Neuropathy Nerve Pain Causes & Helpful Food Supplements

Today I would like to talk a little bit about Neuropathy, and the foods and supplements that may help in curbing the pain caused by this ailment.

Neuropathy, Means nerve disease or damage to the nerves.  It can result in pain, tingling, burning or loss of feeling in hands and feet.

According to WEBMD:
Diabetes is one disease that can cause neuropathy.  There are three kinds of diabetic neuropathy. (Peripheral Neuropathy:  These are the nerves that sense pain, touch, hot and cold. They affect movement and muscle strength and the feet and lower legs are most often affected. The damage it causes gets worse slowly and over months and years.  Autonomic Neuropathy: These nerves control things like your heartbeat, blood pressure, sweating, digestion, urination and sexual function.  Focal Neuropathy: Most often affects one nerve, usually in the wrist, thigh, or foot, it can also affect the nerves of your back and chest and those that control your eye muscle. This type of damage usually happens suddenly.

Diabetes is not the only culprit, injuries, medications, and poisoning from metals, chemicals or medications can also be the cause.

In 2014, I was diagnosed with Stage II Breast cancer.  While going through chemo, I was plagued with the pain of nerve damage.  At a loss of not knowing what to do or how to differentiate one pain from another brought about by the infusions, my wonderful oncologist diagnosed me with Neuropathy.  After meeting with my oncologist, I also met with a nutritionist and they provided me a list of supplements and foods that might just help relieve this particular side effect.   Here are a few remedies and nutritional supplements that I tried and seemed to really help me heal.

ALA (Alpha-lipoic acid):  Is an antioxidant that is made by the body and helps to turn glucose (sugar) into energy. Research suggests taking 600mg a day is a safe dose.  Improvements are usually seen within 3-5 weeks.  ALA should only be used for up to four weeks.

Foods Rich in ALA:

• Meat (organ meats) - No thank you, I took a pass!
• Vegetables (broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts, peas, tomatoes)
• Yeast (Brewer's yeast)

GLUTAMINE:  Is an amino acid that has long been used in the treatment of medication side effects.  Research suggests 30g a day will reduce neuropathy pain.

This supplement has helped me tremendously.

Foods Rich in Glutamine:

• Meat (fish,pork, chicken, turkey)
• Beans
• Dairy (milk, yogurt, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese)
• Vegetables (spinach, cabbage, parsley)

VITAMIN B6: Is a vitamin that the body uses for metabolism. B6 is commonly found in meats, whole grains and vegetables.  Research suggests taking 50-100mg per day may help decrease tingling and numbness in your hands and feet.

Foods Rich in Vitamin B6:

• Fish (cod, salmon, halibut, trout and tuna)
• Vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, potatoes, peas, asparagus)
• Nuts and Seeds (peanuts, sunflower seeds, cashews, hazelnuts)
• Whole Grain Breads and Cereals
• Beans (chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, kidney beans)

My all-time favorite Vitamin B6 breakfast recipe:

BANANA SPLIT OATMEAL: (This recipe has oatmeal, nuts and bananas which are a great source of Vitamin B6)

• 1/2 cup dry old fashioned quick 1-min. oats
• 1/4 cup frozen strawberries, microwaved
• 1/4 cup bananas, sliced
• 1 tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp. peanuts

Directions: Cook oats with enough water to achieve desired consistency.  Mix with microwaved frozen strawberries, sliced banana, chocolate chips and top with peanuts.

As always, check with your doctor first before trying any of these supplements.  What may work for me, may not work for you.  Every situation and treatment is different.

Peace & Love,

April Williams