Quick - someone run out for some fish.
This may not be as far fetched as the statement sounds. Studies have
found an interesting correlation between a species of fish that may
hold the secret to killing cancer pain.
Morphine
Typically, morphine is given to patients
to try to help dispel the pain and suffering caused by cancer and the
related treatments. This drug has benefits, however it is a controlled
substance and is just one of the narcotics that are used to try to treat
pain.
The side effects to morphine can be mild,
however this is not typical for the population who now rely on its pain
killing benefits. Instead people are likely to experience one if not
all of the following side effects:
- Sedation, a symptom
that is more common in the beginning of drug therapy.
- Nausea, tends to be
worse near the beginning of treatments using morphine as a component
to combat pain.
- Vomiting, also tends
to be more near the beginning of treatment, however the occurrence
of vomiting can also be attributed to the chronic pain of the patient.
- Constipation, this is
a side effect of most narcotic pain medications. The pain management
program will likely include changes in the personal diet habits
of the individual to counteract the effect of these medications.
- Light-headedness and dizziness,
symptoms may occur at various stages throughout the pain relief
program. When taking medications it is a common warning that light-headedness
and/or dizziness may occur as a result of the system's reactions
to the medication.
- Sweating, the body has
a remarkable way of protecting itself and sweating is one of the
mechanisms that come into play when the body is battling against
infections and other traumas.
- Drug Dependency, the
risk of becoming dependent upon narcotics increases with the length
of time the medication is being used for pain relief. In addition,
another factor that affects this outcome is the chemical makeup
of the body, and how the body processes toxic substances.
Despite the fact that morphine is a powerful
drug, this drug will not always be sufficient to dull the pain of cancer
patients. What can be done for these individuals? The answer may be
as simple as reaching for a fish.
Poisons of Puffer Fish Proves Powerful
Now, consider a painkiller that has minimal
side effects and has no addictive qualities. Sounds like a good option
doesn't it?
When Dr. Neil Hagen, head of the cancer
pain clinic at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre; a well known research and
treatment centre, suggested that Puffer fish may provide the best pain
relief for those suffering from pain that is uncontrolled by conventional
drug treatments.
First, if you are not aware, Puffer fish
is a delicacy that is served to Japanese diners. What makes this fish
especially rare is the poison that is contained within the Puffer fish.
If not prepared correctly, the diner will die from eating the delicacy.
Second, the threat of loosing ones life
is not enough to deter people who delight in eating this special fish.
Given the dangerous nature of this fish why would medical science suggest
adopting the fish as a treatment for pain?
The Puffer fish is equipped with a substance
known as TETRODOTOXIN, which
is a natural source sodium channel blocker that can be used to relieve
pain. The special qualities of this substance must not be overlooked.
- The substance is 3,000 times more effective
than morphine.
- Has no addictive properties.
- Relatively few side effects
- Targets nerves that produce pain
- Works only on slow sodium channels as
opposed to other sodium blockers that cannot distinguish between the
different types of channels.
- Can be given in small dosages and still
reduce or prevent the transmission of pain signals.
Pain is transmitted along the nerve routs
throughout the body. The thing that prevents or inhibits the transmission
of pain signals is targeting the nerves that have slow sodium channels.
The difference is that this substance targets the channels that are
slow in movement which prevents the transmission of pain signals.
