Many people suffer from pain, and while medications abound, some prefer to try more natural or holistic methods for relieving their pain.
Vitamins have been shown to help ease a variety of chronic pain conditions and may be able to replace or add to standard treatment options. But always check with your doctor before using any herbs or supplements, as they can interfere with your current treatment plan.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the body to make collagen, which is part of the cartilage found in bones and joints. It is also a powerful antioxidant.
Research has shown that taking vitamin C supplements can help reduce pain caused by a disease called osteoarthritis. This disease causes the breakdown of the cartilage, which puts pressure on the joints.
Several studies have also shown that people who are deficient in this vitamin have higher pain scores than those who have adequate levels of it. This may be due to the fact that the nutrient helps prevent free radical damage.
A study of 80 patients undergoing cholecystectomy found that a single oral dose of vitamin C reduced pain scores and morphine consumption immediately (within 1-2 hours) and up to 24 hours after surgery. Although the results were not statistically significant, they support the use of perioperative vitamin C in this setting. Nevertheless, more large-scale trials are needed to determine the optimal dose of this medication.
5-HTP
5-hydroxytryptophan (or 5-HTP) is a precursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for mood and sleep. It is found in a plant called Griffonia simplicifolia and is often used for pain relief.
It can improve feelings of well-being, energy levels, and motivation. It also helps relieve insomnia, fibromyalgia, and binge-eating problems.
However, it may also cause gastrointestinal side effects in some people, including nausea, belching, and heartburn. At higher doses, it can cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome.
Taking it with certain drugs can raise your risk of developing this problem, so be sure to discuss it with your doctor before using it. Drugs like Aspadol, tramadol, and dextromethorphan, used for pain, or Demerol, used as a cough syrup, can raise your blood level of serotonin to dangerously high levels.
5-HTP is safe to use when taken by itself or as part of a multivitamin. However, it should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can increase levels of prolactin, a hormone needed for milk production.
Researchers in a study involving 122 people with osteoarthritis found that devil’s claw extract worked as well as several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Pain O Soma) for pain relief. It also reduced the amount of pain medication people took.
Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for several bodily functions. It’s needed for blood clotting, hormone production, and muscle contraction, as well as regulating bone density in older adults.
Foods that provide the most calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and legumes. Some juices, breakfast foods, soymilk, and cereals are fortified with calcium, which helps boost the amount of calcium in your diet.
The amount of calcium you absorb from a food depends on the way the food is metabolised by your body, so it’s important to read nutrition labels carefully. Many foods also contain vitamin D, which can help your body absorb more calcium.
Calcium supplements are available in tablet, capsule, liquid, and powder forms. They may interact with certain medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before taking them. They’re generally safe, but too much can cause problems with bowel function and stomach acid production. Choosing high-quality products that make it clear on the label how much elemental calcium you’re getting is essential.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a key mineral involved in every major biological process, and it’s vital for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, keeping heart rhythm steady, and keeping bones strong. It also plays a role in producing energy and supporting a healthy immune system.
It’s a key mineral that has been shown to help with a number of different pain conditions, including arthritis, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches. It has also been shown to reduce pain, bloating, and nausea in those suffering from menstrual cramps.
Magnesium has also been shown to alleviate neuropathic pain, particularly postherpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. It’s been shown to have an antinociceptive effect by blocking NMDA receptors and inhibiting calcium influx into cells. This has led to research into magnesium as an analgesic adjuvant in a number of pain situations. However, more clinical studies are needed to better understand its mechanism of action.