Peripheral neuropathy is a fairly common condition, and it causes pain and discomfort in the extremities of those with the condition. For those who suffer in such a manner, there are natural supplements with the capacity to diminish the discomfort that occurs.
Experiencing Neuropathy
Neuropathy is synonymous with nerve damage. In full, it is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy symptoms most times occur in the feet and/or hands. Descriptions of the pain from neuropathy have ranged from burning and tingling to shooting and shock-like sensations, and to numbness. There is no true cure for neuropathy. However, symptoms can be managed and perhaps eliminated in some cases, by way of lifestyle and diet changes.
There are a variety of causes of peripheral neuropathy, and the typical course of symptoms differs among them. It is important to address the
underlying cause of the neuropathy, as this is the means to truly treat it. Roughly 60 percent of those with neuropathy are diabetic. Neuropathy in the feet is a symptom of poorly controlled blood sugar in diabetics. Another cause of neuropathy is chemotherapy; About
two-thirds of chemotherapy patients experience neuropathy, with rates declining significantly in the months after chemotherapy ends. Other causes of neuropathy include the presence of an autoimmune disease, those with idiopathic neuropathy (no known cause), or those who have a nutrient deficiency.
Natural Remedies to Address Neuropathy
Your diet can influence the conditions that might cause neuropathy. Some cases of neuropathy are, in fact, the direct result of a
nutrient deficiency. The following nutrients and supplements are known for their potential to reduce the discomfort from neuropathy.
Acetyl-l-carnitine is the supplemental form of the fatty acid carnitine. Supplementing with acetyl-l-carnitine has been shown in some studies to correlate with a lessening of neuropathic pain, and even the
regeneration of nerve cells.
A
B-complex vitamin can treat neuropathy on more, and there are several in that group that have shown success in such treatment.
Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have all been shown to combat neuropathy. Vitamin B12 is especially important, since a B12 deficiency is one of the causes of peripheral neuropathy.
Magnesium can be helpful for those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Magnesium has been shown in some studies to correlate with a
reduced chance of neuropathic nerve pain.
Curcumin is the touted antioxidant substance that naturally occurs in turmeric. Curcumin could help
prevent chronic pain associated with neuropathy, as well as inflammation, if it is taken soon after the onset of symptoms.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, and which relates to its renown as an anti-inflammatory compound. Fish oil can help repair damage that has been done to nerve cells, helping to
promote neuron outgrowth. It can also slow the progression of neuropathy. Addressing neuropathy means treating the underlying health reasons for it, and making diet and lifestyle adjustments as needed or suggested by a health-care professional. Additionally, nutritional supplementation can be an effective means to address the pain and discomfort of peripheral neuropathy. Talk to your health-care provider about using one of these supplements to remedy neuropathy – don't try to play doctor on your own.
