Solid nutrition can combat pain by improving circulation and balancing hormones. In severe cases, eliminating pain may require cutting out animal fats entirely via a vegan diet.

Supplementation

Vitamin B₆ has analgesic properties and increases resistance to pain. It’s used to make the neurotransmitters, serotonin and GABA that inhibit pain impulses. Vitamin B₆ is particularly useful in carpal tunnel syndrome because it reduces swelling in the hands. This B vitamin also soothes nerve pain from diabetes, headaches and temporo-mandibular joint syndrome, or TMJ.

Lysine, an amino acid, may speed up the healing process. Supplements containing lysine can be taken as directed. Lysine-rich foods include chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, fish, cheese, mung bean sprouts and brewer’s yeast.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid derived from animals, nuts, vegetables and bacteria. It was reported to have natural pain-relieving effects in arthritis, bursitis, low-back pain, myalgia, neuralgia, migraine, PMS, headaches and sports injuries. It should not be taken if you are pregnant, diabetic or have high blood pressure.

Methyl sulphonyl methane (MSM) is a sulphur compound that occurs abundantly in nature. It is naturally present in the body and is able to regulate fluids and nutrients into the cells, and the elimination of toxins out of the cells, which reduces pain and inflammation–and promotes healing. It is also able to block the pain response in nerve fibres and reduce scar tissue, allowing repair and healing to take place.

Body levels of sulphur are often low because every time the body removes invading toxins from the cell, it also removes the sulphur compounds. Extra sulphur in supplemental form is useful for rheumatoid arthritis, disc problems in the back, acute injuries, tendonitis, bursitis and muscle cramps.

Herbs and Phytonutrients

Boswellia serrata derives from a deciduous tree of the same name and is also known as Indian frankincense or olibanum. The gum resin prevents formation of leukotrienes–one of those pain triggers–and reduces pain of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, low-back pain, myositis and fibrositis. The therapeutic action includes reduction in joint swelling, increased mobility and alleviation of morning stiffness.

Boswellia serrata has no side-effects and is even safe to use during pregnancy. Its analgesic and sedative effects work much like morphine. A supplement of 200 to 400 milligrams daily can be taken. A Boswellia serrata cream may be used topically.

Most people recognize turmeric as the yellow colour in curry powder. But it also has great importance as a medicinal herb due to the presence of several phenolic compounds called curcumin, dimethoxycurcumin and bisdimethoxycurcumin. These chemicals have anti-inflammatory properties comparable to Aspirin. Also, turmerin–another active component of turmeric–has potent antioxidant effects and may contribute to anti-inflammatory action. Dosages of 500 mg of tumeric, one to three times a day, can alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and stomach pains.

The active component of cayenne pepper is capsaicin. Topical application stimulates and blocks small pain fibres by depleting them of the neurotransmitter substance P that mediates pain impulses. Cream made from 0.025 to 0.075 per cent capsaicin, applied four times daily, may help some pain such as that of bursitis, headache or arthritis. Taken orally, it can cause stomach cramps; take 500-mg capsules with food, as tolerated.

Ginger inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory triggers, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes–and therefore has pain-relieving effects. It is useful in treating stomach ache, rheumatism, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis, toothache and migraine. However, it is contraindicated in kidney disease. Half an inch of fresh ginger can be taken daily in the diet; supplement doses can range between 500 and 2,000 mg daily; or boil a strong tea with two teaspoons (10 mg) of fresh ginger per cup of water.

Numerous other herbs and nutrients can alleviate pain and inflammation, including bromelain, quercetin, echinacea, angelica, peppermint oil, aloe vera and feverfew. Look for herbs with analgesic, antispasmodic or anti-inflammatory properties. Analgesics work by reducing pain signals to the brain. Antispasmodics help relax muscle spasms. Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce redness, swelling, pain and loss of function.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy can also prove useful in this situation. Ferr phos is excellent for inflammatory, congestive pain that gets worse with motion.

Mag phos is useful for spasmodic, cramping muscles or shooting nerve pains that feel better with warmth. Calc phos is recommended for pains associated with numbness and cold, and creeping sensations that are usually worse at night and in cold, wet weather. Use Kali sulph for pains that wander and shift location. These pains are worse when overheated and are better in open air and with gentle movement.

However, there is no single remedy that will suit everyone. And appropriate dosages vary. A homeopath and/or natural health-oriented doctor can help you to choose the best treatment and dosage for you. More important, your practitioner will look for the underlying causes of your condition, which may clarify the actions needed to help your body to heal.

Curtis James is a Toronto-based nutritionist and health writer whose chronic knee pain provides an ideal opportunity for anecdotal experimentation with natural remedies.

Source: alive #248, June 2003