Research has shown PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anti-nociceptive (anti-pain) properties and taking it regularly may boost your body’s natural response to pain by acting on the nerve cells which cause pain.
PEA: PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE – a safe and natural solution for pain.
It’s the discovery by Nobel Prize winner Levi-Montalcino, has led to much research and the molecule is now available as a supplement, being effective in managing many cases of chronic pain and inflammation. In particular peripheral neuropathies such as diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, dental pains and vaginal pains have benefited.
While PEA is naturally produced in the body to fight pain and lower inflammation, people who have been suffering from pain for a long time may have low levels of PEA. Therefore, taking extra PEA may boost the body’s response to reduce pain.
PEA is non-addictive, is usually well-tolerated and can be taken with other medications, including other pain medications. It can provide relief on its own, or in some cases help reduce the amount of stronger pain medications taken, which are often causing unwanted side effects.
Factors that sustain inflammation
As always, it is important to address the diet and lifestyle behaviours that may be adding to inflammation in your body, such as:
- Smoking;
- Being an unhealthy weight;
- Eating a diet containing refined/processed carbohydrates (e.g. white bread, pasta, white rice, cereals, sugar);
- Consuming ’trans’ fats (e.g. fried or fast foods, packaged baked goods, vegetable fats used in some kinds of margarine);
- Being sleep deprived;
- Regularly consuming alcohol, coffee, excess sugar and/ or salt;
- Experiencing ongoing digestive issues that upset the balance of ‘good’ bacteria (e.g. stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea); and/or
- Experiencing ongoing psychological stress (unhappy employment situation, social isolation, caring for a loved one with a serious disease).
Putting an end to the pain
Many people are already taking steps to reduce or avoid the above factors. Others are also taking supplements such as curcumin (turmeric), fish oil (EPA) and other herbal medicines and nutrients. Sometimes this gives relief, but in other cases, there is still significant pain and discomfort.
PEA is a supplement that needs to compound by a qualified practitioner. Jodie now stocks an Italian developed PEA, micronised for rapid absorption, and can prescribe this for her patients were indicated.