Natural remedy for inflammation assists in building stronger muscles as you age.

A natural compound commonly used to relieve chronic pain is now being recognized for its ability to strengthen aging muscles.

Studies have shown that this compound can also help the body defend against specific viruses, including COVID-19.

This natural anti-inflammatory is not fish oil or turmeric; it is a substance known as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Similar to fish oil, PEA is a fatty acid that aids in reducing inflammation.

Overview

PEA's capacity to shield neurons from painful inflammation holds promise for treating various health conditions related to neuron damage and pain. For example, PEA may assist in alleviating some movement challenges caused by neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis. Research carried out on laboratory animals in Spain indicated that PEA could alleviate the "motor disability" resulting from nerve damage caused by multiple sclerosis throughout the body.¹

PEA has also demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the pain associated with migraine headaches. A study conducted in Europe revealed that individuals experiencing periodic migraines experienced a decrease in head pain by approximately one-third when they consumed PEA, based on the pain ratings provided by the study participants.²

Moreover, PEA has been shown to alleviate pelvic pain caused by endometriosis. Studies conducted in Greece and Italy showed that taking PEA for three months reduced pain and discomfort in women aged 18 to 48 with endometriosis, while also enhancing their quality of life and psychological well-being.³

Furthermore, aside from these health benefits, there is another crucial advantage for individuals over the age of 50.

Strengthens Aging Muscles

In addition to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, PEA can help older individuals preserve more muscle tissue as they age, aiding in avoiding the frailty that often results from muscle weakness and shortens lives.

An Italian study suggests that PEA has the potential to mitigate sarcopenia – the loss of muscle tissue with age. These Italian researchers emphasize that PEA's ability to preserve muscle tissue is linked to its capacity to reduce inflammation, inhibiting immune cells that could disrupt protein synthesis in muscle cells.⁴

This is particularly significant given studies indicating that, after middle age, the average adult loses about three percent of muscle mass and strength annually.

Moreover, PEA's antiviral properties are noteworthy...

Combating Viruses

In a recent study on PEA, researchers from Australia, India, and Italy collaborated to investigate how this natural compound can assist the body in resisting RNA viruses like influenza, hepatitis C, Ebola, and COVID-19.

These researchers explain that due to PEA's fatty nature, it can bind to the virus and disrupt its entry into the body's cells. Additionally, PEA prevents the virus from absorbing human cell components that support its growth. Furthermore, PEA enhances cellular defenses that can eliminate the virus.⁵

Furthermore, research suggests that combining PEA with luteolin can help restore the sense of smell lost due to COVID-19. An Italian study found that individuals who lost their sense of smell due to COVID-19 could regain their olfactory abilities by taking a combination of PEA and luteolin, along with participating in olfactory training.⁶

My Conclusion

PEA is proving to be a versatile natural substance that the body utilizes in various impressive ways to combat aging-related issues – even sleep disturbances! A study in Australia, for instance, demonstrates that taking PEA can enhance sleep quality.⁷

If you choose to explore PEA, there are numerous PEA supplements available. You can also boost your intake of foods rich in PEA, such as soy, peanuts, coffee, walnuts, and black peas.