There are six key vitamins and antioxidants that, when your body is deficient, can lead to chronic pain due to Neuropathy. These include:
B Vitamins
It only takes a few weeks of improper nutrition to develop a deficiency of B Vitamins, so many people could use a boost in this area. For nerve function, B vitamins are vital in having a healthy and functioning nervous system. The most important are B-1, B-6, and B-12. Specifically, a B-12 deficiency can cause Neuropathy. If the body is not able to recover from this deficiency, it could cause permanent nerve damage. B-6 is thought to help the coverings on nerve endings, but if you take more than 200mg per day of B-6, it can actually cause nerve damage instead of help. B-1, also known as thiamine and benfotiamine, reduces inflammation and pain along with damage to cells. Try adding these foods to your diet to boost your B vitamin levels: seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy foods, fortified cereals, and vegetables.
Alpha-lipoic acid
This important vitamin is helpful specifically for the treatment for Neuropathy due to diabetes and treatments for cancer. It lowers blood sugar levels, improves the function of your nerves, and reduces symptoms. Some foods that have trace amounts of Alpha-lipoic acid are: liver, red meat, broccoli, spinach, and Brussel sprouts.
Acetyl-L-carnitine
If you want to increase your energy, have healthy nerve cells, and reduce the pain that comes from symptoms of Neuropathy, supplement your diet with 500mg twice a day of Acetyl-L-carnitine. Specifically, this amino acid and antioxidant can help with chemotherapy-induced peripheral Neuropathy, the fatigue that is associated with cancer, as well as other symptoms. Natural sources include: meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products.
N-Acetyl cysteine
N-Acetyl cysteine is an amino acid as well as an antioxidant often used in treating the pain associated with Neuropathy and inflammation in the body. It must be taken in supplement form. It’s other form, cysteine, is found in protein rich foods. This is especially helpful in reducing pain from diabetic Neuropathy and increasing motor coordination.
Curcumin
This cooking herb contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties that can reduce tingling and numbness in your hands and feet. When taken early on in your symptoms, it can prevent long-term neuropathic damage and pain from occurring. You can take supplements or use one teaspoon of turmeric and one quarter teaspoon of ground pepper three times a day. Also, you can add fresh or powdered turmeric to teas and foods like curry, egg salad, and even smoothies.
Fish Oil
Fish oil can help repair damaged nerves along with bring down inflammation. Foods that naturally contain fish oil are: salmon, walnuts, sardines, canola oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds, mackerel, cod liver oil, herring, oysters, anchovies, and soybeans. This vitamin also can stimulate neuron growth. Talk with a provider at NTCO about what vitamins you should take to help with your symptoms of Neuropathy. Sometimes these simple additions to mealtime can make the world of difference in how we feel. Schedule a consultation and let us help you develop a plan to get your life back. Call 918-921-8160 and DO WHAT YOU WANT again.
Emily Cronkleton, “6 Best Supplements for Neuropathy,” Healthline, updated on April 17, 2018
