In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the role of supplements in managing sciatica and nerve pain. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of sciatica and highlights the most researched supplements, including alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, and palmitolethylamide. The conversation also covers supplements with mixed evidence, such as turmeric and MSM, and provides guidelines for safely using supplements. Dr. Mak concludes by stressing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.

1. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

• Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375279477_Systematic_Review_and_Meta-Analysis_Medicine_R_Effectiveness_of_alpha-lipoic_acid_in_patients_with_neuropathic_pain_associated_with_type_I_and_type_II_diabetes_mellitus_A_systematic_review_and_meta-an
• Review Article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9774895/

2. B Vitamins (especially B12)

• Systematic Review: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/8/2221
• Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33619867/

3. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

• Review of Clinical Applications: https://www.dovepress.com/palmitoylethanolamide-in-the-treatment-of-pain-and-its-clinical-applic-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-DDDT
• Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39798151/

4. Other Supplements

• Turmeric (Curcumin): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125634/
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7458879_Efficacy_of_methylsulfonylmethane_MSM_in_osteoarthritis_pain_of_the_knee_A_pilot_clinical_trial
• Arnica: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539394/

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