Integrative Treatment For Peripheral Neuropathy- Vitamins And Supplements

Neuropathy@CoreHealth is Fairfield County’s Leading provider of Integrative Neuropathic Solutions for neuropathic pain. Our mission is to help people suffering from neuropathy get their lives back on track.

Let’s go over some supplements we know that are effective in helping people deal with their neuropathy
. The overall state of your health will determine how successful treatment response will be. The healthier you are internally will yield better results. Before you take any supplements for neuropathy you should run the information with your doctor. The underlying conditions that may have caused your neuropathy may interact with the supplements.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in organ meats, broccoli, spinach, and potaoes. ALA has antioxidant properties to protect against free radical damage. Most studies on the effects of ALA on neuropathy have been done in Europe. It has been shown to help improve neuropathic symptoms and to protect against nerve damage.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is an amino acid produced in the body that helps the body produce energy. Studies indicate that ALC is helpful in regenerating nerve tissue, which is important for treating diabetic nerve pain.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are considered essential because we need them but cannot produce them naturally. We have to get enough through diet, since this still equates to deficiency we must supplement to get enough essential fatty acids. Here is why Omega-3 Fatty Acids are so important. The covering on your nerves is made up of essential fats. The covering is called myelin, the myelin needs the fatty acids to protect nerves and to help them regrow. There is strong evidence that Omega-3 Fatty Acids are particularly helpful to people suffering from Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

Gamma-linolenic acid is an omega 6 fatty acid. Just like Omega 3 fatty acids it is crucial for myelin synthesis. Gamma-linolenic acid can help improve nervous system function. The population of patients who derive the most benefit is Diabetic Neuropathy patients. You must check with your physician first. Gamma-linolenic acid can have adverse effects if you are taking blood thinners.

Curcumin

Curcumin, sometimes referred to as turmeric has been used to treat pain in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Curcumin helps reduce oxidative stress. Inflammation is reduced along with pain. Evidence shows that Curcumin offers protection to the nervous system.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to neuropathic pain in both the diabetic population and the post-chemotherapy patients we see. Now, the best way to get Vitamin D is to get some sun. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes vitamin D from cholesterol. The sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit cholesterol in the skin cells, providing the energy for vitamin D synthesis to occur. You still need to supplement it. The American diet is way too deficient in Vitamin D. Neuropathy patients top the list of people with Vitamin D deficiencies. Did you ever stop and think that cholesterol medications might be a contributing cause in Vitamin D issues?

B Vitamins

Neuropathy patients need B1, B6, and B12. The B Vitamins reduce neuropathic symptoms and offer protection to the nerves. The poor US diet is a common reason for B Vitamin deficiency. The older we get the less likely we are to absorb vitamins. Another probem with vitamin bioavailablity is that certain medications interfere with absobtion as well. B1, B6, and B12 are the ones to focus on. I think most doctors will agree on the need for B supplemenatation

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