Neuropathy is an increasingly common condition affecting the nervous system. An estimated 30% of adults, especially those 65 and older or those with diabetes, will experience it. Let’s explore what it is and how to prevent or improve the symptoms of neuropathy.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that is typically a symptom of another illness. In neuropathy, there is damage to the nerve in an area of your body that sends signals to your brain and creates discomfort. The most common types are peripheral, proximal, focal, and autonomic. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of neuropathy. It causes damage to the peripheral nervous system meaning all of the nerves in a person’s body. With peripheral neuropathy, patients can feel light to severe muscle cramps, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, hypersensitivity, blood pressure changes, discolored skin in the affected areas, and anxiety or depression.
Focal neuropathy is the least common type of neuropathy and is mostly caused by diabetes. Symptoms of this type include discomfort in a single area of the body like the foot or wrist. It can also result in discomfort around the eyes, vision issues, and lower back discomfort.
Proximal neuropathy is the second most common type of neuropathy. Nerve damage is mainly on one side of the body (but can spread to both sides) in areas such as the glutes, hips, and thighs. Those with proximal neuropathy may experience weakness in their lower body, loss of muscle tissue, unintentional weight loss, and a loss of their reflexes.
Autonomic neuropathy is also called involuntary neuropathy because it involves functions and systems such as digestion, circulation, sweating, bowel and bladder activity, and sex organs. It is mostly caused by diabetes but could also be a result of medications or viral/bacterial infections. Autonomic neuropathy sufferers may experience bladder issues, dizziness, low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, sweating too much or not enough, difficulty adjusting their eyes to different lighting, low libido, ED, and vaginal dryness.
Causes and Risk Factors
Damage to the spine
Injuries
Diabetes
Autoimmune conditions
Toxins and chemicals
Viral or bacterial infections
Kidney or liver failure
Nutrient deficiencies
Thyroid conditions
9 Natural Ways to Relieve Neuropathy
With any type of neuropathy, there is a way to relieve symptoms or reverse the condition. Here are 9 natural ways that address the root issue and support your condition:
Vitamin B12
B12 helps to build and rejuvenate the nerves in our body. It can help to repair the lining or covering of the nerve. It can also assist in the conductivity of the nerves which helps to reduce tingling and discomfort.
Vitamin B6
B6 is responsible for creating neurotransmitters, the happy hormones in our body. Neurotransmitters are what control the nerves. In proper amounts, B6 can reduce numbness, tingling, and discomfort. It is a great helper for peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel.
Folate
There are many synthetic fortified forms of folate in cereals but over the years these synthetic fortified nutrients have created toxicity in our guts and damaged our bodies. It’s important to avoid these fortified grains and get purer forms of folic acid into our diets. For people with the MTHFR gene mutation, the issue lies in the inability to convert folic acid into folate. The key to this gene mutation is to get the active form of folate. MTFH is the active form of folic acid, it doesn’t have to be converted, and it will support symptoms of neuropathy.
The combination of B12, B6, and Folate/folic acid in their active forms reduces symptoms of neuropathy by up to 35%.
Amino Acids
Acetyl L. Carnitine is a powerful antioxidant found in meat, chicken, beef, and cheese. This amino acid helps to regenerate and rejuvenate damaged nerves. It also speeds up the conductivity of the nerves which helps with sensitivity and tingling associated with neuropathy. When your blood sugar is out of control or you lead a toxic lifestyle, the liver can become overloaded with toxins and your liver is unable to process enough of this important amino acid.
Lipoic Acid
Lipoic acid is an antioxidant of antioxidants. Oxidative stress is directly related to neuropathy because it damages the blood vessels around the nerves and the nerves themselves. Lipoic acid protects the other antioxidants that actually fight toxins and free radicals. This prevents damage to those blood vessels and the surrounding nerves.
Address Your Gut
An unhealthy gut can create a lot of oxidative stress. With proper nutrition and herbs, you can properly detox your gut and restore the good bacteria that you need.
Corrective Chiropractic Care
Your nervous system controls everything in your body and neuropathy is a nervous system issue. See a corrective chiropractor that can analyze the nerves at the source and in the central nervous system through x-rays. This will help to identify the structure of your spine which could be the source of your neuropathy. If your spine is not in the proper position, a chiropractor will be able to assess the damage and create a plan!
Rebounding
Rebounding on a small trampoline is a great exercise for getting the blood pumping to your lower extremities. It can also increase blood flow to the areas of neuropathy, increase flexibility in those areas, increase circulation, and decrease discomfort. Just a few minutes every day can make a difference, especially for peripheral neuropathy.
Infrared light
Infrared light can deeply penetrate the skin and increase circulation. It is also known to restore blood flow and circulation of the arteries. Our arteries feed are nerves so proper blood flow and circulation in these areas are important for reducing neuropathy and symptoms. With some neuropathy, nerve fibers are deteriorating because the blood vessels that are feeding the nerve are breaking down. Some users of infrared light saw a 64% reduction in neuropathy and a 70% reduction in numbness and tingling.
Summary
These natural solutions can help you to naturally relieve and support symptoms of neuropathy but, the most important thing is to get the root causes of your condition under control. Addressing conditions like diabetes, blood sugar, and blood flow problems will help remove the cause and improve your overall health and quality of life!
