*B1, B6, and B12: THE ULTIMATE PAIN-RELIEF TRIO* Pain, especially neuropathic pain is a big problem for elderly people. This is because the normal NSAIDs aka painkillers don’t work for this kind of pain. What does? Let’s talk about the B-vitamins *WHAT IS PAIN?* Pain is the body’s alarm system. It is a signal that something is fundamentally wrong. It involves complex interactions between your brain, nerves and spinal cord. No one likes the sensation of pain, but it is vital for our survival and avoidance of injury. Pain can be categorized into 3: - Nociceptive pain - Neuropathic pain - Nociplastic pain Nociceptive pain is pain that comes from injury, inflammation or physical damage to tissues eg a broken bone or period cramps. Neuropathic pain is pain due to damage to the nerves or nervous system eg diabetic neuropathy or sciatica. Nociplastic pain is basically trauma from past pain. It is psychological in nature like a heart break that gives chest pains.. Today however let’s look at neuropathic pain. *NEUROPATHIC PAIN* Why is neuropathic pain different? Neuropathic pain is different because it doesn’t come from an external injury or inflammation, it comes from damaged or malfunctioning nerves. It often feels like: - Burning - Tingling - Electric shocks - Numbness It can be spontaneous, or triggered by the lightest touch. It can also persist for years after the original illness goes away, this is because the nerves take a very long time to heal. Standard pain killers tend to not work for this type of pain, or when they do it’s just for 10 minutes and that’s it.. which then makes people to take these pain killers back to back, and increasing their chances of getting peptic ulcer disease. So what seems to work then? For neuropathic pain, treatment focuses on nerve specific therapies such as: - Antidepressants - Anticonvulsants - Topical painkillers - Lifestyle modification - Natural remedies THE ROLE OF VITAMINS B1, B6 AND B12. The B-vitamins especially B1, B6 and B12 play a huge role in neuropathic pain. This is because they’re essential for nerve function, nerve regeneration and reduction of inflammation. What’s more? It is scientifically proven that; *VITAMIN B1 (Thiamine)* - The nerve protector Thiamine is essential for nerve function and energy metabolism. How does it relieve pain? - It protects the nerves from oxidative damage and inflammation - It supports production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps with nerve signaling - It prevents diabetic neuropathy. A study published in the journal of clinical medicine found that thiamine supplementation significantly reduced neuropathic pain in diabetic patients. *VITAMIN B6 (Pyridoxine)* - The pain modulator Vitamin B6 is crucial for synthesis of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin and GABA. They help in regulating perception of pain. How does it relieve pain? - It reduces inflammation and nerve irritation - It increases amount of dopamine and serotonin - It support production of red blood cells, ensuring delivery of oxygen to the nerves. ⚠️Vitamin B6 is great, but over use can cause nerve toxicity and worsen pain. It’s important to speak to a doctor before using it so that he/she can monitor your intake. *VITAMIN B12 (Cobalamin)* - The nerve healer Vitamin B12 is essential for the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering of the nerves. How does it relive pain? - It repairs damaged nerves and regenerates myelin - It reduces homocysteine levels, which can damage blood vessels - It improves communication between the nerves and the brain Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to numbness, tingling sensation, weakness and severe neuropathic pain. B1, B6 and B12 work best together. They have a synergistic effect in treating causes of neuropathic pain. - B1 protects the nerves from oxidative damage - B6 regulates neurotransmitters for reduction of pain - B12 regenerates and repairs damaged nerves. Together, they’re the ultimate combo. *YOU CAN GET THESE VITAMINS FROM FOOD.* - Food sources of Vitamin B1 include: Meat, fish, beans, nuts, lentils etc - Food sources of Vitamin B6 include: Fruits like bananas and avocados, Vegetables like spinach and kale. - Food sources of Vitamin B12 include: Beef, liver chicken, fish and shellfish, beans, peas and diary. These vitamins are found in most foods, and you can get enough of them if you eat a healthy and balanced diet. These Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are not just a regular combination. They’re scientifically proven for relief of nerve pain, and regeneration of nerves. If you suffer from neuropathic pain, talk to your doctor about adding B-vitamins to your routine. You’d definitely not regret it. 👍🏽 Ok cheers bye for now ✌🏽 #beintheknow #ndlalanehealth