Peripheral neuropathy is complex and involves damage to the nervous system. Specifically, it is a problem with the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves that sends information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When you have peripheral neuropathy, you may experience symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, cramps, burning or loss of sensation.
There are many ways a person can get peripheral neuropathy, though the most common are from diabetes, autoimmune disorders and poor lifestyle habits. If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, you may be wondering if this condition can be prevented or if it’s something that’s passed down. While genetics do play a role, your lifestyle matters just as much, if not more.
Below are four ways to lower your chances for developing peripheral neuropathy.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
You probably hear this often, but eating healthy is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and well being. By eating a wholesome diet, you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs to function well.
For instance, vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to nerve damage. You can find vitamin B12 in meats, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy products and fortified cereals. Green, leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach and kale contain a nutrient called alpha-lipoic acid that prevents nerve damage and improves nerve function.
2. Manage Underlying Conditions
There are a number of conditions that can put you at risk for peripheral nerve damage, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, alcoholism and kidney disease. By treating these conditions, you can lower your risk for nerve damage.
As an example, if you have diabetes, high blood sugar can damage your nerves. When this happens, the nerves will stop sending messages to different parts of your body. Half of all people with diabetes have nerve damage. To prevent this damage, it’s crucial that you manage blood sugar levels with diet and exercise.
3. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can improve neuropathy in many ways, such as by reducing pain symptoms, stimulating nerve regeneration and improving recovery times. But exercise can also help prevent nerve problems by maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your muscles strong.
Muscle deterioration often accompanies nerve pain and is common in people with peripheral neuropathy. Exercising improves muscle strength and boosts endurance, thus strengthening nerve health.
4. Avoid Factors that Cause Nerve Damage
A number of factors can raise the risk for nerve damage. By avoiding them as much as you can, you automatically reduce your risk. Some of the most common risk factors that you have control over are smoking, overindulging in alcohol and exposing yourself to toxic chemicals. It’s also possible to cause nerve damage by doing repetitive motions that put pressure on the nerves.
Treat Neuropathy Symptoms Today
By living a healthy lifestyle, you can potentially delay or prevent the onset of nerve problems. But even if you do end up developing peripheral neuropathy, rest assured that more treatment options are available today than ever before.
New products are always entering the market, including Neuro Health’s Neuropathy Support Formula and Miracle Nerve Cream. These products are made from natural ingredients like vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and lipoic acid. Try our products risk free and see how they can help you better manage neuropathic pain.