Category: Pain Reduction

Pacific Seamoss has been shown to have pain reduction properties in peer reviewed studies

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Biosea Health Health Benefits Pain Reduction

Natural Medicine for Joint Pain

Seaweed - a natural remedies for joint pain

Want a natural medicine for joint pain? One that is more effective than conventional analgesics or anti-inflammatories. In fact, medical practitioners advise against long term use of regular analgesics for joint pain. There are numerous remedies but the following 10 have proven trials. How much do you need? Most of these require a reasonable quantity consumed each day.

Joint pain, usually called arthritis (which means swollen joint) – in the back, hands, pelvis knees or ankles may be due to multiple causes. Some say that weight from obesity is the major cause – but more recently understanding is arthritis is primarily and inflammatory response. With over 104 different types of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. (Read more here) it is not surprising that studies show various levels of pain relief. Not just with artificial drugs but also natural medicines.

Seaweed

Seaweed extracts such as fucoidan are effective. The fucoidan comes from brown seaweed, but red seaweed is effective and there is good evidence in animals and in humans that whole seaweed is even more effective. Should you take the whole plant or just an extract? Prof Lindsay Brown says the whole plant has various other nutrients and vitamins that have other benefits so you should eat the whole plant and forget the extracts. Customers have experienced remarkable reduction of arthritis from Pacific Seamoss.

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)

SAM-e acts as an analgesic (pain reliever) and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may stimulate cartilage growth and also affects neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which reduce pain perception. Two studies have shown that it relieves OA symptoms as effectively as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with fewer side effects and more prolonged benefit.

Indian frankincense – Boswellia serrate

The active components (Boswellic acids) have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It also may help prevent cartilage loss and inhibit the autoimmune process. In a 2008 study, the extract, also known as Loxin 5, significantly improved OA pain and function within seven days. An Indian study also revealed it slowed cartilage damage after three months of use.

Osteo arthritis versus rheumotoid arthritis – courtesy of Grace and Able.

Capsaicin – Capsicum frutescens

Capsaicin temporarily reduces substance P, a pain transmitter. Its pain-relieving properties have been shown in many studies, including a 2010 study published in Phytotherapy Research, which revealed a 50 percent reduction in joint pain after three weeks of use. It is available as a topical cream, gel or patch

Tumeric/Curcumin –Curcuma longa

Curcumin is the chemical in turmeric that can reduce joint pain and swelling by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. A 2010 clinical trial using a turmeric supplement showed long-term improvement in pain and function in patients with knee OA. A small 2012 study using a curcumin product, BCM-95, showed more reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA when compared to diclofenac sodium.

Avocado-soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)

ASU blocks pro-inflammatory chemicals, prevents deterioration of synovial cells, which line joints, and may help regenerate normal connective tissue. A large three-year study published in 2013 showed that ASU significantly reduced progression of hip OA compared with placebo. A 2008 meta-analysis found that ASU improved symptoms of hip and knee OA, and reduced or eliminated NSAID use.

Cat’s Claw – Uncaria tomentosa

Cat’s claw is an anti-inflammatory that inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a target of powerful RA drugs. It also contains compounds that may benefit the immune system. A small 2002 trial showed it reduced joint pain and swelling by more than 50 percent compared with placebo. Look for a brand that is free of tetra-cyclic oxindole alkaloids.

Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA)

Omega-3s block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, and are converted by the body into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins. EPA and DHA have been extensively studied for RA and dozens of other inflammatory conditions. A 2010 meta-analysis found that fish oil significantly decreased joint tenderness and stiffness in RA patients and reduced or eliminated NSAID use. Recent studies have shown it is little better than placebo.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body converts into anti-inflammatory chemicals. In one trial, 56 patients with active RA showed significant improvement in joint pain, stiffness and grip strength after six months and progressive improvement in control of disease activity at one year. A smaller study found that a combination of GLA and fish oil significantly reduced the need for conventional pain relievers.

Ginger – Zingiber officinale

Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors. In a 2012 study, a specialized ginger extract reduced inflammatory reactions in RA as effectively as steroids did. Earlier studies showed that taking a certain extract four times daily reduced osteoarthritis pain in the knee after three months of treatment, and another taken twice daily worked about as well as ibuprofen taken three times daily for hip and knee OA pain

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is recent addition, and data is not yet clear. Cannabinoids are thought to influence the body’s own endocannabinoid system, which regulate biological functions such as metabolism, pain sensation and nervous system functions. Animal studies show CBD reduces pain and inflammation, and it may ease anxiety and improve sleep, but human research is needed. One study found synthetic-derived CBD was effective for knee OA pain. The FDA has approved CBD-derived drugs for rare childhood epileptic conditions.

Other Natural Products

There are many other natural medicines for relief of pain, and these include pine back extract, rosehips, and green lipped mussel extracts.

References

[1] Makkar, F & Chakraborty, K 2017, Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of sulphated polygalactans from red seaweeds Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria opuntia, International Journal of Food Properties, vol. 20, no. 6, pp. 1326-37.

[2] Kumar, S.A., Brown, L. Seaweeds as potential therapeutic interventions for the metabolic syndrome. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 14, 299–308 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-013-9254-8

[3] John O, Mouatt P, Prasadam I , Xiao Y, Panchal S, Brown L 2019 The edible native Australian fruit, Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia pruriens), reduces symptoms in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome, Journal of Functional Foods, (56) Pages 204-215, ISSN 1756-4646,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2019.03.018.

[4] Kumar M & Sharma S (2020) Toxicological effects of marine seaweeds: a cautious insight for human consumption, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1738334

[5] D’Orazio, N.; Gemello, E.; Gammone, M.A.; De Girolamo, M.; Ficoneri, C.; Riccioni, G. Fucoxantin: A Treasure from the Sea. Mar. Drugs 2012, 10, 604-616.

[6] Tirtawijaya, G., Haque, M. N., Choi, J. S., Moon, I. S., Meinita, M. D. N., Choi, J.-S., & Hong, Y.-K. (2019). Spinogenesis and Synaptogenesis Effects of the Red Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii and Its Isolated Cholesterol on Hippocampal Neuron Cultures. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 24(4), 418. (PubMed)

[7] Wanyonyi, S., Du Preez, R., Brown, L., Paul, N. A., & Panchal, S. K. (2017). Kappaphycus alvarezii as a food supplement prevents diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats. Nutrients, 9(11), 1261.(Pubmed)

[8] du Preez, R.; Paul, N.; Mouatt, P.; Majzoub, M.E.; Thomas, T.; Panchal, S.K.; Brown, L. Carrageenans from the Red Seaweed Sarconema filiforme Attenuate Symptoms of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. Mar. Drugs 2020, 18, 97.

[9] Zakaria, A, Jais, MR & Ishak, R 2018, Analgesic properties of Nigella sativa and Eucheuma cottonii extracts  Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 23.

[10] Myers SP, O’Connor J, Fitton JH, et al. A combined phase I and II open label study on the effects of a seaweed extract nutrient complex on osteoarthritis. Biologics. 2010;4:33-44. Published 2010 Mar 24. doi:10.2147/btt.s8354

[11] Sekar, S., Shafie, S., Prasadam, I. et al. Saturated fatty acids induce development of both metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis in rats. Sci Rep 7, 46457 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep46457

[12] 10 Supplements for Arthritis Arthritis Foundation

Categories
Biosea Health Pain Reduction

Seaweed Reduces Back Pain

seaweed reduces back pain

Seaweed reduces back pain was not something we were told about when we introduced Pacific Seamoss in 2019. But then we had many customers of Pacific Seamoss come back and tell us they had reduction of back pain. They had other benefits, but reduction in pain was widely reported and in particular natural arthritis relief.

Inflammation in joints occurs for many reasons, the two most common being overuse and arthritis. Both conditions interfere with normal function and stop us from leading a healthy active life. With Pacific Seamoss our customers are reporting pain and inflammation is reduced in arthritic or injured joints. They say they are active again, and greatly appreciate the better quality of life. Even our more athletic customers tell us their niggling training injuries have disappeared.

Reasons for less back pain

A seminal Nature publication by Professors Brown and Xiao in 2019 [11] said that the rats in a functional food study was related to the reduction in inflammation rather than obesity that the experiment studied. Along with the large reduction in inflammation in liver and gut, changes in microbiome, the animals fed functional food had additional cartilage. There are many reasons that Pacific Seamoss reduce back pain.

  • Pacific Seamoss contains plant sterols and other macronutrients that interfere with the chronic inflammation process.
  • It is a pre-biotic – up-regulating your healthy gut bacteria that pump inflammation-reducing short-chain fatty acids into the bloodstream.
  • It has a high daily level of nutrients and trace elements such as potassium, Zinc, Selenium and Calcium
  • With high levels of Vitamins including A, B1, B2, and B6
  • Good levels of Sulphur

In addition in animal studies, it was more effective than aspirin as an analgesic. [9]

There are clinical trials with seaweed from the brown seaweeds and extracts of fucoidans, and show reduction in arthritis with extracts of kelp [10] but Pacific Seamoss is whole food, is available, has vitamins and minerals and consumers report outstanding results.

Seaweed reduces back pain testimonials

For some testimonials for back pain check out testimonials on this site here. Here are just 4 simple ones. It seems it takes 4 to 6 weeks before people notice, and it will be because the body gets used to pain. It takes a while to realise that pain is not there.

  • Chris – a 65 year old ex parquet flooring business owner could not stand up without hanging onto a support and with pain. After 3 months of seaweed he realised when he stood up, the creak and crack were still there, but the pain had gone.
  • Wayne, a printer realised when he stood up, knees bent, with a box of paper the pain had reduced. Took 4 weeks
  • Gray realised after a month that he woke up without knee pain. After 2 months he could do a fun run with his kids – something he had been unable to do for 10 years.
  • Lindsay had a back pain for over 15 years. Realised after 3 weeks that he had no more pain.

These customers were consuming about 4 grams of seaweed per day. Some have reduced down to 2.5 g and finding that pain relief continues. Stopping for a couple of weeks means the pain returns.

What Causes Back Pain

Causes of Back pain (from VeryWell Health) are varied, and more study will be needed to understand where seaweed may assist in the natural management of back pain.

Natural Medicines

The Arthritis Foundation says that there are 10 vitamins and supplements, backed by science, that help relieve arthritis pain. You can read more on natural medicine for joint pain here.

Knee and Back Pain Prevalence

It is just not back pain. Knee pain is the second most common chronic pain condition in the U.S. behind back pain. Over one-third of all Americans will have a knee pain issue at some point in their lives. Between 15% and 20 % of men will encounter knee pain, and almost 20% of women will have knee pain.

References

[1] Makkar, F & Chakraborty, K 2017, Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of sulphated polygalactans from red seaweeds Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria opuntia, International Journal of Food Properties, vol. 20, no. 6, pp. 1326-37.

[2] Kumar, S.A., Brown, L. Seaweeds as potential therapeutic interventions for the metabolic syndrome. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 14, 299–308 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-013-9254-8

[3] John O, Mouatt P, Prasadam I , Xiao Y, Panchal S, Brown L 2019 The edible native Australian fruit, Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia pruriens), reduces symptoms in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome, Journal of Functional Foods, (56) Pages 204-215, ISSN 1756-4646,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2019.03.018.

[4] Kumar M & Sharma S (2020) Toxicological effects of marine seaweeds: a cautious insight for human consumption, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1738334

[5] D’Orazio, N.; Gemello, E.; Gammone, M.A.; De Girolamo, M.; Ficoneri, C.; Riccioni, G. Fucoxantin: A Treasure from the Sea. Mar. Drugs 2012, 10, 604-616.

[6] Tirtawijaya, G., Haque, M. N., Choi, J. S., Moon, I. S., Meinita, M. D. N., Choi, J.-S., & Hong, Y.-K. (2019). Spinogenesis and Synaptogenesis Effects of the Red Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii and Its Isolated Cholesterol on Hippocampal Neuron Cultures. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 24(4), 418. (PubMed)

[7] Wanyonyi, S., Du Preez, R., Brown, L., Paul, N. A., & Panchal, S. K. (2017). Kappaphycus alvarezii as a food supplement prevents diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats. Nutrients, 9(11), 1261.(Pubmed)

[8] du Preez, R.; Paul, N.; Mouatt, P.; Majzoub, M.E.; Thomas, T.; Panchal, S.K.; Brown, L. Carrageenans from the Red Seaweed Sarconema filiforme Attenuate Symptoms of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. Mar. Drugs 2020, 18, 97.

[9] Zakaria, A, Jais, MR & Ishak, R 2018, Analgesic properties of Nigella sativa and Eucheuma cottonii extracts  Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 23.

[10] Myers SP, O’Connor J, Fitton JH, et al. A combined phase I and II open label study on the effects of a seaweed extract nutrient complex on osteoarthritis. Biologics. 2010;4:33-44. Published 2010 Mar 24. doi:10.2147/btt.s8354

[11] Sekar, S., Shafie, S., Prasadam, I. et al. Saturated fatty acids induce development of both metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis in rats. Sci Rep 7, 46457 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep46457

Categories
Biosea Health Pain Reduction

Seaweed reduces Hangovers

Pacific Seamoss Seaweed reduces hangovers

Rainee, a convertee to Pacific Seamoss confided to me that consuming seaweed reduces hangovers. During the Covid-19, we know that consumption of alcohol has increased [1]. Not everyone wants to admit this, but I had consumed a bottle of white wine, and the next morning felt full of energy, and not hungover. My alcohol tolerance is low, and consuming 2 standard drinks of alcohol would leave me feeling very jaded the next day.

With the comments of Rainee, and my own experience we dived back into the literature. Was this effect real? Could it be explained?

You don’t have to be good to feel good!

Hangovers suck. If there’s one statement all of humanity can get behind, it’s hangovers suck. Throbbing headaches, fluey shakes, gut-churning bedspins—it doesn’t matter if you spent the night pounding cheap beer or vintage Bordeaux; when you’re hungover, you want one thing: to make all the awful feelings stop.

And there are whole heap of really weird hangover cures in various societies.

  • Cow intestine, calves’ feet, and milk are the three main ingredients in khashi, the slippery white stew that Georgians swear by as a hangover panacea
  • The Peruvians use the left over juice from ceviche
  • The Italians have a Neapolitan tonic on the brink of extinction, gassosa dall’acquafrescaio which blends fresh-squeezed Sorrento lemon juice, sparkling volcanic water, and baking soda to create a frothy “eruption” in the glass
  • Outer Mongolia – sheep’s eyes
  • USA – prairie oysters – raw egg and Tabasco sauce (not calves testicles)
  • Korean haejangguk (literally “hangover soup”) is the catch-all genre of beef-and-vegetable stews – but with seaweed.
  • According to Irish folklore, it was said that the cure for a hangover was to bury the ailing person up to the neck in moist river sand. This is obviously not a recommended hangover cure.

Look No Further! Seaweed to the Rescue

In a consumer survey in 2019 from early users of Pacific Seamoss surprisingly said that they felt better at 8 to 12 days. Published research work from Prof Lindsay Brown on obesity rat models showed marked improvement in liver function. His team demonstrated red seaweeds reduction in fatty liver fat deposits, reduction in fat vesicles. [3] [4]. We know that the liver damage from obesity is pathologically the same as the damage from alcohol. For a full review of liver damage caused by non-alcohol check out this review [5] but for alcohol fatty liver disease this reveiw [6]. More concerning is that fatty liver disease is associated with cancer [7].

What we know from science:

  • Alcohol causes liver inflammation
  • Seaweed reduces liver inflammation and the presence of fat vesicles in the liver of with obesity models
  • Seaweed extracts reduced liver inflammation

Extracts of Seaweed Reduced Liver Damage

In a trial with mice in 2017, Yin et al used extracted carbohydrates from a seaweed. They fed different rates of seaweed extracts to mice who were fed alcohol, and looked at liver function and size.

Growth rates increased

We know that alcohol stunts growth, one of the many reasons why women should not drink during pregnancy. We also know alcohol is contributor to a whole range of diseases including heart, dementia and cancers. But in this trial, scientists used growth rates to measure health in mice. They found seaweed extracts negated the effects of the alcohol on growth.

Group7 day15 daysGrowth %
Control222831
OAS 50 mg + alcohol243443
OAS 150 mg + alcohol233345
OAS 250 mg + alcohol233447
OAS 350 mg + alcohol243543
From Yin et al Growth rates of animals with seaweed extract were normal.

When the researchers looked at the serum levels after feeding alcohol, and the damage change that alcohol sets off, what they concluded is that the seaweed has a protective mechanism on the liver.

From Yin et al 2017. Effects of AOS on serum ALT and AST enzymatic activities against alcohol-induced acute liver injuries in mice.

So seaweed has a protective mechanism, and the authors concluded that mice should take these seaweed extracts 2 hours before consumption of alcohol.

But our best guess is taking seaweed on a daily basis will provide that same protection. Given most people who suffer hangovers will drink to excess on a regular basis. So take seaweed. Stop the hangovers. Then see a support agency to stop drinking to excess.

Our study demonstrated that AOS exerted promising hepatoprotective effects, which may have potential applications in prevention and protection of oxidative stress-induced liver injuries

Yin et al 2017.

Conclusion

  • Seaweed shows protective mechanism against liver damage from alcohol.
  • Seaweed shows protective mechanisms against obesity and high sugar intake.
  • Customers report feeling better with no hangovers from alcohol
  • Yet another reason to consume seaweed for good health.

Disclaimer

We do not promote excess alcohol consumption. We recommend you follow the appropriate health guidelines set by your national health bodies.

References

[1] Alcohol consumption increases during COVID-19 crisis (Australia National University Report)

[2] Yin et al 2017. Preparation, characterization and alcoholic liver injury protective effects of algal oligosaccharides from Gracilaria lemaneiformis Food Research International Vol 100, Part 2, October 2017, Pages 186-195 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2017.08.032

[3] Wanyonyi, S., du Preez, R., Brown, L., Paul, N. A. & Panchal, S. K. Kappaphycus alvarezii as a Food Supplement Prevents Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. Nutrients 9, 2 (2017).

[4] du Preez, R. et al. Carrageenans from the Red Seaweed Sarconema filiforme Attenuate Symptoms of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. Mar. Drugs 18, 97 (2020).

[5] Than N, Newsome P. 2015 A concise review of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 2015
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.01.001

[6] Osna, N. A., Donohue, T. M., Jr, & Kharbanda, K. K. (2017). Alcoholic Liver Disease: Pathogenesis and Current Management. Alcohol research : current reviews, 38(2), 147–161. (NCBI)

[7] Dhamija, E., Paul, S. B., & Kedia, S. (2019). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with hepatocellular carcinoma: An increasing concern. The Indian journal of medical research, 149(1), 9–17. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1456_17

Support Agencies

Lifeline Australia https://www.lifeline.org.au Tel 131114

Alchoholics Anonymous
Australia https://aa.org.au/ 1300 222 222
UK 08009177650 https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
NZ https://aa.org.nz/ 0800 229 6757
Philippines http://www.aaphilippines.com/ WhatsApp +63 917 842 9280

Beyond Blue Australian 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.com