Natural Supplements to Reduce Pain and Inflammation, the Underlying Cause of Most Chronic Disease

Inflammation is the underlying cause of most of the chronic diseases of modern society:   conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, dementia, Alzheimer’s, depression, cancer, and even ADHD and autism.  A study of a generally "healthy" elderly population found that those with the highest levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin 6 (two markers of systemic inflammation) were 260 percent more likely to die during the next 4 years. The increase in deaths was due to cardiovascular and other causes.

There are many traditional herbs and treatments used throughout the world that scientific studies have shown to have anti-inflammatory affects.  There are many that are not listed here, but these are some of my favorites.

The most common natural anti-inflammatory used in Germany is Proteolytic enzymes, including protease, bromelain from pineapple, and papain from papaya, and have long been used to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. They appear to down regulate the activities of several chemical mediators of inflammation and pain transmission, including PGE2, bradykinin, , and substance P.  Studies show their use helps reduce swelling and edema associated with arthritis, injuries, and other inflammatory conditions. To achieve the best effect they must be taken between meals.

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme produced by bacteria in the gut of silkworms and is used to digest their cocoons.  It has been used in Europe and Asia for over 25 years. Because the enzyme digests or dissolves all nonliving tissue, including blood clots, cysts and arterial plaque, it is used to treat a variety of conditions, including sprains and torn ligaments, postoperative swelling, venous thrombosis (clots in the legs), ear, nose and throat infections and atherosclerosis. Studies show that it may reduce pain and inflammation by:   1. thinning the fluids formed from injury, and facilitating the fluid’s drainage. This in turn, also speeds tissue repair, 2. inhibiting the release of pain-inducing amines called bradykinin, and 3. It may enhance cardiovascular health by breaking down the protein by-products of blood coagulation called fibrin. Conveniently, Serrapeptase is able to dissolve the fibrin and other dead or damaged tissue without harming living tissue. This could enable the dissolution of atherosclerotic plaques without causing any harm to the inside of the arteries.

Tumeric has a long history of use in Asia as a spice and for medicinal uses. It contains a polyphenolic compound called curcumin that exerts widespread modulatory activity on NF-κB, TNF, COX-2, IL-1, IL-6, and a number of other inflammatory mediators. It has been shown to reduce Cardio-CRP, a blood marker of inflammation in the vessel walls which correlate with heart disease risk.

Galangin is a dietary bioflavinoid which is found in the medicinal plant Alpinia officinarum and in propolis, a natural beehive product.  It down regulates the expression of interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha, potent pro-inflammatory cells.  Galangin has shown anti-cancer activity in vitro in several studies, causing the hypothesis that it may also prevent cancer.  Galangin also prevented rise in plasma glucose, insulin and triglycerides and improved insulin sensitivity, one of the causes of inflammation.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is one of nature’s richest sources of sulfur. Sulfur is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, stored in every cell with the highest concentrations in the skin, hair, nails and joints. Sulfur is necessary, along with Vitamin C, for collagen synthesis. Studies have reported reduced pain and improved physical function in osteoarthritis.

Phenylalanine, an amino acid, has been shown in studies to assist in relieving both acute and chronic pain.

Goji berry extract increases the body’s own Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), which is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Mangosteen extract contains xanthones, which have been shown to be direct COX-2 inhibitors.

Nopal cactus pear contains betalains, which may be potential COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors, and has been shown to reduce c-reactive protein (CRP).

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, has long been recognized as an herb with anti-inflammatory properties. The gum resin of boswellia contains boswellic acids, the most potent being AKBA, which inhibids 5-LOX activity, downregulates TNF-induced gene expression and blocks the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. In 2 separate double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, Boswellia extract significantly reduced pain and stiffness and improved joint function in persons with osteoarthritis of the knee. Clinical trials also showed symptom improvement in inflammatory bowel disease and in asthma.

Rutin is a flavonoid found in foods such as buckwheat, asparagus, tomato, carrot, sweet potato, berries, citrus fruits and black and green tea. Rutin might be therapeutic for varicose veins, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions associated with inflammation, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune diseases by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production.

Holy Basil Leaf is a tropical herb used in ayurveda. Research shows that holy basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents which significantly reduce inflammation and enhance detoxification. It is considered a sacred plant to the Hindus.

Green tea (decaffeinated) contains the polyphenol EGCG, which has been shown to significantly downregulated inflammatory mediators IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein-3α, and PGE2. It has also been shown to inhibit NF-κB activity.

Devil’s claw, native to southern Africa, has been used for thousands of years by the Khoisan peoples of Madagascar and the Kalahari Desert to treat pain and inflammation. Scientific evidence supports the use of devil’s claw root to help relieve pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and other pain. In a study on mild-to-moderate back and neck pain it was shown to be equivalent to Celebrex in symptom relief.

Capsicum, red pepper, has been shown through studies to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.  It has been used as a digestive aid to ease intestinal inflammation, stimulate protective mucus membranes of the stomach, and also relieve pain caused by ulcers.  It is commonly used to buffer pain from other ailments, including arthritis, varicose veins, headaches, menstrual cramps and respiratory conditions such as asthma.  Capsicum is also used, through its circulatory effects, as a catalyst to increase the effectiveness of other herbs.

Trace minerals—it has been shown in studies that abnormal distributions of trace minerals may aggravate oxidative damage and inflammation. The dynamic equilibrium that takes place with liquid ionic minerals and trace minerals has created the same basic balance in sea water that is found in healthy blood plasma and lymphatic fluid and is necessary for proper cellular function.

Piper Nigrum extract is from Black Pepper. It has been shown to increase the bioavailability of other nutrients, in this case the curcumin from the turmeric.  It also has shown anti-inflammatory effects.

Homeopathic cell salts are a group of 12 homeopathic remedies made from minerals which are important constituants of human cells and enzyme activity.

Astaxanthin is thought to be one of the  most powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in nature, and only a low dose is needed for its effect.  It crosses the blood brain barrier to reduce inflammation in the brain, and the blood retinal barrier to affect the eyes.  It absorbs UVB and reduces DNA damage.  Astaxanthin suppresses a variety of inflammatory mediators—including tumor necrosis factor alpha, a major prostaglandin and a major interleukin, nitric oxide, COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. It takes longer to produce effects than NSAIDS, but this means it doesn't result in the dangerous side effects.  

We are proud to announce SpringTree Health’s new and improved Pain and Inflammation.  Pain and Inflammation may be one of the most potent natural products for pain or inflammation on the market, with good levels of all of the ingredients above.  The supplements in this product have been shown to deal with inflammation not only in acute injuries and problems such as tendonitis and arthritis, but also in chronic inflammation which may be causing chronic disease.

Taking the recommended dose of Pain and Inflammation along with the recommended dose of SuperMulti Plus gives a potent 6 mg of astaxanthin.  SuperMulti Plus also has high levels of anti-oxidants to reduce the effects of inflammation.  Together, they provide a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-aging combination.  

Yes, this is a shameless sales pitch, but the reason I developed this product is because I believe reducing inflammation to be an extremely important part of disease prevention and treatment.  The majority of my patients who have used this product notice a definite difference in their pain levels when they use it.  If you are using chronic anti-inflammatory medications, it may be worth it to see if you can reduce the amount you take by using these healthy, natural and reasonably priced products.

Until we meet again,

Dr. Judi