Module One: Natural Pain Relieving Substances

Aspirin Alternatives: The Top Natural Pain-Relieving Analgesics,  June, 1999  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

There are many major conditions where Vitamin C is of value. Please note that I have underlined some of the disorders which have pain syndromes related to them: Asthma, allergies, atherosclerosis, auto-immune disorders, backache, cancer and chemotherapy support, candidiasis, capillary fragility, cataracts, cervical dysplasia, Crohn's disease, common cold, coronary artery disease, diabetes, eczema, fatigue, gall-bladder disease, gingivitis, glaucoma, hay fever, hepatitis herpes simplex, herpes zoster, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hives, immune function, infections, infertility, iron deficiency, macular degeneration, menopause, menorrhagia (heavy menstruation), mitral valve prolapse, morning sickness, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, periodontal disease, peptic ulcers, peripheral vascular disease, preeclampsia, recurrent ear infection, rheumatoid arthritis, skin ulcers, sports injuries, urinary tract infections, wound healing and vitilego.

Ascorbic Acid is NOT the Best Form of C -- Mineral Ascorbates are Preferred!

Many people are under the false impression that Vitamin C is ascorbic acid. In truth, this is just one form of Vitamin C and it is not the form I recommend. Ascorbic acid is highly acidic (pH of 2 or 3) and can disrupt the sensitive pH of the body. The pH of the urine is lowered which is increasingly irritating to the kidneys and bladder, inducing a strong diuretic action, which results in a marked loss of valuable mineral from the body, and can cause diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, heartburn, stomach irritation, and can possibly lead to or irritate ulcers.

I prefer Vitamin C in the form of mineral ascorbates (calcium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, etc.) which are pH neutral. This is the form of Vitamin C produced in animals who do manufacture their own Vitamin C. Only humans, the guinea pig, the monkey, the ape, and a type of bat cannot manufacture mineral ascorbates in the body. Mineral ascorbates are highly absorbable by our cells and therefore much more beneficial.

Precautions: There are many substances which can deplete Vitamin C in the body including alcohol, analgesics, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, steroids and smoking. An important caution needs to be addressed when taking aspirin and Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, especially in large doses, can cause side effects such as listed above. (Lytle, Hanck, Creagan, Gupte, Werbach)

Vitamin B-1

Vitamin B1, called Thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin. Thiamine enhances circulation and assists in blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism, and the production of hydrochloric acid, which is important for proper digestion. Thiamine, also optimizes cognitive activity, brain function and its impact on mental attitude. It has a positive effect on energy production, growth, normal appetite, and learning capacity, and is needed for muscle tone of the intestines, stomach, and heart.

In general, B1 keeps the nervous system, muscles and heart functioning normally. Thiamine also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from the degenerative effects of aging, alcohol consumption, and smoking. It has mild diuretic effects. Thiamine can help fight air and seasickness. It can help relieve dental postoperative pain and aid in the treatment of herpes zoster. Thiamine can mimic the important neurotransmitter involved in memory, acetylcholine. As with all B vitamins, Thiamine is intricately involved with other B-vitamins in energy metabolism. Magnesium is required in the conversion of Thiamine to its active form.