Treat Your Neuropathy with These 5 Natural Interventions

Living with neuropathy can be challenging. To make matters more challenging, neuropathy treatments can sometimes involve a slew of complex medical interventions. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way! Effective, natural treatments for neuropathy are just within reach, and they do a wonderful job of keeping your neuropathy symptoms in check. 

At Entelechy Life in Wichita, Dr. Jennifer Mead, our passionate leader and doctor of naturopathic medicine, centers our clinic on functional medicine. Functional medicine, in turn, emphasizes natural interventions for symptom management. Natural neuropathy treatments don’t have to replace your pharmacological and/or surgical interventions; instead, the two types of interventions can always complement each other. Today let’s explore some natural treatments for neuropathy that you can integrate into your daily routine to alleviate your neuropathic discomfort and enhance your well-being.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that causes damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves, typically resulting in the following symptoms:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Pain in the affected area
• Changes in bowel movements
• Sensitivity (to touch, pressure, temperature) in an area
• Poor coordination
• Blood pressure irregularities

These symptoms can vary widely on a patient-to-patient basis. This condition can be triggered in a variety of ways – injuries, bacterial infections, genetics, toxic exposure, and more. Neuropathy generally affects the hands and feet, but you may experience neuropathic symptoms in other parts of the body.

Natural Treatments for Neuropathy

When it comes to managing neuropathy, a natural approach can be incredibly beneficial for reducing symptoms and preventing the spread of neuropathic pain. Here are several methods you can consider to help alleviate your symptoms. You may even already have some of these items on hand in your pantry or gym bag!

1. Castor Oil

Castor oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for natural treatments for neuropathy. It can help to reduce swelling and pain when applied topically to affected areas.

Warm a small amount between your hands and gently massage it into the skin over the affected area. Repeat this daily to help your swelling and pain.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Another powerful natural remedy is apple cider vinegar, and it’s been used as an at-home medicine for decades. More and more doctors are recommending apple cider vinegar to aid with digestion, and it has long been used to alleviate pain.

For digestive relief, mix one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink daily. 

Alternatively, add one cup of apple cider vinegar to a tub of water to create a pain-relieving foot soak. 

3. Nutritional Supplements

Certain vitamins and minerals are known to support nerve health and can be effective as natural treatments for neuropathy. Key supplements include the following:

• B-vitamins: B12, B6, and folate all help maintain the myelin sheath that protects your nerve endings. Supplemental and naturally-occurring B-vitamins in fish, veggies, and eggs can promote nerve health. 
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: This is an antioxidant that can improve nerve function and relieve symptoms such as numbness, burning, and prickling sensations. Both supplements of alpha-lipoic acid and an increased intake of foods such as spinach and broccoli have these symptom-relieving properties. 
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids (naturally found in fish and supplemented in tablet form) can reduce inflammation and improve nerve health.

Before you add in nutritional supplement, always consult with your doctor. Consulting with a naturopathic doctor such as Dr. Jennifer Mead can help tailor the right supplement regimen based on your specific needs.

Nutritional supplements should always supplement a healthy diet, not replace it. A healthy diet rich in whole foods, lean meats, and nuts also supports neuropathic healing. Don’t overlook this crucial step as a factor in managing your neuropathy!

4. Stretching and Exercising

Regular physical activity and specific stretches can greatly benefit those suffering from neuropathy by improving blood flow and reducing nerve pressure.

• Stretches: Focus on stretches that target the limbs affected by neuropathy. This can help alleviate some of the painful sensations that neuropathy causes, and stretching also helps prepare your body for more intense exercise. Here are some simple stretches you can try at home. Gentle, daily yoga can also be beneficial.
• Exercise: Activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling can improve overall circulation, reduce pain, and improve nerve function. Engaging in these activities can also prevent some causes of neuropathy. Enjoy the added boost of endorphins that come from exercising. 

5. Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes can also play a significant role in managing neuropathy symptoms naturally. Making some of these changes can have a big impact on your neuropathy. 

• Incorporate a Healthy Diet: Emphasize whole foods rich in antioxidants, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This is especially beneficial for improving digestion issues caused by neuropathy. 
• Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol can worsen neuropathic symptoms and increase nerve damage. Abstaining from alcohol or limiting alcohol intake can help improve your symptoms. 
• Manage Stress: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can reduce stress and thereby reduce pain levels.

Implementing Natural Treatments for Neuropathy

Whether you’re accustomed to using natural treatments for neuropathy or starting from scratch, it’s important to discuss any changes you want to make with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will help you understand how your interventions can work together to fight your neuropathy. At Entelechy Life, we’re committed to a personalized approach, so we’ll always consider which interventions are best for your unique health situation. 

Monitor Your Progress

If you add in a new intervention, it’s important to keep tabs on how that intervention impacts your health journey. 

Try keeping a symptom diary or notes page on your phone to track any changes after adding a new natural treatment for neuropathy. Take note of how your symptoms are affected by your new intervention. Are you experiencing more or less pain/burning/numbness? Digestive issues? Do you have questions about how an intervention interacts with your other lifestyle preferences? Keeping a running list of observations and questions will help you and Dr. Mead discuss the effectiveness of your treatments and find out what works best for you. 

Manage Your Neuropathy with Us

At Entelechy Life, Dr. Jennifer Mead is committed to helping you understand and manage your neuropathy with natural and holistic strategies tailored to you.
If you’re looking for natural treatments for neuropathy, personalized advice, and comprehensive care, check out our website and schedule a free discovery call with Leann Moore, our dedicated health coach. Discover how Entelechy Life can help you manage your neuropathy naturally.