Supplements for Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a term used to describe several conditions that affect the nerves and can cause irritating and painful symptoms. Diabetes is a frequent cause of neuropathy, but peripheral neuropathy can also be due to toxic trauma (such as from chemotherapy) or mechanical injury, as with carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be caused by putting pressure on nerves, such as the prolonged use of crutches, or even by sitting in the same position for too long.
6 Best Supplements for Neuropathy
1. B Vitamins - B vitamins support healthy nervous system function. B vitamins can speed up nerve tissue regeneration, improve nerve function as well as aid in relieving pain and inflammation. Peripheral neuropathy is sometimes caused by a vitamin B deficiency.
Supplementation should include vitamin B-1, B-6, and B-12. You may choose to take these separately instead of as a B complex.
Food rich in B vitamins include:
meat, poultry, and fish
seafood
eggs
low-fat dairy foods
fortified cereals
vegetables
2. Alpha-lipoic Acid - Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that may be useful in treating neuropathy caused by diabetes or cancer treatments. It’s said to lower blood sugar levels, improve nerve function, and relieve uncomfortable symptoms in the legs and arms such as:
pain, itching, tingling, prickling, numbness and burning
It can be taken in supplement form or administered intravenously. You may take 600 to 1,200 mg per day in capsule form.
Foods that have trace amounts of alpha-lipoid acid include:
liver, red meat
brewer’s yeast
spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts
3. Acetyl-L-carnitine - Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid and antioxidant. It may raise energy levels, create healthy nerve cells, and reduce pain in people with neuropathy. It can be taken as a supplement. A typical dosage is 500 mg twice a day.
Food sources of acetyl-L-carnitine include:
meat
fish
poultry
dairy products
4. N-Acetyl cysteine - N-Acetyl cysteine is an antioxidant and amino acid. Its many medicinal uses include treating neuropathic pain and reducing inflammation.
N-Acetyl cysteine or NAC isn’t found naturally in foods, but cysteine is in most high-protein foods. You can take it as a supplement in amounts of 1,200 mg once or twice per day.
5. Curcumin - Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. It may help to relieve numbness and tingling in your hands and feet.
6. Fish oil - Fish oil is useful in treating neuropathy due to its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to repair damaged nerves. It also helps to relieve muscle soreness and pain. It’s available in supplement form. You can take 2,400 to 5,400 mg per day.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are also found in these foods:
salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, herring
walnuts,chia seeds, flax seeds
oysters, caviar
navy beans, soybeans, tofu
brussel sprouts, avocados
Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment plan. You may wish to combine these supplements with complementary therapies, pain medication, and adaptive techniques to help to manage your symptoms.
Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/neuropathy-supplements, https://www.myfooddata.com/articles/high-omega-3-foods.php, https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/diabetes/neuropathy-symptoms-and-treatment/