The term "diabetic neuropathy" refers to several types of neurological damage caused by diabetes. Depending on the extent and area of damage, you may experience no symptoms or you may have symptoms such as numbness or tingling of the hands, feet, arms or legs. More than half the people who have diabetes also have diabetic neuropathy, which can be caused by nerve inflammation, inherited susceptibility, or other conditions. Natural supplements may help decrease the potential damage caused by diabetic neuropathy, as well as the symptoms. Check with your doctor before you use any dietary supplement.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is extracted from the Oenothera biennis plant and is used to treat PMS, inflammatory disorders and diabetic neuropathy. The supplement, generally administered in capsule form, is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, which is an essential fatty acid. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, research and clinical trials administered on animals have shown that evening primrose oil can be effective in treating diabetic neuropathy and in reversing it. Further research is needed; however, evening primrose oil supplements are considered relatively safe for use for most people. If you are considering the use of evening primrose oil for diabetic neuropathy, consult your physician first.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a naturally occurring spicy substance commonly extracted from chili peppers and used in capsule, extract and topical cream forms to treat a variety of conditions. Capsaicin is used as an antibacterial, digestive aid and anti-cancer supplement. Additionally, the burning sensation caused by capsaicin stimulates your nerve endings to release chemical messengers that elicit pain, including the kind caused by diabetic neuropathy. Pain is often experienced with diabetic neuropathy as a result of damage to the nerves, but capsaicin appears to impair the body's ability to send pain signals to the brain. Topical application of capsaicin cream, therefore, can help reduce or even relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is frequently used in Europe to treat diabetic neuropathy. Antioxidants are substances in your body that take byproducts of metabolism, known as free radicals, from your body and excrete them as waste. When free radicals linger in the body, they can cause cellular and neurological damage and can decrease your body's ability to ward off viruses and bacteria. Alpha-lipoic acid may be able to reduce high blood sugar levels as well, which decreases pain and damage caused by diabetic neuropathy. Alpha-lipoic acid is available in tablet form at your local health food store but check with your physician before using a dietary supplement.
Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
Carnitine, also known a L-carnitine, is a substance manufactured by your body that can help lower high blood sugar levels and reduce oxidative stress that can lead to nerve damage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, carnitine is showing promise in being able to help damaged nerves regenerate, although more research is needed to confirm this. Carnitine supplements are available in several different forms under different names and each is indicated for a specific area of illness. Check with your doctor for the appropriate kind of carnitine for your condition and the recommended dosage.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Evening Primrose Oil
- Florida State University: Capsaicin
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Alpha-Lipolic Acid; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Carnitine (L-Carnitine); Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
