Neuropathy
– Try These Natural Remedies
by
Margaret Durst
The Green House
Previously
by Margaret Durst: Magnesium
– One of the Most Overlooked Deficiencies!
N is for neuropathy which is a painful degenerative nerve condition
most commonly caused by diabetes. Symptoms may range from mild loss
of sensation in the feet to constant pain in various parts of the
body.
There are
several interesting remedies for neuropathy some of which
have had clinical trials conducted with specific usage.
The first
of these is alpha-lipoic acid, which is a great antioxidant. Alpha-lipoic
acid protects against diabetic complications by improving glucose
uptake, reducing the degree of sugar/insulin related nerve and tissue
damage, increasing circulation and stimulating nerve regeneration.
One particular
study on type 2 diabetics with neuropathic symptoms of pain, burning,
and numbness in the feet were given 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid
per day for three weeks. At the end of the study, all patients taking
lipoic acid had significant improvements.
Alpha lipoic
acid is a good supplement for diabetics because of its multiple
benefits. It may also be helpful in protecting against diabetes
induced eye damage. There is currently research underway using alpha-lipoic
acid on diabetic retinopathy.
Another supplement
used for neuropathy is GLA or gamma-linolenic acid, which is an
omega 6 fatty acid. A British study used 480 milligrams of GLA on
over 100 diabetics for one year. All of the patients taking GLA
had significant improvements in each of 16 specific nerve and pain
measurements at the end of one year. The researchers concluded that
GLA may prevent and possibly reverse diabetic neuropathy when given
in doses of 240 to 480 mg per day. The best GLA supplements for
neuropathy are derived from evening primrose oil or borage oil.
Herbal supplements
that work well on neuropathy are combinations of ginkgo biloba,
gotu kola and bacopa. Ginkgo biloba is an antioxidant herb that
increases blood flow to the tiny capillaries throughout the body,
improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to areas affected by both
diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy. Gotu kola and bacopa are herbs
that improve brain and nerve function.
B vitamins
are also extremely important for those with neuropathy since the
Bs are known to help brain and nerve function. B-6 and B12
in a sublingual form are specifically recommended to those with
neuropathy. Deficiencies in these vitamins are known to cause nerve
damage even in those without diabetes.
Homeopathy
can also be effective. One of the newer remedies I recommend is
a combination of alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins and homeopathics.
Finally, take
a good omega 3 supplement. It can be fish oil or flax oil. The most
important thing is to take enough at least 2000 mg per day
of fish oil or 1-2 tablespoons per day of flax oil. Sometimes it
is helpful to take a concentrated DHA supplement as that is the
omega 3 oil that strengthens and calms the nervous system.
January 17, 2012
Margaret
Durst owns The
Green House, a vitamin, herb and health food store in Mason,
Texas.
Copyright
© 2012 Margaret
Durst
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