Neuropathy is a relatively common condition that involves nerve pain or nerve dysfunction. If you have neuropathy, your nerves themselves are dysfunctional and are the source of your pain. The pain associated with neuropathy may be described as sharp, shooting, deep, burning and persistent. Your doctor may prescribe nutrition-related therapies to help treat your condition. Avoid self-treating your ailment using natural treatment approaches until you have discussed these therapies with your physician.
About Neuropathy
Neuropathy usually affects only one nerve or nerve group, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, and it may cause several signs and symptoms including reduced sensation and the ability to move certain parts of your body. Traumatic injuries are one of the leading causes of neuropathy, although certain systemic health problems, such as diabetes, may also cause this health problem. Neuropathy is commonly associated with numbness, tingling or weakness in one of your extremities.
Neuropathy Nutrition
There are several important nutritional strategies that may help treat or prevent neuropathy. According to MedlinePlus, you can reduce your risk of neuropathy by consuming a balanced diet, reducing your consumption of alcohol and maintaining control over your diabetes, as diabetes is one of the most common causes of neuropathy. If you are a diabetic, consider avoiding high-glycemic foods such as white rice, starchy vegetables, refined sugar and white flour products. A low-fat, high-fiber diet incorporating raw fruits and vegetables may be helpful in controlling your blood glucose levels.
Neuropathy Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements have long been used in treating neuropathy and are an important part of a well-rounded treatment plan for this condition. Naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," states that three nutritional supplements may be particularly important in treating this condition, including vitamin B12, cod liver oil and sphingomyelin. Vitamins E and H and cayenne may also be helpful. However, not all nutritional supplements used for this condition may be backed by extensive clinical research trials.
Warnings
If you develop the characteristic symptoms of neuropathy -- numbness, tingling or weakness in your extremities -- report to your doctor as soon as possible. Your physician can evaluate your condition and offer helpful suggestions about various treatment methods including dietary changes and nutritional supplementation. You should avoid nutritional supplements if you have certain allergies or other health problems. Always review risks and potential side effects with your doctor before using nutritional therapies to help treat your neuropathy.
References
- Spine Health; All About Neuropathy And Chronic Back Pain; June 27, 2001
- National Center for Biotechnology Information; Mononeuropathy; Aug. 27, 2010
- MedlinePlus; Peripheral Neuropathy; Aug. 27, 2010
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
