Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, results from nerve damage that typically causes pain and numbness in your extremities, typically the hands and feet. Peripheral nerves (motor nerves, sensory nerves, and autonomic nerves) send messages from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body.
When neuropathy damages peripheral nerves, it interferes with the flow of information and affects how your body responds to temperature, pain, and other reflexes. Common treatments for neuropathy involve surgery, physical therapy, painkillers, or injections. Certain natural remedies may also ease some symptoms and provide neuropathy relief with minimal side effects.
Let’s find out more about the most common natural treatments for neuropathy.
Exercise
Regular exercise can improve your overall health and help to combat pain. Being active helps the body manage blood sugar levels, reduces the risk of diabetes, and slows down nerve damage. Exercise also increases blood flow to your peripheral blood vessels and reduces stress; all these factors help to reduce pain and discomfort.
Dietary Changes
People with diabetes often suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Dietary changes that lower blood sugar levels can ease neuropathy pain or potentially prevent it. A fiber-rich diet low in simple carbohydrates, processed snacks, sweets, and white bread products can prevent blood sugar spikes.
Other dietary changes, such as limiting saturated and trans fats, eating antioxidant-rich foods, and reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, may also benefit people with peripheral neuropathy.
Quit Smoking
Smoking narrows and damages peripheral blood vessels and affects blood circulation. It can worsen nerve pain, regardless of the primary cause of neuropathy. Eliminating smoking habits can help improve blood flow and symptoms.
Vitamins and Supplements
Several vitamins and dietary supplements may support nerve health and provide neuropathy relief. For example, Vitamin B promotes nerve health, and a deficiency can lead to significant nerve damage. According to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, vitamins that can reduce symptoms of neuropathy include:
- B-complex vitamins
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Vitamin E
- Acetyl-l-carnitine (ACL)
- Magnesium and calcium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- N-acetylcysteine
- Glutamine
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing may offer some neuropathy pain relief. For example, meditation can help people with neuropathy improve their coping skills, lower stress, and decrease pain intensity.
Relaxation techniques such as tai chi, yoga, and blend stretching may lower stress levels and improve body posture, easing some of the painful effects of neuropathy.
Alternative Medicine
Some people with neuropathy find neuropathy relief in alternative medicine, including acupuncture, Reiki, and chiropractic techniques. For example, acupuncture promotes natural healing by stimulating the body’s pressure points. Try complementing alternative medicine with traditional medicine, such as exercise and medication, for the best results.
Natural remedies have some success in neuropathy relief. However, be sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner before participating in a new treatment method. Call us today at (888) 328-1110, email us at info@neuro-health.net, or try our Neuropathy Support Formula, which we back with a 100% money-back guarantee.
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