While neuropathy often stems from nerve damage, the encouraging news is that natural remedies—including targeted supplements and lifestyle changes—can help ease or even reverse its effects. Dr. RN Veller explains how treating the root causes and giving your body the right tools can lead to significant improvement.
Understanding Neuropathy
Nerves act like electrical wiring, sending messages between your brain and body. These signals rely on a protective coating called the myelin sheath to function efficiently.
When this sheath becomes damaged—due to aging, nutritional gaps, spinal issues, or poor posture—it’s like exposed wires short-circuiting. This leads to sensations such as burning, tingling, numbness, pain, or coordination problems.
Neuropathy can show up in various forms:
- Sensory neuropathy: Causes tingling, pain, or numbness—commonly in hands and feet.
- Motor neuropathy: Impairs movement, sometimes leading to muscle weakness or even partial paralysis.
- Loss of sensation: Some individuals struggle to feel temperature changes or balance.
- Peripheral neuropathy: Refers to nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord, especially in the limbs.
What Causes Neuropathy?
Knowing the root causes helps guide effective treatment. Common contributors include:
Vitamin Deficiencies: B-complex vitamins—particularly B12, B6, and B9—are vital for nerve function. Deficiency can result from vegetarian diets, parasites, or medications like metformin or antacids. If you take these regularly, have your B12 levels checked.
Nerve Compression: Bad posture, spinal issues like herniated discs, or stress-induced tension can compress nerves, especially in the neck, back, or wrists.
Infections: Certain infections, such as syphilis, can damage nerves even years after exposure. Fortunately, many remain treatable with antibiotics like penicillin.
Diabetes: A leading cause of neuropathy. Prolonged high blood sugar can progressively damage nerves.
Medications: Some drugs, including excess vitamin B6, can aggravate nerve damage. Proper dosing is essential.
Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Numbness or Tingling: Especially in the hands and feet, even without pressure or injury.
Burning or Stabbing Pain: Often worse at night.
Muscle Weakness: Difficulty lifting, gripping, or walking.
Unsteady Balance: A sensation of walking on cotton or a lack of coordination.
When to See a Doctor
Get immediate medical help if you notice:
- Complete loss of feeling in your limbs.
- Trouble moving or gripping objects.
- Persistent, intense pain that doesn’t respond to remedies.
Natural Remedies and Supplements for Nerve Health
To heal nerves, it’s essential to support regeneration while eliminating factors that cause further harm.
Curcumin: This anti-inflammatory compound from turmeric can alleviate discomfort. Use in food or take 500 mg twice daily. Combine with black pepper or healthy fats for better absorption.
Magnesium: Important for nerve signaling. Choose types like magnesium threonate, citrate, gluconate, or malate.
Vitamins B: Supplementing with B12, B6 (within safe limits), and folate (B9) can foster nerve repair, especially in those with deficiencies.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: EPA and DHA from fish oil promote brain and nerve health. Select high-quality formulas for best results.
What to Limit or Eliminate
Supporting healing also means avoiding substances that hinder recovery:
- Alcohol: A major factor in ongoing nerve damage.
- Sugar: Fuels inflammation and worsens nerve impairment.
- Processed & Fried Foods: These increase inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Excess Sodium: Found in packaged foods, it promotes swelling and fluid retention.
- Food Sensitivities: Identify and remove any items that cause inflammation in your system.
Bottom Line
Neuropathy doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. With the right strategies—rooted in both natural support and informed lifestyle adjustments—many people experience dramatic relief and, in some cases, full recovery.
The key lies in treating both the underlying cause and the symptoms, nourishing your nervous system while avoiding harmful habits.
