As we continue to work our way through the alphabet in our Healthy Living: A to Z series, we now pass the halfway point as we have reached ‘N.’ In each of these alphabetized blogs we zero in on one natural remedy, in which we outline the virtues of a particular supplement, herb or vitamin.
We then focus on a particular health condition or issue, describing what it entails before offering suggestions for natural remedies to hopefully mitigate symptoms and perhaps even resolve the problem.
Now that we are on N, we look at Niacin and then turn our gaze on Neuropathy.
Natural Remedy: Niacin
A water-soluble substance (meaning it is not stored by your body), niacin is also known as vitamin B3. That puts it into the well-rounded family of B vitamins, which number eight in all, giving this versatile vitamin plenty of “siblings.” Niacin in two forms, nicotinic acid and niacinamide, which between them describe a vitamin that offers a wide assortment of health benefits.
First, though, it’s important to know what problems can derail you if you have a niacin deficiency. The related unwanted symptoms can include memory and cognitive issues, fatigue, headaches, and diarrhea, among others.
But there’s also a glass-half-full bright side to niacin. We must point out the niacin, similar to other B vitamins, helps support enzymes in converting consumed food to energy, which is why a lack of niacin is linked to fatigue.
Among its other roles, niacin also has a part in terms of cell signaling, manufacture and repair of DNA, and acting as an antioxidant. Without further ado, let’s run down some of the more notable health benefits in store for those who turn to niacin:
Protects your skin: Niacin taken orally or applied to your skin topically can help protect your skin from sun damage.
Helps with digestion: B-complex vitamins are known for assisting in the proper functioning of your digestive system, with vitamin B3 (niacin) in particular known to help with the production of hydrochloric acid in your tummy.
Regulates cholesterol levels: Niacin is a popular Plan B to replace prescription statins for patients with unhealthy cholesterol. Indeed, it has shown some success in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while also boosting HDL (good) cholesterol.
Helps treat type 1 diabetes: This is an autoimmune disorder characterized by attacks that can kill cells in the pancreas that produce insulin which can otherwise be protected in part by the presence of niacin.
Can bolster brain function: Brain fog and even psychotic symptoms have been associated with niacin deficiency. That is because niacin is included in the coenzymes NAD and NAPD, which are crucial to energy production and therefore healthy brain function.
Enhance sexual function: One of niacin’s many roles is to assist in the production of sex-related hormones as well as improve blood flow, especially to the genitals. This can be good news for males dealing with impotence or erectile dysfunction.
Health Condition: Neuropathy
The condition known as neuropathy essentially is nerve damage in the body. It is most often associated with people who are diabetics as well as those who experience it as a side effect of chemotherapy treatments. Typical treatment focuses on managing the condition that has caused it while relieving symptoms. In fact, natural remedies have been shown to impart fewer side effects than conventional treatments.
A specific type of this condition known as peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves around the brain or spinal cord are damaged, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain. Bodily functions such as digestion and urination can also be affected. Peripheral neuropathy can be the result of events such as traumatic injuries, infections, and exposure to toxins, among other sources.
Following are several natural remedies that can help with the treatment of neuropathy and its linked symptoms:
B vitamins: As with many health conditions, you can rarely go wrong with neuropathy when reaching for member of the B family of vitamins. Peripheral neuropathy is sometimes caused by a vitamin B deficiency, and recommended supplementation might include vitamins B1, B6, and B12.
Alpha-lipoic acid: This antioxidant has been shown to enhance nerve function and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, itching, burning, and tingling in the legs and arms.
Acetyl-L-carnitine: This amino acid and antioxidant, which is naturally produced by the liver, brain, and kidneys, is known to treat numerous symptoms associated with neuropathy. Research has shown it might be particularly effective for patients with diabetic neuropathy.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): Studies in animals, and one with humans, have shown promise in NAC’s ability to significantly reduce pain levels in neuropathy sufferers.
Curcumin: This key compound component of the herb turmeric is wildly popular for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving attributes, able to relieve numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
Vitamin D: A study from within the last five years has hinted at a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic neuropathy.
There are many worthwhile natural remedies discussed in both parts of this blog, but always be sure to discuss your use of any of them with your personal physician or other licensed healthcare specialist before starting any new dietary regimen or changing a treatment plan in any way.