Alzheimer’s Disease

Chronic Pain

Causes

Pain is a signal that something is wrong with the body It may be triggered by a myriad of factors, ranging from diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer, to injuries from exercise or accidents, to food allergies, which can, for example, provoke migraines. While the causes of pain are many, the mechanisms used by the body to produce pain are similar. When the body experiences pain, a nerve impulse travels from the injured site up through the spinal cord, and to the brain. At this point the brain reacts by registering the pain in our consciousness.

When the body experiences pain, inflammation usually results. Inflammation is characterized by swelling, redness, heat, and pain, and if left untreated, partial or complete loss of function of the affected area. During inflammation, protease, an enzyme that aids in the assimilation of protein, is liberated in the injured region, initiating a chain reaction that compounds the problem. Small particles of protein, known as bradykinins, are also released and interact with the nerve receptors, resulting in the perception of pain. In addition, the bradykinins summon the immune cells to the region and widen the blood vessels.

Treatment

NUTRITION

One of the most effective methods of combating chronic pain is saturation. This can be effectively achieved by consuming eight six- to eight-ounce glasses of water per day for the elderly, this is especially important, as recent medical research reveals that dehydration can playa major role in the onset of chronic pain due to the spinal discs drying out. Note that when the body feels sensations of thirst, partial dehydration has already occurred. Therefore, we should try to quench the body’s need for liquid prior to actually feeling it. Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

In addition to water, organic fruits and vegetables, and certain juices create an acid/base balance within the body, which is important for diminishing pain. Excess acidity encourages the stimulation of peripheral nerves and increases our perception of pain. By alkalinizing the body, this type of stimulation can be prevented. Furthermore, juices derived from plant sources provide abundant sources of phytochemicals and antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The acidity of the body can have a profound effect upon health. According to Dr. Emanuel Revici, a renowned health educator and researcher who has dedicated a great portion of his life to devising treatments for pain, pain sensations can be substantially alleviated by altering our dietary habits. In his research, Dr. Revici succeeded in eliminating severe pancreatic cancer pain by raising the pH level in his patients. While an excess of acidic foods can contribute to the accumulation of hazardous waste products within the system, recent studies of the average American diet have revealed that 80 percent of our dietary intake is acidic, while only 20 percent is alkaline. In a healthy diet these figures should be reversed. Some good examples of alkaline foods are soybeans, potatoes, melons, and lemons-these foods aid the body in eliminating harmful accumulations. It is important to note that beneficial forms of acid do exist and can be derived from coconuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, macadamias, pecans, and walnuts. And although a variety of beans-black beans, adzuki beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, mung beans, navy beans, red beans, white beans, and pintos-register on the acidic (low) side of the pH scale, they too can be considered healthy acids. The same principle applies to oats, rice, and whole wheat. Negative acids generally register extremely low on the pH scale, meaning that they are highly acidic. Red meat falls into this category. If the bulk of your dietary intake lies on the acidic side of the pH scale, you should neutralize your body by concentrating on more alkaline foods.