Chronic pain is a daily struggle for many people, whether it’s due to back issues or conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. This persistent discomfort can significantly disrupt everyday life, but there are several ways to manage it without heavy reliance on medication.
In recent times, many patients have been keen to avoid painkillers due to potential side effects or the risk of dependency. As such, lifestyle and dietary changes are often the first recommendations, followed by natural remedies and possibly supplements.
Supplements are designed to enhance what our bodies may not produce enough of – from specific hormones to vitamins and minerals typically derived from food. A blood test can help doctors determine if you’re lacking in a certain vitamin or mineral, which could contribute to your overall discomfort.
Dr Sood, an expert in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine, suggests three supplements that he often recommends to his patients. He said: “The reason I discuss supplements with my patients is a lot of pain medications are associated with side effects with long term use and taking supplements is a great way to decrease the amount of medications you’ll require.”
He then elaborated on the exact supplements he advises, stating: “These supplements often have low risk and high benefit. Number one, omega 3 fatty acids,” reports the Mirror.
He explained: “These can be found in fish oil and they do have anti-inflammatory properties and can be useful in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain.”
Healthline has highlighted the numerous health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, including promoting brain and heart health, reducing inflammation, and offering protection against several chronic conditions. These fatty acids can decrease the production of molecules and substances associated with inflammation, such as inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines.
Research has noted a link between omega-3 supplementation and reduced inflammation. The doctor also recommended curcumin, a compound found in turmeric often used in Indian cuisine.
He said: “Combine this with black pepper to ensure full absorption, it also boasts anti-inflammatory properties,” he advised. Numerous high-quality studies have shown that turmeric, particularly its main active ingredient curcumin, offers significant benefits for both body and brain.
It has potent anti-inflammatory effects and is a powerful antioxidant. Healthline stated: “curcumin is a bioactive substance that can help fight inflammation, though very high doses are required to produce medicinal results.”
They added: “Still, it means it has the potential to fight the inflammation that plays a role in many health conditions and diseases. That’s why anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is potentially important in preventing and helping treat these conditions.”
The doctor continued: “And number three Vitamin D, which not only is important for bone health but there are studies supporting that it can decrease chronic pain. Chronic pain patients have been shown to have a lower level of vitamin D and it has been shown to help conditions such as fibromyalgia and back pain.”
According to the NHS, Vitamin D is crucial in regulating calcium and phosphate in the body—these being essential elements for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. The Government suggests that everyone should consider taking a daily Vitamin D supplement during the less sunny seasons of autumn and winter because during these months, sunlight doesn’t contain enough strength for our bodies to produce the necessary Vitamin D.
With food sources alone typically insufficient for ideal Vitamin D levels, the NHS recommends that everyone, including those pregnant and breastfeeding, should take a daily supplement. This supplement should consist of 10 micrograms of Vitamin D throughout autumn and winter.
Before adding any new supplements to your routine, speaking with your doctor is recommended. They’re well-placed to offer tailored advice, considering your medical history and alert you to specific risks, like how some supplements might react with other medicines you’re currently on.