Almost everyone has some sort of medication in their medicine cabinet for pain. But for sufferers of chronic pain, it often isn't enough. They experience a never-ending cycle of pain that is damaging both physically and emotionally.
One of the ways our bodies fight pain is producing endorphins. These potent painkillers, produced in the brain, also alter mood. Endorphins block the pain impulse by interfering with messages traveling through the nervous system to the brain. Unfortunately endorphins cannot be manufactured outside of the body. Substances can be found, however, that increase the potency of endorphins.
A lot of chronic pain is caused by inflammation. Inflammation is a natural defense of our body to signal injury or design and to attempt to get rid of infection. Chemical messengers, such as histamine and prostaglandins, are responsible for the inflammatory response and subsequent pain. Headaches, Rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic pain in the joints, back and knees is often linked to inflammation.
Pine bark and grape seed extracts contain oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC's) that protect against inflammation and alleviates its symptoms. OPC's appear to inhibit the chemicals that cause inflammation. There are also indications that OPC's may boost the effects of vitamin C and vitamin E to boost the effectiveness of endorphins and lessen the pain and swelling of inflammation.
Histamines also produce inflammation and are the body's natural response to allergens. Since OPC's neutralize the production of histamine, allergy sufferers who take OPC's find that their allergy symptoms, like sniffling, sneezing and congestion, improve.
In addition to helping cut down on inflammation, OPC's also repair and maintain collagen and elastin fibre, which can make capillaries stronger. Healthy collagen and elastin fiber also helps to cut down on swelling and phlebitis, and can even speed the healing of abrasions and bruises. Even the body's ability to protect itself against the harmful rays of the sun is increased.
