Other nutrients are also critical for nerve healing and most of these are in the powder. One that is not that I would add if you have nerve pain is Lipoic acid 300-1000 mg/day. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant which has been shown to be beneficial for diabetic neuropathy. Another study showed that it was also helpful in "burning mouth syndrome". This syndrome is characterized by chronic pain on the tongue and sometimes the anterior palate and lips without any visible lesions. It is most often seen in postmenopausal women and has characteristics of being neuropathic pain. In a study of 60 patients, half received 200 mg of lipoic acid 3 times a day or placebo for 2-5 months. 97% of the patients improved versus 40% of those in the placebo group. 13% had complete resolution of their pain and another 74% had "decided improvement" where none of the placebo patients had this level of improvement. Almost all the patients showed some improvement by two months with 73% still showing benefit at the end of 12 months despite having stopped the treatment. That lipoic acid helps in several kinds of neuropathies suggest that it is worth trying in others as well, as it is quite benign and not very expensive.

SAM-e is a nutrient produced from trimethylglycine (betaine) in combination with multiple nutrients including B vitamins, folate, and inositol. It was initially tested and found to be effective in treating depression. Researchers also noted as an aside that it improved patients’ arthritis as effectively as anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS). A number of studies were done including one which gave 600 mg a day for 2 weeks followed by 400 mg daily for 2 years. Pain and stiffness decreased within one week and the improvement continued throughout the two-year trial. A study which reviewed seven other studies was inconclusive. A major problem with SAM-e is that it is not stable and breaks down easily, with many products not really delivering what they claim. In addition, it is quite expensive. An alternative that I prefer is to use the nutrients needed to make SAM-e in your body. Doing this in several patients (using the nutrients found in the Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder) resulted in increased blood levels of SAM-e similar to those found by taking 400-800 milligrams daily.

What else should I keep in mind for pain?
As noted above, pain is the body’s way of trying to get your attention. In addition to asking for nutritional support, pain also can be a sign that the patient needs 8+ hours of deep sleep a night, hormonal support, and to treat any underlying infections (especially yeast, parasites, and sinusitis). These and a host of other natural remedies (and how to tailor them to specific situations) are discussed at length in my new book "Pain Free 1-2-3!" and previous articles. For more information on over 150 available treatments (by category), including dosing and other patient instructions, click on the "treatment protocol" link on my website (bottom left at www.vitality101.com). This will give you detailed information on the different therapies available for each problem and how to use them. With so many safe and effective natural remedies available for pain, it is no longer necessary for over 50 million Americans to be in chronic pain, and tens of thousands to die each year from NSAIDs and other pain medications! Isn't it time for you to be Pain Free?