Neuropathy (nerve pain) is caused by a number of conditions, including diabetes and cancer. If you’re among those suffering from neuropathy, you know that the pain can be unbearable at times. Normal, everyday occurrences – such as walking, typing, or even laying down – can cause a range of symptoms, including stabbing pain, tingling, and numbness. It can be frustrating when someone suggests something such as buying a new mattress to help with the pain, because the problem isn’t being caused by sore muscles but by damaged nerves.
While there are a number of traditional treatment methods such as prescription drugs, there are many people that prefer natural supplements because they have fewer side effects and they have a number of health benefits.
If you are suffering from neuropathy, it’s important to talk to your doctor to find the underlying cause and to determine the best treatment method. If you’re considering taking a natural supplement, always talk to your doctor before starting the supplement to make sure it won’t interfere with any medications you’re on or cause any complications.
Below are six of the best supplements to treat neuropathy. For a full list of natural vitamins, minerals, and herbs that can help with nerve health, visit www.NeuropathyHelp.co.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid that helps produce energy. It is important for nerve growth and the modulation of neurotransmitters, and has a number of uses including reducing nerve pain. It is particularly useful for diabetics that haven’t had diabetes for long or that are having trouble controlling their diabetes.
Alpha-Lipoic acid
Alpha-Lipoic acid is an antioxidant that helps defend against cell damage. It helps prevent oxidative stress, reduces blood sugar levels, and can improve the function of nerve cells to help with neuropathy symptoms such as tingling and numbness. While it is available in pill form, this antioxidant can also be found in dark green vegetables such as spinach and in animal organ meat such as the liver.
B vitamins
B-complex vitamins are important for a number of functions and can have a great impact on neurological health. Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 are all essential for a healthy nervous system. A deficiency in one of these vitamins worsens neuropathic symptoms.
It is very possible to have a deficiency in one type of B vitamin and not another. Taking a B-complex supplement can help, but if your doctor diagnoses you with a specific B vitamin deficiency, they might recommend supplementing a specific type of B vitamin. B vitamins can help promote nerve repair, relieve pain, and decrease inflammation.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a cooking herb found in turmeric root and can help reduce pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. It is helpful when taken early on and may prevent chronic neuropathy pain from developing.
While it is available in supplement form, you can also get fresh or powdered turmeric. Some people prefer to add turmeric to their meals, while others prefer to make tea or a smoothie out of it.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for neurotransmitters to work correctly. However, dietary factors mean that up to 80% of adults have magnesium deficiencies. A magnesium deficiency can lead to neuropathy. Foods such as peanuts, spinach, and mackerel are high in magnesium but if you’re not consuming enough magnesium in your diet, a supplement can help. If taken in a controlled amount, magnesium can also help your digestive health.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent and treat nerve damage. Fish oil is a popular supplement because it is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids that aren’t common in other foods. Omega-3 fatty acids aren’t naturally produced by the body so they have to be consumed. These acids have a number of health benefits, including the potential to protect nerves from injury and to speed up the recovery from a nerve injury.
Fish oil also has a number of other health benefits, including improving heart health, treating certain mental disorders, reducing inflammation, and helping maintain healthy skin. If you would prefer not to eat two servings of oily fish a week, invest in a good fish oil supplement.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a natural treatment method for your neuropathy, ask your doctor if one of the supplements above could help you! Prescription or OTC medications often have complicated side effects and do not restore nerve damage, which is why many doctors are recommending the use of natural supplements. Natural supplements are often paired with another treatment method, such as massage therapy.