Do you suffer from neuropathy? If so, you might be looking for ways to relieve the painful symptoms associated with this condition in conjunction with your in-office therapies. Luckily, several natural supplements can help with the symptoms related to this condition. In this blog post, we’ll discuss seven supplements that may provide relief from neuropathy-related pain and discomfort.
At our office, we often suggest supplementation in conjunction with our functional medicine approach to neuropathy.
Disclaimer: It is important to discuss these supplements with your doctor before you begin taking any of them, as some can interfere with different medications you may be currently prescribed. These supplements are not meant to replace any therapies recommended by your doctor.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a naturally-occurring compound extracted from turmeric. It has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including pain, inflammation, and neurological conditions. Recently, it has become increasingly popular due to its remarkable therapeutic properties.
Research suggests that curcumin helps reduce inflammation in the body and can boost levels of antioxidants. This helps protect the nerves from damage and reduces pain associated with neuropathy.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
NAC is a form of cysteine that is both an amino acid and an antioxidant. These properties help to improve nerve damage and prevent nerve cell death (apoptosis). NAC is also known to reduce pain caused by neuropathy, and it can help to improve motor coordination.
NAC is not found in foods, which is why it is recommended for supplementation, but cysteine is often found in high-protein foods.
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine is another amino acid and antioxidant known to boost energy, aid in healthy nerve cells, and reduce pain associated with neuropathy. It has been widely studied for successfully helping those with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Foods containing Acetyl-L-carnitine:
- Meats like fish and poultry
- dairy
Alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that may be beneficial to those suffering from neuropathy, specifically diabetic and chemotherapy-induced. It can help to lower blood sugar levels, boost nerve function, and relieve tingling, numbness, burning, itching, and pain in the extremities.
Foods containing Alpha-lipoic acid:
- Red meats
- Liver
- Brussel sprouts
- Broccoli
- Spinach
B vitamins
B vitamins support healthy nervous system function, and they promote nerve repair. Sometimes a deficiency in B Vitamins can cause peripheral neuropathy. The easiest way to get your B Vitamins is by taking a B-Complex. However, there are several foods that you can incorporate into your diet as well.
Foods containing B Vitamins:
- Poultry
- Fish/Seafood
- Eggs
- Low-fat dairy products
- Fortified cereals like oatmeal, Bran Flakes, granola, Special K, and Cornflakes
- Vegetables
Fish Oil
Fish oil has anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to repair damaged nerves. It can also help to relieve muscle stiffness, soreness, and pain.
The beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can also be found in the following:
- Fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and herring
- Seeds/nuts like walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds
- Oils like canola and cod liver oil
- Oysters
- Caviar
- Soybeans
Magnesium
Magnesium has been studied in people undergoing chemotherapy to reduce the chance of developing neuropathy. It was found that patients with high levels of Magnesium were less likely to develop and experience chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
Foods containing Magnesium:
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Dark chocolate
- Avocados
Nutrition and supplementation play a critical role in reducing inflammation, improving nerve function, and providing pain relief to those suffering from neuropathy. Therefore, it is important to discuss these supplements with your doctor before you begin taking them.
It is best to eat a variety of foods that are rich in the necessary nutrients and vitamins, but supplementation may be necessary depending on your specific needs. Including these supplements in your daily routine can improve nerve health and reduce pain associated with neuropathy.
Visit us at Texas Nerve and Spine to learn more about how we can help you manage your neuropathy without the use of harsh medications. Our team is dedicated to helping you find a solution that will reduce pain and improve nerve health, so you can get back to enjoying life! Contact us today for more information.
