Diet and Supplement Protocol for Pain Management

A NATURAL HEALTH APPROACH TO CHRONIC PAIN

             Over-the-counter pain relief products and NSAIDS are only good short-term: These products stop inflammation but will work only for a short period of time. After a while they actually set the stage for oxidative stress and inflammation. They deplete glutathione (an important antioxidant and a substance that the liver uses to remove toxins). They irritate the GI lining, increasing intestinal permeability which leads to more oxidative stress and inflammation.

          Fats and oils play an important role in inflammation: Essential oils are converted to substances called prostaglandins (aspirin is a prostaglandin inhibitor). Some prostaglandins are pro-inflammatory and some are anti-inflammatory. The type of fat or oil you eat helps determine the kinds of prostaglandins you produce. Animal products, containing arachadonic acid are converted to the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin (also called PG2). Flax oil and fish oil are converted to the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin (also called PG3). Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil block an enzyme that helps to produce anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Hydrogenated oils should be avoided at all costs, they help create pain and inflammation. If the pain is severe or hard to control, animal products should be limited or eliminated.

Some herbs are useful in controlling pain: Feverfew does many of the same things that aspirin does, plus it is often effective in treating migraines. Ginger is a good  pain-killer as is curcumin (an extract of cumin).

Enzymes help to control pain and inflammation: Pancreatic enzymes and vegetableenzymes (like bromelain) can be effective in eliminating pain and inflammation. When taken on an empty stomach, some of the enzyme is absorbed by the body. Once inside the body, the enzyme removes cellular debris associated with inflammation. It sort of cleans house, which reduces pain and inflammation. It is important to take these on an empty stomach. When taken with food, they help your digestion, but not your pain.

DIET PROTOCOL

Absolutely avoid hydrogenated oil. You should avoid other pro-inflammatory foods like animal products, refined sugar, and chemical additives. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables.

Take fish oil or flax oil. Take a minimum of 1000 mg four times per day. You can take a lot more--especially if you are deficient in essential fatty acids (your doctor can easily test you). If you get an after-taste from taking essential oil supplements, you probably need bile salts and liver support.

Bromelain or pancreatic enzymes can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Feverfew, curcumin or ginger can be useful for controlling pain and inflammation.

SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Omega-3 Oils - Optimal EFA’s or Carlson’s Fish Oils

EPA and DHA are key ingredients found in fish oil, flaxseed oil and borage oil.  These acids help promote a healthy cardiovascular system, flexible joint function, improved brain and nerve function, eye and vision health and provide support to the immune system. 

Intenzyme Forte

Intenzyme Forte is a source of animal and plant proteolytic enzymes, such as bromelain and pancreatic enzymes. Proteolytic enzymes can digest viruses and bacteria as well as inflammation, excess mucus, plaque, or other debris from the body. They should be taken often, and work best if taken at least ½ hour before food and no less than 2 hours afterward--otherwise they will digest your food instead of the debris.

Bio-Allay

Bio-Allay contains many essential herbs, like White Willow, Devil’s Claw extract and Boswellia extract, used to control chronic pain and pain associated with Osteo or rheumatoid arthritis.

KappArest

KappArest is a proprietary blend of herbs used to inhibit NF-KappaB.  Using this product in conjunction with Bio-Allay can help reduce production of the inflammation chemicals that promote pain and arthritis.

EXTERNAL TREATMENT

Pathways Herbals - Pain Relief Oil

This specifically designed blend of wildcrafted herbs is used to relieve pain and inflammation due to injury or tenderness.