What Is Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a condition that interferes with the normal functioning of the peripheral nervous system. Neuropathy is also known as peripheral neuropathy as well. If an individual is suffering from some type of neuropathy disorder such as meningitis or spinal cord damage this can have a negative effect on the brain and the spinal cord. The reason why is because the peripheral nervous system is a network of nerves that connects the brain and spinal cord to the entire body. A neuropathy disorder can affect the sensory nerves, motor nerves, and the anatomic nerves. In diseases like Parkinson’s the motor and sensory nerves are being affected. Unfortunately neuropathy is a very common disorder and between 25 to 30% of Americans have some type of neuropathy disorder. For diabetics between 60 to 70 percent have neuropathy disorders.
What Are The Best Supplements For Nerve Support
There are currently supplements on the market that can provide nerve support. The key is finding the best neuropathy supplements. It is recommended that every individual should take some type of nerve support supplement and especially the elderly. Some of the best neuropathy supplements are b vitamins, alpha-lipoic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, n-acetyl cysteine, and curcumin.
B Vitamins
B vitamins help the nervous system to stay healthy and function properly. When an individual is experiencing peripheral neuropathy it is usually because they have a b vitamin deficiency. Some of the most common B vitamins that are used for nervous system health are vitamin b 12, b 1, and vitamin b 6. Individuals have a choice of taking each of these vitamins individually and you can simplify it by just taking a b complex vitamin. The function of vitamin B 1 is that it reduces pain, prevents cellular damage, and reduces inflammation. Vitamin B 12 prevents peripheral neuropathy as long as the body has sufficient levels of the vitamin. The foods that are rich in vitamin b are eggs, seafood, fish, meat, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant and this supplement is used specifically to treat individuals who suffer from cancer or diabetes who have neuropathy. Alpha-lipoic acid helps to keep the blood sugar at a stable level. The reason why this is important is because studies have shown that lower blood sugar levels help to improve nerve function and relieve pain, tingling, and numbness in the lower extremities. This supplement can also be given in two ways either orally or intravenously. Alpha-lipoic acid can be found naturally in the following foods broccoli, spinach, red meat, liver, and brussel sprouts.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a supplement that is both an antioxidant and an amino acid. This supplement reduces any pain that people have in relation to neuropathy. The supplement also create healthy nerve cells and raise an individual’s energy levels. The routine daily dosage that is recommended is 500 mg twice a day. Acetyl-L- Carnitine can be found in the following food products meat, dairy, poultry, and fish.
N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-Acetyl Cysteine this supplement has many different medical uses. When it comes to treating neuropathy it is very effective against nerve pain and reducing inflammation. It is also very effective in treating diabetic neuropathy and can help to improve motor coordination. N-Acetyl Cysteine is an amino acid and antioxidant as well. This particular substance is not found in food an oral form has to be taken it is recommended that individual take at least 1200 mg daily or twice-daily.
Curcumin
Curcumin is an herb that helps to relieve tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. Curumin also has antioxidant, anti imflammatory, and analgesic properties. Curumin can be taken in two ways it can be taken as a supplement or you can take 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper three times per day.