Neuropathy damage, or damage to the nervous system, can occur in just about anyone. However, it’s often seen in people with diabetes, or as a side effect of chemotherapy. Neuropathy remedies can be found everywhere, and not all of them are effective.
Mild, home remedies are often the least intrusive way of dealing with a health problem. Supplemental vitamins, especially vitamin B12 and other B vitamins, are a good way of reducing and reversing nerve damage. While you can take supplements, plenty of these vitamins can be gained via your dietary choices and lifestyle.
The most commonly recognized sign of nerve damage is uncomfortable or painful sensations in the extremities. However, these health problems can build up over time.
Here are a few signs of nerve damage:
• Tingling in the affected part of the body (often extremities, such as the hands and feet)
• Sensitivity to light touch
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Balance issues
• Low energy levels
• Unusual or unpleasant sensations
If you think your health could be suffering because of neuropathical damage, consult your doctor for medical advice first, but here is a list of the best vitamins that can help.
B vitamins are the number one treatment for nerve damage. In fact, peripheral neuropathy is sometimes caused by a B vitamin deficiency. Plenty of B vitamins are essential to a healthy nervous system, especially vitamin B12.
Vitamin B1 can help to reduce inflammation levels and pain, and even reduce cellular damage. It’s often found in meat, as well as peas and oranges.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage. Without proper treatment, this nerve damage can become permanent. B vitamins are very important to a healthy nervous system, and vitamin B12 is one of the most important elements of the b vitamin complex.
Vitamin B6 can help to protect nerve endings. Raw or exposed nerve endings lead to the unpleasant sensations connected with neuropathical damage. However, it’s important to take no more than 200mg of vitamin B6 a day, as an overdose can worsen the symptoms.
Many people choose to take a combination of vitamin B, or B-complex vitamins. The most important of these is usually vitamin B12; however, it’s wise to consult your doctor to find out which of your vitamin levels are particularly low. Only a few weeks of insufficient vitamin B12 can lead to a deficiency. Certain food contains higher levels of vitamin B12:
• Meat, fish, seafood, and poultry
• Vegetables
• Eggs
• Low-fat dairy products
• Fortified cereals
While supplements are popular, you may be able to up your dietary vitamin B intake. This can be helpful if you only have a low vitamin B deficiency.
Vitamin C is a well-known health supplement, often found in most fruits and veggies. C vitamins may help to ease pain and inflammation in the body. According to research, they can be especially effective in treating pain caused by nerve damage.
On the other hand, a vitamin C deficiency can cause musculoskeletal pain, and increase existing nerve damage pain. Plenty of vitamin C is crucial to a healthy central nervous system.
A vitamin D deficiency is very common. This is because vitamin D needs to be absorbed via direct sunlight on our skin. However, vitamin D is very effective at dealing with peripheral neuropathy. While studies are ongoing, there’s significant evidence to suggest that vitamin D can help control pain from nerve damage across the body.
Depending on your lifestyle and the area where you live, a vitamin D supplement might be the best support for you. Supplements are often available from pharmacies.
Dealing with chemotherapy-related nerve damage can be tricky. Chemotherapy comes with a plethora of side effects. Nerve damage can cause pain, balance issues, and poor sleep quality. This in turn leads to depression and anxiety.
Magnesium, especially coupled with calcium supplements, may help to reduce chemotherapy nerve damage symptoms. Some examples of magnesium-rich food are nuts, legumes, and avocados. Dark chocolate is also a great magnesium source – but make sure to eat it in moderation!