Seven Supplements Which May Help Neuropathy

Today's post from trenchdoc.com (see link below) cannot be seen as definitive medical advice but nevertheless, it provides useful information about some common supplements that doctors prescribe and and are also used by patients without a doctor's say-so. Their purpose is to reduce the symptoms of neuropathy that make lives so miserable. However, it is important to remember that just as with standard medications, these supplements may work for some people and not for others. Furthermore, it is also important to get expert advice as to whether to take them and also how to take them safely. After that, doing your own research will help you make the best decision for yourself. These supplements may not be cheap, so you need to know all the pros and cons. Beware also of clinics and sites who seem to offer all in one miracle supplement combinations for neuropathy - you will be better off being selective and being armed with knowledge as to the precise content of what you buy. Other articles about each supplement (and others) can be found in the alphabetical list to the right of this blog.

Top 7 Supplements of 2013 to Fight Neuropathy
June 14, 2013 by Alan Liew

Neuropathy, a disorder of the nerves, is one of the most widely prevalent nerve disorders with more than a million individuals suffering from the condition worldwide. Those suffering from this disorder are well aware of the detrimental impact it has on the health as well. The intense muscular pain coupled with other symptoms such as numbness makes it extremely difficult for patients to carry on with their lives in a normal manner. Moreover, the fact that neuropathy cannot be cured makes it even more damaging as the patients have to bear with the symptoms for the rest of the lives. Fortunately, despite neuropathy not being entirely treatable, there are various supplements available that can make the pain which the disorder brings more manageable. The use of supplements not only speeds up the treatment program, but it also provides patients with the much needed pain relief. Thus, below is a list of top 7 supplements for neuropathy which individuals can make use of to fight the symptoms of the detrimental condition.

Alpha Lipoic Acid
Also known as Lipoic Acid or simply ALA, Alpha Lipoic Acid is one of the most highly recommended and widely used supplements for treating neuropathy. What makes this supplement so beneficial for neuropathy patients is that the antioxidants within it eliminate free radicals. In addition to this, common symptoms of neuropathy such as pain, burning, and tingling sensations can be diminished as well by the use of this supplement. For most effective results, patients should take anywhere from 600 to 1200mg of ALA daily, depending on the severity of the condition.

High Dose of Antioxidants
While there are several different causes of neuropathy, one of the most highly blamed causes is oxidative damage. In order to rectify this problem, the intake of several different antioxidants is imperative. Experts suggest purchasing a multi vitamin supplement comprising of different vitamins such as vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

B complex Vitamins
When it comes to treating neuropathy and restoring nerve damage, B complex vitamins play a vital role. The usually recommended doses of B complex vitamins are 800mcg of folic acid, 150mcg of B12, and 75mg of B6. As it can be a problem to take all the three vitamins through different supplements, purchasing a multi vitamin supplement may be more practical and easy on the pocket.

Fish Oil
When the nerves are damaged in neuropathy, the surrounding muscles often suffer from inflammation. Due to the anti-inflammatory properties it contains, Fish oil can help reduce or eliminate inflammation. According to Nehad Solomon, a registered rheumatologist in Phoenix, Arizona, fish oil reduces the production of inflammatory hormones in the body. The dosage of 2400mg of high quality fish oil per day is highly recommended.

Magnesium
While the muscle pain caused by neuropathy can be experienced in different parts of the body, some parts such as the back and the feet tend to suffer the most. Magnesium not only aids in keeping vital organs of the body in a strong state of health, but it also helps prevent pain associated with neuropathy. Although this mineral can be found in various food types, the intake through natural sources is only beneficial when the edible is uncooked. Hence, taking a supplement is the more viable option to acquire a healthy intake of magnesium. The recommended dosage of magnesium is around 200 to 400 milligrams per day.

Capsaicin
Easily available in all major and minor drug or health stores, capsaicin is beneficial at treating the symptoms of neuropathy. Simply taking a topical cream and rubbing it on the affected areas can deliver immediate as well as effective results. However, always be careful when using capsaicin as it extracted from cayenne pepper. Also, avoid rubbing the cream near vulnerable areas such as the eyes or the mouth.

Gamma Linolenic Acid
Gamma Linolenic Acid or GLA as it is more commonly known provides pain relief to patients of neuropathy. According to a study carried out by a group of British researchers, the use of 480mg of GLA on over a 100 patients of Diabetes resulted in significant improvements in 16 different nerves and pain measurements. Subsequently, the researchers concluded that the intake of 240 to 480 mg of GLA daily may help prevent or even possibly reverse Diabetic neuropathy.

While the use of supplements can be quite beneficial, it is always crucial to bear a few questions in mind before proceeding to purchase a new supplement. This is because according to David Pisetsky M.D., Ph.D., chief of allergy and rheumatology at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, “Like prescription drugs, it’s possible to take too much and many supplements have side effects”. Therefore, to eliminate the probability of any such mishaps, always use a supplement that has been manufactured by a well reputed company and refer to a doctor or an expert before opting for any supplement.

http://www.trenchdoc.com/top-7-supplements-of-2013-to-fight-neuropathy/