Vitamins and Supplements

Why should we take vitamins and supplements – do they really help to alleviate pain? Many of us were taught years ago that simply eating a balanced diet is enough to take care of our daily vitamin needs. While it is true that a healthy diet is the cornerstone of vitality and longevity, there are many reasons to add supplements to your daily regimen. Medical researchers and scientists have long advocated adding daily supplements, and even the American Medical Association, long known for their anti-vitamin stance, now advises all adults to take at least one multivitamin pill each day. Learning about supplements and selecting the right ones for you can make all the difference between living a sub-par life of low energy, depressed mood and constant aches and pains, and enjoying a vibrant, active and purposeful life of excellent health. Today, new scientific discoveries in the world of dietary supplements make it much easier to identify the nutrients we need to ensure optimal physical and mental health, keeping us strong, agile and pain-free all through our lives.

Firstly, consider that the food environment has changed greatly over the past few decades. Studies going as far back as 1936 have confirmed that our farmland soil has become dangerously lacking in micronutrients. Produce which once grew in unpolluted environments and maintained its full complement of vitamins, minerals and enzymes is now dramatically depleted of those nutrients by our farming and food processing methods. To add to the problem, people have turned towards ‘convenience’ and fast foods and away from fresh, healthy foods, which many consider to be both too expensive and too time-consuming to prepare. As a result, vitamin deficiencies are extremely common among Americans, whether rich or poor, well or sick, young or old, whether they are consuming the standard American diet (SAD) or their own ‘perfect’ diet instead. According to data collected by the CDC and the USDA, a shocking 92% are deficient in at least one vitamin or mineral. 50% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin A and Vitamin C; 70% are deficient in magnesium, calcium and potassium, and 80% of older Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. The US population is the most overfed yet undernourished country on Earth, as well as the most stressed-out and pain ridden.

Also, think about the type of pain you have, how it is caused, and what you currently do to alleviate it. The most common form of pain experienced by older Americans coincides with the onset of osteoarthritis occurring in various parts of the body. Aging brings a decrease in synovial fluid, the thick, gel-like substance that cushions and lubricates joints, allowing ease of movement. Less synovial fluid in the joints can bring about bone friction and swollen, throbbing joints, and can affect back, neck, hips, knees, feet and hands. Cartilage – flexible connective tissue which protects bones – can also begin to break down or be more easily injured, leading to loss of mobility, stiffness, weakness and grinding or locking joints. Old injuries caused by accidents or sports can include stretched or torn ligaments which even after many years may no longer be as stabilizing or shock absorbing as before, leading to inflamed, sensitive joints and loss of flexibility. Tendons which were formerly strong and elastic may develop microtears due to aging, stress or over-exertion. Bone injuries can result in bone spurs or ongoing dull pain and weakness. Osteoarthritis can be caused by injuries, infection, and other conditions like fibromyalgia and metabolic syndrome, and its symptoms – inflammation, pain and loss of mobility - are almost universal in nature. Nutritional deficiencies have also been found to be extremely common in those with arthritis. Most try to cope with these conditions with pharmaceutical drugs, painful procedures or surgery, with limited success.

Nerve pain, also called neuralgia or neuropathic pain, affects the nerves that carry messages to the brain and is another broad category of pain that affects millions of people. Nerve pain occurs when the nerve endings become overly sensitive and irritated, whether by physical, mechanical or chemical means, resulting in all-over body discomfort and a decline in the quality of life. Other causes are injury, poor blood supply to the nerves, certain medications or vitamin deficiencies. Severe nerve pain involving the breakdown and loss of myelin, the protective covering of nerve endings, can lead to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Nerve pain is insidious as it feels invisible, yet it affects every aspect of life, curtailing favorite activities, disrupting sleep patterns and making active participation in everyday life difficult. Again, conventional medicine offers pharmaceutical drugs, surgery and time-consuming therapies to attempt to get at the root of the problem.

The good news is that research over the past few decades has resulted in more authoritative scientific studies involving newer nutritional discoveries and their applications in treating various diseases and pain states. The stars of this research include the B vitamin complex, Vitamins C, D and E, the Omega family of marine-derived nutrients, and newer discoveries like benfotiamine, berberine and alpha lipoic acid. It’s possible now to defray or even eliminate many sources of pain through nutritional means. If you relate to any of these conditions while reading this article, make a note of them and request a clinical evaluation and nutrient deficiency testing next time you visit your doctor. Your medical profile should include these valuable tests, which can pinpoint needed nutrients and stave off future disease complications and the medical procedures and drugs that go along with them.

Let’s start our discussion with a far-reaching supplement that virtually everyone can agree on – a top-quality, comprehensive, daily multi-vitamin.

Multi-vitamin:

A good quality daily multivitamin supplement is the best ‘insurance policy’ you can invest in to protect against a variety of deficiencies that can weaken the body and lead to painful conditions. Multivitamins are available in tablet, gelatin capsule and liquid form, and many find the liquid to be more bioavailable and easier to take than a large pill. An ideal multivitamin is best if derived from natural food sources and should include Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, zinc, calcium, folic acid, Vitamin C and bioflavonoid complex. When selecting a multivitamin, choose one that has been third party lab tested and analyzed to be free of contaminants, heavy metals and pesticides. A multivitamin protects against many deficiencies that cause headaches, nervous disorders, muscle weakness, fatigue, dull and dry skin and hair, and brain fog. It acts as a ‘safety net’ that supports brain and heart health, strong immunity, mental clarity and enhanced energy. It you only take one supplement daily, make it a high-quality, broad spectrum multivitamin.

Vitamin B Complex:

B vitamins are the building blocks of a healthy body, and govern hormone production, energy level, brain function and cell metabolism. All B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that they are utilized quickly before being excreted by the body and must be regularly replaced. The vitamin B complex is made up of eight specific B vitamins, all of them critical for the overall health of the nervous system. Disturbances or stresses to the nervous system lead to anemia, skin disorders, digestive problems, peripheral neuropathy and even such conditions as multiple sclerosis and neuropsychiatric disorders. Food sources for Vitamin B complex include whole grains, poultry, lean meats, seafood, nuts, eggs, dairy products and leafy greens. Those who lead a stressful life should consider supplementing with Vitamin B complex to augment this critical vitamin complex’s benefits. A complete Vitamin B complex supplement labelled ‘B-100’ should contain all B vitamins in a concentration high enough to ensure ongoing nutrient support for your nervous system.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine; benfotiamine):

The water soluble form of Vitamin B1 is called thiamine, while much media attention is currently being given to benfotiamine, an easily assimilable, oil-soluble derivative of thiamine with the ability to boost the body’s levels of thiamine by five times. Benfotiamine is highly recommended for diabetics, and studies show that it is important in the treatment of neuropathy, reducing or even eliminating numbness, tingling and nerve pain when taken long-term in doses of 300 – 600 mg. daily. Benfotiamine is also neuroprotective, shielding the brain from damage, improving cognitive function and diminishing feelings of stress and anxiety. It helps reduce inflammation in the brain (a leading cause of Alzheimer’s and related conditions) and negates the effects of free radicals. By boosting the body’s antioxidant defenses, benfotiamine also protects the liver and kidneys, and can lessen alcohol-related damage, as well as help with depression often experienced by thiamine-deficient individuals. Benfotiamine inhibits the three pathways which lead to toxic substance formation including advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the body which are linked to the progression of serious painful diseases like arthritis, arterial disease and cancer.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin):

Riboflavin is another important water-soluble vitamin in the Vitamin B complex, and is essential for the formation of two major coenzymes that are crucial for antibody production, energy metabolism and cellular regeneration. Specifically, a European study published in the journal ‘Neurology’ proved that riboflavin, in high doses of 400 mg per day, is highly effective in the treatment of migraine pain. For many migraine sufferers, taking riboflavin in this amount has curbed the onset and progression of these painful headaches, which can greatly affect one’s lifestyle, mental outlook and productivity.

Vitamin B3 (niacinamide):

Vitamin B3 (niacin or niacinamide) is known for the ‘flushing’ effect it has on the face and body, stimulating blood circulation through the veins and capillaries. This water-soluble vitamin is easily destroyed by heat and is important for supporting a healthy blood lipid profile, supplying nutrients to damaged areas of the body that might be contributing to ongoing pain states.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid):

Vitamin B5 is required by the body to synthesize coenzyme A, which is crucial for the metabolization of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fatty acids such as Omega-3, 6 and 9. It is also needed for energy production as well as the healthy functioning of hormones and brain neurotransmitters. A deficiency in this vitamin causes fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression and digestive problems, so it is important to be sure you are obtaining enough of this important vitamin.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):

Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, is essential for brain health and for keeping the immune system and nervous system functioning optimally. Those with celiac disease or digestive disorders like IBS, Crohn’s disease and colitis are at risk of pyridoxine deficiency. Causes of deficiency also include autoimmune disease, impaired renal function or antibiotic use. Notably, pyridoxine deficiency mimics neuropathy with its accompanying ‘pins and needles’ and tingling or burning sensations, which can be corrected with B6 supplementation.

Vitamin B7 (biotin):

Biotin is needed to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates and helps to maintain a healthy nervous system. Biotin has been found to be effective in lowering blood sugar in those with diabetes, and high doses are used to treat neuropathy. Biotin has also been used to treat autoimmune disorders that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid):

Vitamin B9, which converts to folate in the body, is required to make DNA and RNA and to metabolize the amino acids necessary for new cell division and growth. Folate deficiency leads to mental confusion, fatigue and depression. Vitamin B9 supplementation is especially important for people at risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and neurological disorders.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin):

Vitamin B12 is considered the most complex of the B vitamins, and is different from most because it must be obtained from animal-derived foods. This is particularly important for vegans, many of whom are deficient in this critical vitamin. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and is a cofactor in DNA synthesis as well as governing fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. It controls red blood cell development and is instrumental in building myelin, the protective covering on nerve endings. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by several factors, including an age-related decline in the production of stomach acid needed to absorb the vitamin. It is important to supplement this vitamin as we age for this reason, particularly since deficiency can cause irreversible damage to both the brain and nervous system. Supplements are available in two forms: cyanocobalamin (most common) and methylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic, manufactured form of B12 not found in Nature, and contains a cyanide molecule, as it is heat-treated with potassium cyanide and sodium nitrate. Methylcobalamin is the preferred form for supplementation. Methylcobalamin is found in Nature and contributes a methyl group (carbon and hydrogen) to your body, which further enhances your health. For best results, a daily dose of 2,500 – 5,000 mcg. is recommended.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid):

Vitamin C entered the spotlight in the 1960’s, its popularity spurred by the work of the Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Linus Pauling, its most famous proponent. Animals are able to manufacture their own Vitamin C and have high levels of the vitamin occurring naturally in their bodies. Somewhere along the evolutionary pathway, humans lost the ability to make their own Vitamin C, so supplementation of this broad spectrum vitamin is extremely important. Vitamin C is instrumental in the creation of collagen, the body’s essential building blocks. A couple of centuries ago, scurvy was a disease contracted by sailors on long voyages with a limited range of food rations. When citrus fruits were added to their diet, scurvy was quickly eradicated, leading to the name ‘limeys’ for the sailors who ate this citrus fruit. Linus Pauling was the first to link Vitamin C deficiency with a high concentration of lipoprotein-a in the body. Lipoprotein-a is a major component in the formation of plaques in atherosclerosis patients, linked to weakness in the artery walls, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Scurvy is a disease where 50% of fatalities occur due to ruptured blood vessels, and since Vitamin C decreases lipoprotein-a, solid evidence suggests that Vitamin C supplementation is strongly advised for cardiovascular disorders. A daily dosage of 1,000 – 2,000 mg. is recommended and vitamin C powders of this potency can readily be mixed with water for a refreshing drink.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol):

Vitamin D is an oil-soluble vitamin, like Vitamins A and E, meaning that it stays longer in the body than water-soluble vitamins. Discovery of the benefits of Vitamin D led to its successful use in strengthening the soft, weak bones of children with rickets (osteomalacia.) Vitamin D is synthesized via the exposure of skin to the UV-B radiation of sunlight, but many people living in colder climates harbor deficiencies due to lack of adequate sun exposure. Recently, a lot of attention has been given to Vitamin D3, and doctors are recommending supplementation with this vitamin for a variety of conditions. Vitamin D3 performs many critical biological activities within the body. It boosts energy levels, reduces bone and joint pain, supports immune function and increases intestinal absorption of critical minerals calcium, phosphate and magnesium. Together with physical activity, it can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other painful and potentially dangerous conditions. Vitamin D deficiency is very often found in patients with fibromyalgia, and supplementation helps overcome this condition. It has been classified as a ‘pro hormone’ or ‘hormone master key’ because it is involved in gene expression and has a strong influence on mental states, minimizing mood swings. The regular doctor-recommended daily dosage is 5,000 iu.

Vitamin E (tocopherol):

Vitamin E is an oil-soluble vitamin that many people associate with healthy skin and hair. Its major advantage is that it is an outstanding antioxidant, effectively protecting cell membranes from the damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Vitamin E dampens the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which is linked to neuropathic pain, and it also prevents cartilage degeneration, and can retard the progression of osteoarthritis. High doses of Vitamin E have also been studied and found to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s and related brain diseases. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory vitamin and is very valuable for the treatment of nerve pain. When selecting a Vitamin E supplement, choose the d-alpha tocopherol form (derived from natural sources) over the dl-alpha tocopherol form (synthetically manufactured Vitamin E) to realize its full benefits.

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone):

A fat-soluble vitamin like Vitamins A, D and E, Vitamin K is another vitamin that has just recently started to receive mainstream attention, after it was determined that over 90% of the population shows signs of Vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K2 is routinely paired with Vitamin D3 in supplements as they are synergistic in their action. Vitamin D3 assists in the absorption of calcium into the bones, and Vitamin K2 guides it into the bones and away from artery walls. Vitamin K2 is required for proper blood clotting and is necessary for improving bone density. Vitamin K2 is part of the molecular activity that protects nerve structure and reduces nerve pain experienced as numbness, tingling, cramping and fatigue.

Magnesium:

Known as the ‘relaxation mineral’ or the ‘natural chill pill,’ magnesium is responsible for over 600 vital metabolic reactions throughout the body, and is required by every cell of the body for proper functioning. If you are experiencing pain, tension, muscle cramping, stiffness, or sleeplessness, it is very likely that you have a magnesium deficiency. Other deficiency symptoms include fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, nervousness, mood swings and food cravings. If you can relate to any of these symptoms, you are not alone – magnesium deficiency is estimated to affect over 70% of Americans. Over a period of ten years, the rate of death from heart disease was found to more than double in people with low magnesium levels, and up to 50% of heart attacks are believed to be triggered by magnesium deficiency. Magnesium causes smooth muscle to relax throughout the body, promotes a calm mental attitude and ensures restful sleep, directly diminishing the experience of pain and stress. High blood pressure, the ‘silent killer’, is improved by magnesium supplementation, which keeps the endothelial lining of the blood vessels smooth, flexible and elastic so that arterial pressure is reduced. Magnesium helps the brain as well, nourishing neurotransmitters and affecting memory and mood in a positive way. There are several varieties of magnesium available in supplement form. In order of preference, select magnesium glycinate or magnesium malate, which both have greater bioavailability and less laxative effect than magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide.

Omega-3 fatty acids:

Long the stars of the natural health supplement world, Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are now even prescribed by conventional doctors as essential supplements if you have any type of cardiovascular issue, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes or nerve pain and inflammation. The omegas are part of the family of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosapentaenoic acid), the two substances which give Omega 3 its healing power. The American Heart Association concurs and makes recommendations for the daily consumption of EPA and DHA for its heart-healthy benefits. Consumption of Omega 3 lowers overall inflammation as confirmed in C-reactive protein testing, and improves cognitive issues and mental conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder. Omega 3 fatty acids are obtained from cold water fish found in deep oceans, including herring, sardines, salmon, anchovies, mussels and krill. When researching an Omega 3 supplement, look for EPA of 650 mg and DHA of 450 mg or more, and ensure that the supplement has been molecularly distilled under vacuum to eliminate the presence of heavy metals, PCBs and dioxin.

Gamma linolenic acid:

Gamma linolenic acid is categorized as an Omega-6 fatty acid, and is a unique nutrient found in certain seed oils. Evening primrose, borage, blackcurrant and hemp are the plant sources that are most rich in GLA. Native Americans used the evening primrose seed oil to treat inflammation, and in the 17th. century in Europe it was a popular folk remedy known as the ‘king’s cure-all.’ GLA supports cardiovascular health, reduces joint pain and boosts cognitive function. It is a critical component in the healthy formation of the myelin sheath, the outer covering of the nerve ending, and is considered helpful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other disorders affecting the electrical conductance of the nervous system. In supplementation, look for cold-pressed extracts, non-GMO and additive-free, in the range of 2,000 mg with 10% GLA.

Hyaluronic acid:

Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a thick, gel-like substance produced naturally by the body, found in the skin, eyes and joints. Hyaluronic acid in commercial supplements is made by fermenting certain bacteria. It has several qualities that are helpful in ameliorating pain. It helps the synovial fluid surrounding joints to move more easily, lubricating the joint and preventing the grinding sensation of bone on bone. Hyaluronic acid is able to retain water, helping skin to lock in moisture for a youthful appearance, and helps wounds heal faster with no scarring. By keeping the joints cushioned and lubricated and the cells hydrated, hyaluronic acid is an excellent supplement to help alleviate the aches and pains of osteoarthritis and related conditions.

Alpha lipoic acid:

Alpha lipoic acid is a fascinating nutrient and a critical supplement for anyone who is diabetic or who experiences neuropathy anywhere in the body. In some European countries, ALA has the status of a pharmaceutical drug, and is prescribed as the ‘universal anti-oxidant,’ of enormous benefit to those with metabolic syndrome or any type of nerve disorder. Alpha lipoic acid is an organosulfur compound found in organ meats, spinach, broccoli and yeast, and it takes several forms. Alpha lipoic acid is the main form found in commercial supplements, but the chiral R-enantiomer form, R-alpha lipoic acid, is both fat- and water-soluble, and amazingly, it can regenerate itself and other antioxidants like Vitamins B, C and E, meaning that it can neutralize free radicals anywhere in the body. In addition to metabolizing sugar (a must for diabetics) it also sends electrical impulses throughout the nervous system, promoting nerve communication and regenerating new healthy nerve tissue. 300 – 600 mg. of ALA daily is considered baseline, and larger quantities are helpful to treat diabetic neuropathies and other nerve pain.

Acetyl-L-carnitine:

Acetyl-L-carnitine is made from L-carnitine in the body and is instrumental in helping the body transform fat into energy. It is used to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease, to improve cognitive skills, to alleviate depression, and to subdue nerve pain experienced in diabetics. Acetyl-L-carnitine helps reduce mental and physical tiredness in seniors, especially after exercise. In Alzheimer’s patients, it is used to improve mental function and stimulate memory. Depression and anxiety in older adults can be treated with 1 to 4 grams of acetyl-L-carnitine daily. 2 to 3 grams a day are advised for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients.

Type II collagen:

Type II collagen is currently ‘in vogue’ for its health and beauty benefits in skin cell renewal and its anti-aging benefits. Collagen, long used in topical cosmetics and creams, is now increasingly being consumed internally, and is available in powder form to mix into shakes and smoothies. Collagen is basically protein made up of amino acids, the building blocks of the body, and undenatured (not hydrolyzed) collagen is the ideal form to reduce muscle soreness and decrease joint pain. Many find that it provides a lubricating, cushioning effect to the joints and is soothing and even mildly analgesic.

Quercetin:

Quercetin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory substance that is often found in commercial joint pain relief formulas. Quercetin, in combination with Vitamin C, controls blood sugar, reduces swelling and can kill off free radicals. Quercetin works by reducing or eliminating needle-like uric acid crystals in the blood and uric acid deposits in the joints and tissues. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood are thought to originate from diet (especially red meat consumption) and genetic factors. Quercetin is highly effective in the treatment of gout, an inflammatory form of arthritis that is characterized by recurrent bouts of tender, reddened and swollen joints, usually in the legs, ankles and feet, caused by the excessive accumulation of uric acid crystals. The big toe joint is affected in 50% of cases, and if not treated, this painful condition can also manifest as kidney stones, causing kidney damage.

Probiotics:

Probiotics are extremely valuable in treating disorders of the stomach and GI tract, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and intestinal pain and bloating. Many medical experts now believe that true immunity originates in the stomach, which relies on its multitude of ‘good’ gut bacteria to regulate a variety of healthy body functions. Probiotics supply the body with more ‘good’ bacteria to fight ‘bad’ bacteria and to replace the good bacteria destroyed by antibiotics and related drugs. Good sources of probiotics include yogurt (the label should read ‘live active cultures’) as well as fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchee and kefir. Probiotics are known to lessen inflammation, helpful in cases of arthritis and nerve pain.

Bromelain:

Bromelain is extracted from the stems of pineapples, and its enzymatic extract has a long history of folk use for digestive discomfort, bloating and swelling throughout the body. Bromelain is a protein-digesting (proteolytic) enzyme which can act like a scavenger of toxic accumulations in the body, particularly in the nasal passages, sinuses and gums. As an anti-inflammatory, it is useful after surgery and reduces pain and swelling. As a digestive enzyme, it relieves digestive pain in the stomach and GI tract and is an excellent supplement to help with age-related digestive issues.

Papain:

Papain is extracted from the papaya fruit, and like bromelain, with which it is often paired, it is an excellent digestive enzyme and can reduce digestive discomfort caused by the consumption of overly fatty or protein-rich foods. Papain binds to antigens and neutralizes them, fighting infection and healing wounds, making it a valuable aid for older people who are at higher risk for age-related enzyme depletion or slower healing due to a weaker immune system.

Berberine:

Berberine is a bitter yellow alkaloid obtained from specific plants such as barberry, goldenseal and Oregon grape. It is now widely recommended by health experts to treat diabetes, obesity, inflammation and neuropathy. Berberine has been part of both the Chinese and Ayurvedic pharmacopeias for centuries. For diabetics, berberine has positive effects on blood sugar, triglycerides and insulin. Berberine has been compared to the diabetes drug Metformin and is thought to be a logical natural successor to the drug. It has anti-inflammatory properties that enable it to provide useful treatment for inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Berberine also lowers high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin:

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin are almost always combined in supplements, and this combination has been the ‘go to’ supplement for joint and bone pain for decades. Glucosamine sulfate is an amino sugar derived from shellfish, and it has been proven to support the structure and function of joints. In fact, in most of Europe, glucosamine sulfate is approved as a medical drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis (particularly in the hip and knee.) Chondroitin sulfate is the alternative medicine used to treat osteoarthritis and is similarly approved and regulated in many European countries. Glucosamine and chondroitin have anti-inflammatory properties and show promise in the treatment of coronary artery disease. The recommended dosage is at least 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 300 mg. of chondroitin.

MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane):

MSM is an organic compound found in fruits and vegetables which exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties when consumed. It is often included in joint relief formulas containing glucosamine and chondroitin. It is a natural source of sulfur, the essential structural component of joint cartilage, so may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation of the joint. It is also liver-protective and helps prevent the damage caused by alcohol.

Sam-E (S-Adenosylmethionine):

Sam-E became very popular a couple of decades ago when pharmaceutical anti-depressants flooded the market. Many painful physical ailments are rooted in underlying mental states, so a need arose for an anti-depressant that answered the need for a natural solution to everything from mild depression to PTSD. SAMe is a coenzyme present in almost all of the body’s tissues, and is instrumental in many metabolic activities. SAMe has been studied for its many mechanisms of action, from its anti-inflammatory properties to its anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) effects. 400 mg taken 3 or 4 times a day is considered effective in stabilizing mood and outlook.

Copper:

Many of us are familiar with the wearing of a raw copper bracelet to treat arthritis, the supposition being that the copper is absorbed transdermally in minute amounts to increase the presence of the mineral in the bloodstream. Copper deficiency is common in individuals who have had gastric surgery or who have celiac disease, in which case supplementation is recommended.

Caffeine:

Derived from roasted coffee beans, we are all familiar with (and many are dependent on) our daily dose of caffeine. It may be surprising to learn that caffeine is an excellent antioxidant, and that up to 6 mg. of caffeine (equivalent to one cup of coffee) is actually beneficial for the body, particularly when consumed without added creamer or sweetener. Caffeine is credited with increased concentration and cognitive function, improved mental performance, reduced muscle pain, prevention of diseases like diabetes, and quicker absorption of medicines, amongst other things. When used on an infrequent basis, caffeine combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen greatly reduces headaches, migraines and body aches and pains.

While this list of vitamins and supplements is extensive, it shows that there is a literal smorgasbord of helpful nutrients available commercially that can be used to combat pain and inflammation. It may take only one or two of these vitamin supplements to help you get the results you want, lessening pain and building up a healthy mind and body. As every individual is unique, it may take some experimentation over time to arrive at the best supplement or combination of supplements to work for you. Don’t give up! The rewards of identifying supplements that work for you personally cannot be overstated. Always consume plenty of clean, pure water along with your supplements to stave off dehydration and help with nutrient assimilation. Take heart – there are exciting scientific discoveries coming to light every day to refine our knowledge and make new nutrients from around the world available to us to help in managing or finally eradicating our pain. Combined with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, life-curtailing pain states can eventually become a thing of the past, bringing you a future of pain-free enjoyment, serenity and vibrant health.