Olive Oil: A Promising Natural Remedy for the "Suicide Disease"

Posted on: Wednesday, July 24th 2024 at 3:00 am

Written By: 

GreenMedInfo Research Group

Trigeminal neuralgia, often called the "suicide disease" due to its excruciating pain, may have met its match in an unlikely source: extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). A groundbreaking study published in Nutrition Research offers hope to those suffering from this debilitating condition, suggesting that a simple dietary intervention could provide significant relief.

Key Findings

1. Pain reduction: Participants taking EVOO showed significant decreases in pain interference with general function, orofacial function, and severity of pain.
2. Quality of life improvement: EVOO intake was associated with better emotional and physical functioning.
3. Feasibility: 90% of participants were able to consistently consume the recommended 60 mL (4 tablespoons) of EVOO daily.
4. Diet quality: EVOO consumption improved participants' overall diet quality, particularly in fatty acid composition.
5. Safety: No serious adverse events were reported, suggesting EVOO is a well-tolerated intervention.

Study Design and Methods

This 16-week feasibility study, conducted by Moreno et al., involved 52 women with trigeminal neuralgia. Participants were randomly assigned to consume either 60 mL of EVOO daily or maintain their usual diet for 12 weeks following a 4-week baseline period. Researchers assessed pain levels, quality of life, and diet quality throughout the study.

Dr. Wendy J. Dahl, the study's corresponding author, explained, "We wanted to explore whether a simple dietary intervention like EVOO could offer relief to those suffering from this incredibly painful condition. The results are encouraging and warrant further investigation."

The Promise of Olive Oil

Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by severe, shooting facial pain that can be triggered by simple activities like eating, talking, or even a light touch. Conventional treatments often involve powerful medications with significant side effects or invasive surgical procedures. The potential of EVOO as a natural, food-based intervention is particularly exciting given its safety profile and additional health benefits.

EVOO is rich in oleic acid and polyphenols, compounds that may support nerve health and reduce inflammation. Dr. Dahl noted, "We believe the neuroprotective properties of EVOO, particularly its ability to support myelin production and reduce inflammation, may be key to its pain-relieving effects in trigeminal neuralgia."

The GreenMedInfo.com database highlights numerous other health benefits of olive oil, including cardiovascular protection, anti-cancer properties, and cognitive support. This makes EVOO an attractive option for trigeminal neuralgia patients, as they may experience additional health benefits beyond pain relief.

Other Natural Approaches

While the EVOO study offers new hope, it's not the only natural approach showing promise for trigeminal neuralgia. The GreenMedInfo.com database reveals several evidence-based complementary therapies:

1. Acupuncture: Multiple studies have demonstrated acupuncture's effectiveness in reducing trigeminal neuralgia pain.
2. Cannabis: Both animal and human studies suggest cannabinoids may help alleviate pain associated with the condition.
3. Herbal Medicine: Traditional Japanese herbal formulas like Uyakujunkisan and Saiko-Keishi-To have shown pain-relieving effects in clinical and animal studies.
4. Vitamin B12: Acupoint injection of B12 has demonstrated superior pain relief compared to the conventional drug carbamazepine.
5. St. John's Wort: Case reports suggest this herb may offer therapeutic benefits for some patients.

Conclusion

For those living with the agonizing pain of trigeminal neuralgia, the prospect of a safe, natural, and readily available treatment is tremendously exciting. Extra virgin olive oil, with its potential to reduce pain and improve quality of life, offers new hope in the management of this challenging condition.

As research continues, integrating EVOO into a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other evidence-based natural approaches could provide much-needed relief to those suffering from the "suicide disease." However, patients should always consult with their healthcare providers before making significant changes to their treatment regimens.

The intersection of nutrition and neurology in this study opens up new avenues for managing chronic pain conditions. As Dr. Dahl concluded, "We're just scratching the surface of how dietary interventions can impact neurological health. The potential for food as medicine in conditions like trigeminal neuralgia is an exciting frontier in medical research."

For more information on the benefits of olive oil, visit our database on the subject here.

For more information on natural ways to address Trigeminal Neuralgia, visit our database on the subject here.

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References

1. Moreno ML, et al. "Daily olive oil intake is feasible to reduce trigeminal neuralgia facial pain: A pilot study." Nutrition Research. 2024;123:101-110.

2. GreenMedInfo.com. "Trigeminal Neuralgia." https://www.greenmedinfo.com/disease/trigeminal-neuralgia

3. Spacek A, et al. "Acupuncture and trigeminal neuralgia." Wien Med Wochenschr. 1998;148(19):447-9.

4. Liang YC, et al. "Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors." J Exp Med. 2012;209(6):1121-1134.

5. Kogure T, et al. "Uyakujunkisan in the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia." Pain Practice. 2008;8(5):408-411.

6. Zhou CS, et al. "Comparative study on treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with acupoint injection of Vit B12 and carbamazepine." Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007;27(9):668-70.

7. Assiri K, et al. "Hypericum perforatum for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: A case report." Complement Ther Med. 2017;30:36-39.