Home Remedies and Herbs for Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathies are a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes or impaired glucose intolerance. In both these disorders, the body does not process glucose or blood sugar effectively and causes elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, this can damage nerve coverings or the blood vessels that bring oxygen to the nerves. Damaged nerves may stop sending messages, send messages more slowly, or send them at the wrong time. ^1,2,3 Usually, diabetic neuropathy in feet and limbs are noticed as well as in the arms and hands. Nerve problems can progress to every organ system including the digestive tract, heart and sex organs. ² Over 60 percent of people with diabetes develop some form of diabetic neuropathy. They are classified as: ^1,2

• Peripheral neuropathy — This is the most common type and manifests in the extremities like the feet, hands and limbs.
• Autonomic neuropathy — This causes changes in digestion, bowel and bladder function, sexual response and perspiration. It also can cause hypoglycemic awareness which is a condition where people are no longer aware of low blood glucose levels.
• Proximal neuropathy — Pain or numbness is experienced in the thighs, hips, buttocks and leads to weakening in the legs.
• Focal neuropathy — Results in sudden weakness of a single nerve or nerve group causing muscle weakness or pain. Any nerve in the body can be affected.

What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy causes are different for the different types of nerve damage but all are linked to prolonged exposure to high blood glucose or blood sugar levels. Factors other than direct diabetes disease which contribute to diabetic neuropathy include: ^2,4

• Inflammation in the nerves caused by an autoimmune response. This is where the immune system mistakenly attacks part of the body as if it were a foreign organism.
• Genetic factors which put people at higher risk.
• Smoking and alcohol abuse significantly increase the rate of neuropathy.

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms

Diabetic neuropathy symptoms may include: ^1,2,4

• Numbness in your hands, legs or diabetic neuropathy in feet
• Shooting pains, burning or tingling
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
• Problems with sexual function
• Urinary problems
• Dizziness when you change positions quickly

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Diabetic Neuropathy

The following are some of the top diabetic neuropathy natural treatments to try at home:

• Vitamin B - Vitamin B is a leading source of diabetic neuropathy treatment, specifically vitamin B1, B3 (folic acid), B6 and B12.
• L-Carnitine - L-Carnitine is an amino acid that can repair and treat nerve damage and pain.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid - ALA, or Alpha Lipoic Acid, is a critical nutrient for treating people with diabetes or high blood sugar levels. It is also an effective treatment in the progression of diabetic neuropathy.
• Apple Cider Vinegar -This is a diabetic neuropathy natural treatment to help reduce nerve pain. It can be taken orally or topically applied to the nerve pain site.
• St. John’s Wort - St. John’s Wort is another effective diabetic neuropathy natural treatment. It’s taken orally in capsule form or made into a tea.
• Fish Oil - Fish oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and known to restore damaged nerves.

References

1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/preventing-diabetes-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/basics/definition/con-20033336
3. http://umm.edu/programs/neuropathy/services/diabetic
4. http://www.drwhitaker.com/treatment-for-diabetic-neuropathy/