Alpha Lipoic Acid Helps Some People With Neuropathy

Today's short post from drperlmutter.com (see link below) is another endorsement of alpha lipoic acid as being a useful supplement for neuropathic symptoms. He explains the reasons below, although the 'wonderful clinical data' is open to interpretation as to whether it's 'wonderful' or not. Like anything else in the neuropathy treatment zoo, what works for some doesn't work for others, although if you believe the claims made for alpha lipoic acid as an anti-oxidant, you won't be doing yourself any harm by taking it as a daily supplement. It's worthwhile taking advice on this one; either from your doctor (who probably won't be against the idea) or from research done on the internet. Two words of warning: you'll need to take it for more than a month to be able to tell if it's making any difference or not and it's expensive! However, you can find beneficial deals by hunting around on the Net. It's often taken in conjunction with acetyl-L carnitine, which is another anti-oxidant, co-enzyme and many nerve damage patients do benefit from these supplements. They're widely available in health food shops and even drug stores and chemists. It may end up being a question of trying it yourself and see.
 

Alpha-Lipoic Acid – A Viable Treatment For Diabetic NeuropathyDavid Perlmutter MD, neurologist

Diabetic neuropathy now affects an estimated 15-18 million Americans. That means that close to 70% of the almost 26 million Americans with type 2 diabetes suffer from this sometimes debilitating condition. And while there are approximately 100 different causes of neuropathy, diabetes ranks highest on the list, accounting for a full one third of neuropathy cases.

Symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy can be quite aggressive and include pain, loss of sensation, tingling and even weakness, typically affecting hands and feet.

Clinicians and researchers in Europe have long known about the effectiveness of a common nutritional supplement, alpha-lipoic acid, as an effective approach to diabetic neuropathy. But here in America most patients are given pharmaceuticals to treat the symptoms. And yet, wonderful clinical data now confirms the profound effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid in treating diabetic neuropathy.

Both the well-conducted research as well as my own clinical experience in using this nonprescription approach to treating diabetic neuropathy will keep alpha-lipoic acid in my tool kit.

Lipoic acid is a potent and protective antioxidant that is both fat and water-soluble. That means it can penetrate virtually all of the body’s tissues, including the brain and nerves. In addition, it acts as a heavy metal chelator, helping the body rid itself of toxic metals like lead and mercury. It also helps maintain levels of another brain important antioxidant, glutathione. That’s why I’ve included lipoic acid as one of my “super seven” fundamental supplements.

For more information, order your copy of Grain Brain today and join Dr. Perlmutter’s email list.

http://www.drperlmutter.com/lipoic-acid-powerfully-effective-treating-diabetic-neuropathy/