Neuropathy is a term used to describe several conditions that affect the nerves and can cause irritating and painful symptoms.
Neuropathy is a particularly common complication of diabetes and a side effect of chemotherapy.
Conventional treatments are available for neuropathy. However, research is underway to investigate the use of supplements.
You may find these supplements preferable to other treatment options since they have fewer side effects. They may also benefit your health and well-being in other ways.
Please remember that if you are undergoing chemotherapy, you need to ask a specialist to rule out contraindications or interaction with your current medications.
B vitamins for neuropathy
B vitamins are useful in treating neuropathy since they support healthy nervous system function. Peripheral neuropathy is sometimes caused by a vitamin B deficiency.
Supplementation should include vitamin B1 (thiamine and benfotiamine), B6, and B12. You may choose to take these separately instead of as a B complex.
Benfotiamine is like vitamin B1, which is also known as thiamine. It’s thought to lower pain and inflammation levels and prevent cellular damage.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 is one cause of peripheral neuropathy. Without treatment, it can cause permanent nerve damage.
Vitamin B6 may help to maintain the covering on nerve endings. Research from 2021 shows that taking higher amounts can lead to nerve damage and cause symptoms of neuropathy.
A 2017 review indicates that supplementing with B vitamins has the potential to promote nerve repair. This may be because B vitamins can speed up nerve tissue regeneration and improve nerve function. B vitamins may also be useful in relieving pain and inflammation.
Alpha-lipoic acid for neuropathy
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that may be useful in treating neuropathy caused by diabetes or cancer treatment.
Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to have a positive effect on nerve conduction and to reduce neuropathic pain. A small 2017 study found that alpha-lipoic acid was useful in protecting against oxidative damage in people with diabetic neuropathy.
One important note of caution: If you are deficient in thiamine, or vitamin B1, as a result of excessive alcohol use or for another reason, alpha-lipoic acid may have a toxic effect on your system.
Acetyl-L-carnitine for neuropathy
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid and antioxidant. It may raise energy levels, create healthy nerve cells, and reduce pain in people with neuropathy.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for neuropathy
NAC is a form of cysteine. It’s an antioxidant and amino acid. Its many medicinal uses include treating neuropathic pain and reducing inflammation.
NAC isn’t found naturally in foods, but cysteine is in most high protein foods. Results of a 2010 animal study showed that NAC may be useful in treating diabetic neuropathy. It reduced neuropathic pain and improved motor coordination. Its antioxidant properties improved nerve damage from oxidative stress and apoptosis, or cell death.
Curcumin for neuropathy
Curcumin is a compound found in the herb turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain relieving properties. It may help to relieve numbness and tingling in your hands and feet.
Curcumin is available in supplement form, or you can take 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper three times per day.
You can also use fresh or powdered turmeric to make tea. You can add it to foods such as curries, egg salads, and yoghurt smoothies.
Fish oil for neuropathy
Fish oil is useful in treating neuropathy due to its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to repair damaged nerves. It also helps to relieve muscle soreness and pain. It’s available in supplement form. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are also found in these foods:
walnuts
sardines
canola oil
chia seeds
flaxseeds
mackerel
cod liver oil
herring
oysters
anchovies
caviar
soybeans
Fish oil anti-inflammatory properties are useful in reducing pain and discomfort.
Herbs
There are quite a number of herbs that help rebuild the nerve sheath, please make contact with us for your personalised Herbal Formula