Extra-virgin olive oil may help to prevent pain Slick solution A group of chemists have discovered a compound in olive oil that mimics the pain-relieving action of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen.  Scientists at the Monell Chemical Center in Philadelphia report that freshly pressed, extra-virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound that blocks the same pain pathway as over-the-counter ibuprofen.  The identification of oleocanthal also provides a possible explanation for the well-known health benefits of an olive-oil rich Mediterranean diet. That type of diet has been linked to a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, breast and lung cancers, and some dementias.  The study found that 50g (about 3.5 tablespoons) of high-quality olive oil was equivalent to about 1/10 of a dose of ibuprofen.  Granted, you'd have to guzzle more olive oil than is probably humanly possible to cure a headache. But this research shows that regular consumption of olive oil might offer some of the long-term benefits of using ibuprofen without the drug's significant potential side effects, which range from liver and kidney impairment to gastrointestinal conditions such as bleeding and ulcers, to an increased risk of hypertension for women.  ****************************************************  Pain relief -- period  Q: My 20-year-old daughter has very painful periods. Is there something that can ease her suffering?  JVW: Your daughter is experiencing an all-too common problem. But getting relief may be as simple as taking 1 1/2 tablespoons of cod liver oil daily and eating more fish, grass-fed, free-range beef, free-range poultry, walnuts, and flaxseed (all of which help boost omega-3 fatty acid levels). Her cramps should subside and disappear altogether within three to four months, as her omega-3 levels rise above her omega-6s. Omega-6 fatty acids promote cramping and cause inflammation. At that point she can discontinue the cod liver oil as long as she keeps her diet rich in omega-3 foods.  Your daughter may also want to work on eliminating as many foods as possible from her diet that contain omega-6 oils. This can be difficult since most snack foods and bakery products are rich in omega-6 fatty acids.  ****************************************************  What is...endometriosis?  Each month, the lining of the uterus is shed during menstruation. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, in the pelvic and abdominal region. This abnormal growth of tissue sheds and bleeds during menstruation, just as it would if it were inside the uterus. The condition frequently causes pain, which often worsens over time, and can lead to problems with fertility.  It is estimated that 10 percent of all women of child-bearing age are affected by endometriosis. Heredity plays a role in its development.  Yours in good health, Amanda Ross Editorial Director Nutrition & Healing

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