Pain Free with PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide)

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What is it?

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an intriguing natural substance that the human body produces to combat pain and inflammation. It is also found in many animals and plant products, such as eggs, milk, peanuts, soy lecithin, soybeans and alfalfa. PEA is a fatty acid amid that is fast emerging in the USA and Australia that may help reduce pain and inflammation but has been used for decades across Europe and the Netherlands.

Many clinical studies have been conducted on PEA and its effectiveness to reduce pain especially in neuropathic (nerve) pain, inflammatory pain and visceral pain such as endometriosis and interstitial cystitis. Some conditions it has proven helpful for include; diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, dental pain, chronic pelvic pain and vaginal pains. No serious side effects have been reported, or drug-drug interactions.

Research is continuously being done on and finding more benefits of PEA, with recent discoveries finding it can also activate the cannabinoid receptors, protect the brain and heart, improve mood, reduce allergies and may help fight the common cold! It’s also easy to take as a supplement, available in capsule or powder form.

How does it work?

PEA stops the activity of pro-inflammatory genes and the production of inflammatory substances. PEA reduces the activity of the bliss gene FAAH that breaks down natural cannabinoid anandamide which increases levels of calming anandamide in your body helping to combat pain.

Health Benefits of PEA

Reduces Pain and Inflammation

There have been many studies to show that PEA reduces pain and inflammation, with approximately 30 trials conducted on over 6 thousand people since the 1970s.

Some of these studies included:

• The study of chronic pelvic pain, quality of life and sexual health of women treated with PEA [1] This study covered pain such as endometriosis, an overgrowth of the uterus lining in a trial of 56 women.

• The treatment of nerve compression syndrome, such as carpal tunnel and sciatic pain and/or chronic back pain. [2]

• Pain after Surgery [2]

• Arthritis [2]

May help with Depression

A study on 58 patients were given either 600mg of PEA twice daily or placebo for 6 weeks. The group administered with PEA showed to have improved depressive symptoms. PEA showed rapid-onset antidepressant effects. [3]

May help fight the common cold

Scientists found that PEA has positive effects on the immune system. In early studies of over 4 thousand people, PEA could fight the influenza virus that causes the common cold.

Studies found that taking 1,200mg of PEA a day reduced the duration of cold symptoms, such as headaches, sore throat and a fever. PEA also lowered your chances of catching a cold and the severity of the symptoms. [4]

Summary

PEA is a natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory that has many other positive effects. It can be very helpful for those suffering with chronic pain. As PEA can activate the cannabinoid receptors, its also known to protect the brain and heart, improve mood and reduce allergies. Be Pain Free with PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide)!

Studies:

[1]- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26491823

[2] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4631430/

[3] – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032717324278

[4] – https://www.hindawi.com/journals/iji/2013/151028/

CYOS blog content is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Always consult with your doctor or medical professional before using any dietary supplements or if you suspect you have any medical concerns or issues.

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