Natural Remedies for Neuropathy: Holistic & Nutritional

Dietary Changes

Posted by Wanda (Spring, Texas) on 03/22/2022 53 posts
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Replying to Posted by Kay (Tampa, Fl.) on 05/12/2013:

Art, I saw your 4/5/13 post where you said you take both Chanca Piedra (500 mg/day) and R-ALA (which you take 500 mgs every meal and it is keeping it under control. I have horrendous neuropathy and have tried everything. I have it in my feet calves, arms and it is moving up my thigh. I get very little sleep as I have terrible hot knife stabbings all night long everywhere. My liver enzymes are over 100 each and have been for years. I have tried the Berkson remedy and took 1000 mgs milk thistle for 10 months and nothing changed. Also do you have an opinion on the clinical test trial called GS 7977? Thank you and God Bless.

Hi Kay,

I too suffered neuropathy mostly in my feet to the point I almost couldn't walk. I cut out all carbs, as much fat as I could, and started juicing 1.5 celery heads a day in the AM on an empty stomach, I started eating tons of apples, bananas, grapes, and any other fruit I could get my hands on. I fresh squeeze oranges to make at least 16 Oz of juice and some days 32 Oz of OJ, however I didn't drink OJ every day, but at least three times a week.

I basically cut almost all meat out of my diet except maybe a small piece of chicken for dinner. I started eating sweet potatoes and just regular potatoes with NO BUTTER/NO SOUR CREAM with only a tiny pinch of pink salt. I'm taking an adrenal support supplement every night before bed called HPA AXIS, Mega Hydrate 2 X daily, juice apples, cucumber and barley grass powder along with Spirulina daily also. I started taking full spectrum CBD OIL 500 mg once daily and finally after two months, the symptoms are subsiding. I honestly think my diet was killing me. I have been prediabetic and was always afraid to eat too much fruit.

The trick is to eat lots of fruit and cut out the meat and the fat. Eat lots of veggies especially green veggies and cruciferous. I'm sure it will help you, but be patient because it probably took you a while to get into that condition. Good luck to you.

Turmeric

Posted by Preston (MA) on 07/27/2021
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Regarding Severe Neuropathy in Feet

I would try turmeric at 500 mg 3 times a day...I use it and have minimal neuropathy pain..It also helps the liver much...

B Vitamins, ALA and Butcher's Broom

Posted by patrick (qld) on 04/20/2021
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Vitamins b1 to b6 and b12, plus ala and butcher's broom, reduced my diabetes neuropathy by about 70% and another 10% by not using a recliner chair to watch tv. Maybe it presses on the nerves in the legs.

Benfotiamine

Posted by Joannem (Vancouver, Wa) on 12/28/2015
★★★★★

Finally! My feet are returning back to normal. Getting off the B vitamins helped within a months time. Started taking Benfotiamine, a lipid-soluble form of thiamine (vitamin B-1). I have been taking if for about 3 weeks, 600 Mils, a day. I now have feeling in my feet again!

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Prioris (Fl, US) on 10/01/2014
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Neuropathy:

FYI Stabilized R-ALA will likely be more effective than R-Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Burdock Root

Posted by Peter (Los Angeles, CA) on 06/21/2024
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Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Burdock Root. I had been taking a host of other supplements for neuropathy which definitely helped with painful neuropathy in hands and feet but after a while I seemed to plateau with regard to healing the nerve damage. Once I added Burdock Root to my regimen, which I have been taking for 2 months since late April 2024, my healing increased and now I am virtually pain free which I was afraid I would never be. I plan to continue taking Burdock Root for a few more months at a minimum to assess its efficacy. I take 3 capsules, 3 times a day for a total of 9 as you did. I have experienced no ill side effects and I know the Burdock Root definitely helped resolve my problem with neuropathy more fully. I almost feel completely normal again without the agonizing pain in my hands and feet.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Al (Alvena, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 09/22/2013
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It is time for an update on my neuropathy. It is just over a year since I started ALA and it has totally changed my situation. The nerves are healed to the point that I have virtually no numbness left. I still have a substantial amount of pain due to the super sensitive nature of recently healed nerves. When I wake up in the morning now I am almost pain free but by the end of the day my feet feel like they are on fire. The intensity of the pain is dependent on how much walking/standing that I do with it being worse with more walking. To give you an idea of how sensitive my sensory nerves are, I can feel every chamber of my heart contract and can also feel muscles in my thighs moving past each other. I expect the nerves to eventually toughen up and for the associated pain to be alleviated. Large doses of vitamin B12 seem to help the most and I just started taking yucca yesterday to alleviate the inflammation that results from walking. It is too soon to know if the yucca is helping but I am expecting that it will. I have most of my motor function back. All that is not back is some in my toes. TRY EVERYTHING THAT MIGHT HELP. Grasp at the straws. One or more may help. Several have helped me. Al

Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Posted by Carol (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/12/2012
★★★★★

I was suffering from continual extreme muscle tightness in my thighs and neuropathy in the top of my foot shortly after I began taking Lipitor. I discontinued the Lipitor after 3 weeks, but was unable to exercise without the pain becoming increasingly worse. I stopped taking the Lipitor but had no improvement in my symptoms whatsoever, so after 6 weeks I broke down and decided to try this combination based on Bill's experience. I began taking 500 mgs of Acetyl-L-Carnitine 1x a day and 100 mgs of R Lipoic Acid 2x a day. (I am a small person, so I take a minimal dose. ) I felt relief within 2 days. Five months later, I am happy to report that I am at 98% of where I was before taking the statin with only the slightest bit of tightness and neuropathy when I exercise hard.

You should always check with your doctor and investigate as much as possible before taking a supplement with a prescription drug or other supplements. I believe my original problem with Lipitor was caused by inadvertently combining it with Red Yeast Rice.

B Complex and B12

Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 12/19/2023
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I was talking to Brenda, a woman (40yrs old) from Mexico City, who developed Gestational Diabetes while pregnant a few years back, which later turned into type-1, and also developed neuropathy in her feet after taking diabetic medication.

She told me she traveled to Cuba for treatment of her neuropathy. There, they put her on high dosage of Vitamin B-Complex. After a few weeks, her neuropathy disappeared.

The Link Between Vitamin B-Complex Deficiency and Neuropathy

If you're a diabetic, unfortunately, you may be at a higher risk for neuropathy. The use of metformin for the management of blood sugar levels can deplete levels of Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins in the body. So, if you're a diabetic and any of the symptoms of neuropathy develop, then it's best to seek medical help in this case.

Low Vitamin B12 can cause dysfunction in the myelin sheath. The role of the myelin sheath is to protect the nerves from becoming damaged. This affects the ability of the nerves to operate correctly, as well as affecting the ability to provide adequate nutrition to the myelin sheath.

A deficiency of B-Vitamins is fairly common in the older age groups. In fact, between 10% and 15% of those over 60 years old have neuropathy.

An intensive treatment plan is needed to ensure that optimal B-Vitamin levels are maintained.

How Much Vitamin B-Complex Is Needed for Neuropathy Treatment

Lacking vitamins E, B1, B6, and B12 may cause neuropathy. These vitamins are vital to nerve health and functioning. A deficiency can lead to significant nerve damage.

The method used is generally dependent on whether one has developed a nutritional deficiency or poorly absorbs the vitamin.

The required doses of Vitamin B12 for neuropathy in adults are:

1000mcg daily over five days
1000mcg weekly over five weeks

Brenda's treatment involved taking high dosages of B-Complex. She had to be monitored by blood work daily due to her Type-1 diabetes. But, for a person in general good health with no underlying health issues, taking B-Complex daily so have no problems.

Caution

For adults only. Consult a physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Most B-vitamin products contain Biotin (B-7), which may interfere with some blood test results.

Benfotiamine

Posted by Joanne M (Vancouver Wa) on 12/28/2015
★★★★★

I had PN BAD in both feet. After several tests doc told me to stop the B vitamins. B6 in excess can cause PN. I quit the B vitamins and started taking Benfotiamine and after a month my feel are returning to normal! I can finally feel my feet and the tingling is almost gone. Thank goodness!!!!

Some people cannot metabolize B6 efficiently. I'd quit taking them asap.

Benfotiamine

Posted by Hamza (London, UK) on 08/11/2014
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My mum had severe pain, pins and needles, numbing, throbbing and tingling in her feet whenever she would try to sleep for about 20 years. I wanted to help her, so I looked it up online and found that vitamin b1 would help. Within a few days of supplementing with 1 vitamin b1 100mg capsule daily her pain is gone and she sleeps much better.

Coffee

Posted by Scott (Pen Argyl Pa) on 09/21/2013
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I've been taking a number of supplements and natural remedies for neuropathy for almost a year now, each having a range of effectivness, advantages and disadvatages. They include D3, B12 and chewing on raw ginger. I was surprised when I realized what actually helped the most. A mug of coffee works the best and gives the longest lasting relief. It took a while for me to figure this out because I generally don't drink it that much, only when I really need to stay awake for work or a long drive. I still limit my coffee consumption but not as much as I used to. Obviously, don't drink it in the evening if you want to get your sleep.

I'd be interested in learning how this works for others. All I know is I'm getting a lot of relief when I have my 12 oz. Mug of it. It lasts me through almost the entire work day.

Arginine and Citrulline

Posted by Mr. Ree (Usa) on 08/16/2013
★★★★★

Please read the book by Dr. Louis Ignarro. He won the Nobel prize for science in 1997. He states clearly that Arginine and Citrulline will help neuropathy. He says to take 4000 mg arginine and 1000 mg citrulline before bed and it will bring back to life your endothelial cells and your neuropathy will be helped and your heart and everything else in your body will benefit... The combination of these 2 amino acids generates Nitric oxide...

Celery Seed

Posted by J.r. (Framingham, Ma) on 04/24/2013
★★★★★

I met a person at a health food store that purchased 6 bottles of celery seed. He said he takes 9 per day and it resolves his peripheral neuropathy. I have that condition so I bought one bottle and it magnified my tinnitus. If anyone tries this please let the readers know how it affects you. Celery is also good for blood pressure. It's supposed to bring blood to the extremities as well/open veins. Thx. And good luck

Laser Treatment

Posted by Alice (Oro Valley, Az, Usa) on 03/29/2013
★★★★☆

I have neuropathy in my toes and the balls of my feet and diagnosis said it was creeping back up my lower legs and had some loss of feeling in my geet and the bottoms of my feet. I had gotten pretty much rid of this before using vitamins. But this time it wasn't really working. I was trying to get back on a vegan diet which should have helped, but I was still failing and eating meat. I was looking for help until I could let the diet help. For over 2 years I haven't taken the statins that may have caused or contributed to it. Also, I am overweight.

In any case, my toes and feet were swelling and turning angry red, and often felt like they were on fire. My naturopath was out of town, but she emailed me and said since there was swelling she would send me to the ER or 24 hour clinic, as it might be heart related. Not wanting to expose myself to the purveyors of statins, stents, and quadruple bypass surgury, I researched further, looking for relief. An ad on earthclinic mentioned laser therapy for peripheral neuropathy symptom relief, so I clicked on it. Found a practitioner near home, and made an appointment.

He said the swelling was probably connected to the neuropathy, and that treatment might help but he couldn't guarantee it and that it was not a cure for neuropathy, but a reliever of symptoms, and that it would probably take some time to see results. He prescribed 6 weeks of treatment at a price I could not afford at this time.

I went back online hoping to maybe find Mexican doctors that could do it for less, just like Mexican dentists have repaired my teeth for way less. Didn't find any, but I did find ads for low level lasers that were way less powerful than the one the doctor had. People buy these to help their horses, dogs, and other animals. They also use these lasers on themselves. I had been told these weaker lasers don't work.

I have read there is zero change using lasers, period.

I bought one for $199. The first time I used it I saw immediate improvement, with swelling going down. 3rd treatment even more improvement.

I got the laser last Saturday. Today, Friday, less than a week later, with 4 total treatments and my feet are nearly normal. The neuropathy numbness is still there in my feet, but it seems to be getting better too.

I'm still getting prickles, but I remember when I got rid of the neuropathy before, that I had to go through some prickles and electric zaps just like I experienced when I was getting the neuropathy.

But the difference is like a miracle.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/03/2013 2042 posts

Karen: Assuming you do not know the exact cause of the Neuropathy, the nutritional trial method is your best treatment option. The R-Lipoic at maximum dose would be as close as you could get to I.V. Therapy. Also consider Magnetic Foot Pads or Insoles, they definitely help my Peripheral Neuropathy.

Have you been tested for Heavy Metals??? Maybe some detoxing would help also.

Let us know how your doing.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Jeffreyw65 (Lowell, Ma, Usa) on 01/24/2013
★★★★★

Hello, I am loving this site! I listen to am radio from our area where there doctors whom really push holistic medicine it works and it needs more pushing for the really bad sickness like I have been dealing with since I have had cancer. I love what I learn about the different sulliments for ailments. It is good to try them to see if they work for my ailment.

I just increased my intake of lipoic acid and my feet have been better and the meralgia paresthetica seems to be easing the sharp electrical shock shooting zaps. They are terrible and I am hoping to see if I can get off the pain meds and increase the dietary supplements that I have increased to help me get better. I have different ailments that have made me unable to get around so I will come back on here in 60 days and give a report on my status on my pain so keep looking for my feedback. Thanks Jeff from Lowell, type 2 diabetic with meralgia paesthetica and facet joint arthritus / upper thoraic arthritus philbitus and neuropathy from the pinced nerve is terrible. The color of my legs scares me there, a color that is bad like black and blue, so keep looking for me and wish me well. ok bye all

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Danielle Renee (Ocean Shores, Wa) on 10/09/2012
★★★★★

I want to share how beautifully Alpha Lipoic Acid has worked for Diabetic Neuropathy pains. I take 300mgs three times a day and it has taken the burning and sharp shooting pains away, and my blood sugars and H1C are a lot lower. I consider it a miracle supplement.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 09/14/2012
★★★★☆

I am amazed at how good this is working. After 13 days of taking alpha lipoic acid I have had my pain reduced enough to quit taking hydro morph contin and I actually have less pain and numbness now than when I started taking ALA even with being off the narcotic pain killers. I am picking up my benfotiamine and acetyl-l-Carnitine on Friday the 14th. If it helps even half as much as the ALA I will be back to work in a few weeks. We need to make chemo patients aware of this as much as possible. Al

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Charles555nc (Winston Salem, Nc, Usa) on 08/06/2012
★★★★★

Alpha lipoic acid is a great supplement for neuropathy. However there should be precautions. Only take a max of 100mg alpha lipoic acid every 4 hours, or it will mobilize too much mercury for you to handle.

Alpha Lipoic acid also burns through methylation agents and Zinc. Methyl agents are methyl b12, methyl folate, other b vitamins... so you should supplement with those, periodically, at least 3 hours before and 3 hours after your next dose of ALA.

Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Posted by Pay It Forward (PNW) on 06/26/2023 67 posts

Thanks. Red light therapy maybe a lesser known but effective treatment, without having to take another pill. Ordered a unit today. Will be doing this daily and will come back in 30 days to report my spouses response to this.

Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Posted by Lily (Kelowna, BC) on 04/07/2013

I added an ADRENAL Gland support and with the gluten free I now have dropped the supplements except for B-12 injection and take fish oil -2 tbsp. A day and I have almost total relief. Thanks to everyone who has posted. I hope everyone finds relief like I have.

DMSO

Posted by Mary (Florida ) on 12/08/2018

You can get dmso at a ranch supply or feed store. I have used it for years. It helps fix just about everything. Read about it online.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Art (California) on 07/22/2023 2683 posts

Charlotte,

You might consider this for peripheral neuropathy :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/five-supplements-for-peripheral-neuropathy.html

Art

L-Theanine

Posted by Jt (Minneapolis, Mn) on 07/17/2015
★★★★★

Hi Mark, I hope you are feeling much better now after several years.

I know I'm a bit late in the game and I don't know if I am quoting something that I shouldn't be from the web but it comes from world-renowned Dr. Russell Blaylock who is a retired neurosurgeon. He found some success in treating P.N. with L-Theanine in higher doses. I quote him: "I tried L-theanine, a natural substance isolated from green tea, on a person suffering with unrelieved, intense postherpetic pain (which sometimes follows a shingles infection). By the next day, my patient dramatically improved and by the second day showed 90 percent improvement."

"L-theanine is a mild stimulant for glutamate receptors and keeps glutamate from full activation, which acts to tame excitotoxicity. L-theanine has a good safety profile, even in very high doses.

Suggested dose: 200 mg three times a day, 30 minutes before meals. It can also be increased to 400 mg three times a day if needed.

L-theanine is also helpful with sleep and reduces anxiety/depression. Combined with other anti-inflammatory flavonoid supplements such as curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, luteolin, hesperidin and ellagic acid, the results can be even better."

God bless,