Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage to the extremities, is a relatively common health disorder that affects nearly 20 million Americans, according to the Neuropathy Association. Peripheral neuropathy may cause uncomfortable sensations, like burning, tingling or stinging pains in your arms and legs. These sensations typically begin in your feet or hands. There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy including diabetes, dietary deficiencies, tumors, immune disease, infections and alcohol abuse. Treatment of the underlying cause is the primary method to reduce complications associated with peripheral neuropathy, although medications may be prescribed for pain management. Additionally, there are minerals and vitamins that may assist in treating your neuropathy symptoms, especially when the cause is a nutritional deficiency. Always consult your physician prior to taking any dietary supplements to treat your neuropathy.
Treat Your Neuropathy
Step 1
Get Vitamin B6. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin B6 is important for neuronal communication because it is a metabolic precursor for neuron transmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Since dietary deficiency is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, increasing dietary intake of vitamin B6 may improve or eliminate symptoms.
Step 2
Take Biotin. Vitamin H, which is better known as biotin, may reduce the complications associated with peripheral neuropathy. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that biotin dietary supplements may help to reverse peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes.
Step 3
Find alpha-lipoic acid. According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, may reduce the effects of diabetic neuropathy. ALA has been shown to lower blood glucose levels thereby reducing neuropathic complications associated with diabetes.
Step 4
Get spicy. According to UMMC, cayenne pepper may relieve the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. Cayenne pepper can be added as a spice to foods or taken as a dietary supplement, which is sometimes labeled as capsaicin.
Tips and Warnings
- Focus on treating the underlying cause of your neuropathy before you consider alternative methods like vitamins and minerals.
- You should always consult your primary care provider prior to self-administration of dietary supplements to treat any condition. Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any of these supplements for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin B6
- Biotin
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Cayenne Pepper
References
- Neuropathy Association: About Peripheral Neuropathy: Facts
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin H (Biotin)
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine: Diabetes and CAM: A Focus on Dietary Supplements
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne
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