Researchers recently revealed that Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract, can reduce monthly period pain. Millions of women suffer with varying degrees of menstrual cramping pains every month and have to take pain medication for it. The new study showed that by taking Pycnogenol the women in the trial experienced less pain and needed less medication during menstruation.
The period pains suffered by many women are thought to be due to increased levels of inflammation in the body. The inflammation is caused by a substance called prostaglandin, a natural hormone, that is produced by the cells of the lining of the womb. Women who experience the worst period pain have higher levels of prostaglandin.
While Pycnogenol acts as an anti-inflammatory and clearly is of benefit there are some additional nutritional remedies that can be used so that anti-inflammatory pain medication can often be avoided completely.
Nutritional Remedies
Omega 3 oils are well known for their anti-inflammatory action and will help lessen menstrual pain. Up to 6 grams of a pure fish oil can be taken daily for 2 -3 months to build up the levels of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. The dose can be reduced after this.
The mineral magnesium is frequently low in women who experience period pain. Magnesium is the great muscle relaxing mineral. A supplement of 400mg a day of a good absorbable form such as Magnesium Glycinate is a good natural remedy for period pain. Foods high in magnesium include nuts, seeds,
spinach, yogurt, wheat germ, and whole grains.
Vitamin B6 100mg a day is often used with Magnesium as it can help get it into the cells.
Vitamin B1 at a level of 100 mg a day was used in one trial to produce excellent results in women suffering from dysmenorrhea.
Vitamin E 400 to 800 IU per day can improve blood supply to muscles and help to ease pain.
Diet plays an important part too. Saturated fats found in dairy products and red and fatty meat increase inflammatory prostaglandins and should be avoided. Processed and junk foods, sugar and coffee deplete the body of nutrients and should be replaced with pure water, herbal, fruit and green tea, fresh fruit, vegetables, low fat free range or organic animal protein or beans & lentils for vegetarians and whole grains.
By following a whole program of healthy diet with Pycnogenol, few natural remedies and stress reduction for a 3 month trial you can be free from period pain.
A natural remedy of Pine Bark extract can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. Some new research showed that Pycnogenal, well researched pine bark extract, reduced knee pain by 56%. The pine bark extract which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties allowed sufferers to reduce their pain medication quite dramatically.
The patients received 100 mg of Pynogenol daily for 3 months and had much less stiffness and were able to walk further without pain. The reduction of the anti-inflammatory medication could greatly reduce the side effects caused by this type of pain relief.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by inflammation and degeneration of the protein substance called cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones of joints. The loss of cartilage causes pain, and stiffness and limitation of movement in the joint as friction occurs between the bones.
Wear and tear from mechanical stress, excess weight on the bones and aging can cause the degeneration but as it is sometimes found in families a hereditary factor could be involved as well.
Osteoarthritis effects about 7 million people in the UK and more than 16 million in the USA with 10 million suffering with osteoarthritis of the knee.
It is often treated with non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs which is associated with a number of side effects. A newer type of anti-inflammatory, known as COX-2 inhibitor, also has serious side effects as it blocks the enzyme that creates protective fatty acids in the body.
Pycnogenol that is extracted from French maritime pine tree bark, is a welcome natural remedy that been used for centuries which can calm down inflammation without side effects.
Other natural remedies such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin in doses of 1200-1500 mg daily can then be used to help repair the cartilage. They are often combined with other natural substances like MSM and boswelia. Studies have also shown that supplements of Omega 3 can also reduce inflammation.
Natural remedies work better when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Exercise is important to improve circulation to the joint although one of the effects of pine bark extract is to dilate (widen) blood vessels which helps with circulation.
Nutritional approaches include:
- A diet high in fruit and vegetables to supply antioxidants and repairing nutrients.
- Identification and avoidance of food sensitivities.
- Removal of nightshade family (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant (aubergine), tobacco) as they can inhibit repair of the cartilage.
- Avoidance of saturated, trans fats and hydrogenated fats found in many processed foods.
- Reduction of refined carbohydrates and sugar.
Nancy MacGranahan who suffered with arthritis for 19 years found freedom of pain, stiffness and inflammation after trying a natural program for just 1 month. Her eBook “Arthritis Free For Life” gives clear, concise, and easy to follow step-by-step directions so you can be free too. To read more about it Click Here!
AIM