The Effects of Nutritional Factors on the Neurotransmitters - and therefore on Chronic Pain

By 'nutrition' I am referring mostly to the amino-acids, which are peptide parts of our protein foods; vitamins; and minerals. They also act against depression and insomnia, adding further to their beneficial effects in chronic pain patients, whose pain is aggravated by these two other conditions.

"It is now certain that some amino-acids in the diet can influence brain-activity by enhancing or reducing the metabolic rates of different neurotransmitters".

"After long-term caloric restriction in Fischer-344 rats of both sexes, dopamine and 5HT content were decreased significantly in the caudate nucleus and the hypothalamus".
"Dietary fluctuations in nutrient availability are factors in the regulation of brain function. Until recently, the prevailing view was that brain biochemistry and function were influenced by diet only when biochemical and clinical evidence of nutrient deficiency was present. It is now clear that the brain is sensitive and responsive to diet composition. Preliminary data show that variation in vitamin and mineral nutrient intakes over ranges that are considered to maintain normal nutritional status may impact brain chemistry, owing to their many coenzyme roles. Furthermore, the synthesis of at least 5 brain neurotransmitters, namely serotonin, the 2 catecholamines, acetylcholine, histamine and glycine, responds to dietary fluctuations in availability of their nutrient precursors, tryptophan, tyrosine, choline, histidine and threonine, respectively. Not only are these biochemical events altered by normal variations in diet composition, but considerable evidence now exists to show that the brain uses this information to regulate many functions ... under both normal and disease conditions".

This is also the way in which nutritional factors control or influence neuromuscular dysfunction, as in myofascial pain syndromes such as temperomandibular joint pain syndrome. Fibromyalgia can be a feature of hypothyroidism, so, if subtle degrees of hypothyroidism are promptly diagnosed and treated, this would prevent another cause of chronic pain..

"The use of dietary metabolic precursors to neurotransmitters in the management of chronic pain patients has received critical attention for several years. ... The serotonergic system serves as a useful model ... Oral L-tryptophan administration decreases the perception of pain, appearing to act synergistically with the enkephalins and endorphins. ... [There is] decreased pain perception, increased pain threshold, and improved sleep [which also helps the chronic pain patient's pain-perception]. From a therapeutic standpoint, dietary modification would appear to be attractive, due to its low economic basis, decreased risk of addiction and dependence [I would say no risk], as well as simplicity".

Several vitamins and minerals are required as essential enzymes in the production of these neurotransmitters from their precursors: e.g., folic acid; vitamin B6; and vitamin C. A deficiency of these vitamins and minerals can therefore cause a low pain-threshold, depression, insomnia, etc..

Tropamine(R), a combination amino-acid, vitamin and mineral preparation that has been found to improve the neuromodulator deficits induced by cocaine-abuse, can be used to maximize neurotransmitter-levels in cases of chronic pain as well.


Other Nutritional Effects that Promote Healing

Spondylosis is a cause of chronic pain. Vitamin E has been shown to cure spondylosis, probably by its antioxidant effect.

Antioxidant nutrients have also been found very helpful in the healing of recurrent non-gallstone pancreatitis. Therefore it is likely that they would be helpful in chronic pain caused by other inflammatory conditions also.

D-PhenylAlanine (an amino-acid which blocks carboxypeptidase) has been found to enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture analgesia and acupuncture anesthesia in the treatment of low back pain and toothache by 16-35%, depending on the timing of its dosing 48 .

Osteoporosis can be prevented and alleviated by paying attention to bone's multimineral requirements (not just calcium), and also to its requirements of proteins, and vitamins D and B12.

Herpes zoster can be healed more quickly, and its pain can be diminished significantly, by vitamin B12.

NeuroHelp Essential™ is an exciting new vitamin/supplement product specifically formulated to improve nerve health. It helps in a natural way to reduce neural discomfort and provide functional nerve support.

This formulation may be particularly useful in strengthening the nervous systems of people at risk for age-related nerve disorders such as Alzheimers', Parkinson's, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), and especially, peripheral neuropathy. In fact, for general nerve healthiness, anyone over 50 might well benefit from the protective vitamins, minerals and other active supplements in the NeuroHelp Essential™ formulation.

The ingredients have been chosen for their superior neuroprotective and neuroenhancing properties. Selections were based on clinical studies and other substantial evidence of effectiveness.

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Extended Description:

The NeuroHelp formulation, with 90 tablets in each bottle, contains 20 key supplements that have demonstrated strong neuroprotective values. They serve all the purposes mentioned on the previous page: improving neural transmissions, raising antioxidant levels, and correcting nutrient deficiencies that may exist. Included are:

* a full B 50 mg complex with added B1 (thiamine) - 250 mg total - and additional biotin - 5 mg - as well as 1000 mcg of B12 in the preferred bioavailable methyl cobalamin form
* 400 mcg of folate (folic acid) (to help improve cognitive function)
* 1000 mg of N-acetyl L-carnitine (a powerful amino acid to protect neuron cells from aging)
* 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid (a double acting antioxidant)
* 1000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids (another excellent antioxidant)
* 200 mg of grape seed extract (perhaps the best antioxidant of them all)
* a full complement of the most helpful neuroprotective minerals, including calcium (100 mg), chromium (400 mcg), magnesium (200 mg), and zinc (50mg)

Taken together these supplements represent an excellent regime for neural support in connection with the nerve-related disorders mentioned above - both prior to or after onset.

Incidentally, the ingredients in the formulation are in the strengths and forms recommended in the book, Nutrients for Neuropathy, as suggested by the clinical trials and the other information discussed there.

Note: The amounts shown are for the recommended daily dose of two servings Nerve-Related Discorders

As people age they become more susceptible to disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and peripheral neuropathies are prime examples. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), fibromyalgia, Sjogren's and multiple sclerosis are other examples of maladies with significant neural consequences; these can occur at any age.

The nutrients in a good supplement program can act powerfully, both separately and in combination, to strengthen and support the body's nervous systems both before and after onset of these afflictions.

Mechanisms of Action

In a number of cases supplements may improve neurotransmissions- i.e., they can enhance the ability of chemical molecules that carry information to and from the brain to do their work. Somtimes this is done by the supplements helping to rebuild the myelin sheath around nerves. Other times damaged nerve axons themselves may be repaired over a period of time.

Elimination of free radicals is also an important contribution from many supplements. Free radicals are atoms with an odd number of electrons formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. The highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction when once formed. Nerve or other cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. The body has a defense system of antioxidants to prevent free radical damage but often its antioxidants are insufficient and must be supplemented from other sources.

The correction of nutritional deficiencies is sometimes also necessary. A good supplement program can supply ingredients that will provide the body, either directly or indirectly, with a number of important nutrients that it may lack in connection with one or more of the above maladies. In fact even if there is not a deficiency of a particular nutrient, supplementation may still provide neurological benefits.