletal Problems
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How Nutrients Function
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
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Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
It is important to focus on proper nutrition when suffering from chronic pain. It includes:
a whole-foods-based diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and fatty acids from plant and animal products.
large amounts of anti-inflammatory foods, such as various types of fish, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, berries, healthy fats [from avocados, walnuts, almonds, extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, grass-fed butter, ghee], turmeric, ginger, garlic, etc.
probiotic foods, such as unprocessed and unsweetened yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, komchi, etc.
prebiotic foods, such as leeks, chicory root, onions, garlic, asparagus, apples, bananas, flax seeds, etc.
applying a low-carbohydrate diet that reduces inflammation, nervous system sensitivity, and oxidative stress.
hot spices, such as cayenne pepper and chili peppers, which have anti-inflammatory constituents and can help manage pain.
taking care of sufficient hydration by drinking mineral water and herbal teas.
intermittent fasting, which is known to diminish the inflammatory state and oxidative stress.
Other techniques that can help with chronic pain include:
regular physical activity that does not cause additional pain.
ruling out any allergies that can contribute to the recurring pain sensation.
quality sleep.
outdoor time.
breathing exercises.
using natural painkillers, such as essential oils.
Depending on the type of pain, consider massage, acupressure, or acupuncture.
maintaining a healthy body weight.
Things To Avoid
Dietary don'ts in chronic pain include:
sugar, sugary snacks, desserts, baked goods, sweet drinks, and beverages. Sugar is highly inflammatory and can cause damage to the internal organs.
artificial sweeteners, e.g., in sodas.
white flour in breads and pasta.
commercially available sauces and condiments.
AGEs [advanced glycation end products] in cooking give grilled and fried foods the browned and smokey look and flavor.
MSG [monosodium glutamate] and other flavor enhancers
Processed foods and junk foods are high in trans fats, added sugar, refined carbohydrates, salt, and preservatives.
oxidizing vegetable oils used in cooking, such as sunflower, canola, and safflower. They aggravate inflammation.
alcohol.
Other unhelpful habits and choices include:
smoking.
being overweight and obese.
physical inactivity.
lack of sufficient sleep.
stress.
sendentary lifestyle.