The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Ellen (Arlington, Tx) on 09/22/2009
★★★★★
Alpha Lipoic Acid for Neuropathy
I have a pinched nerve in my back which causes peripheral neuropathy. I have been using ALA for almost 2 weeks now and my symptoms have improved I take 300 mg (time released tablets) twice per day.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Trenna (Elyria, Ohio) on 10/31/2007
★★★★★
I have severe neuropathy and my head shakes. I went to a health food store and got alpha lipoic acid amd have been on it for eight days and it has been wonderful. I no longer have pain and my head doesn't shake. I feel like anew person.I hope this can help someone else. It's nice to go out and not be stared at.
Pantothenic Acid
Posted by Candy (Indiana) on 12/18/2021
★★★★★
For Neuropathy Pain:
Take 250mg pantothenic acid a day.
Coconut Oil + Bee Wax
Posted by Babu yankee (Southern ca.) on 05/23/2020
★★★★★
For neuropathy and Inflammation:
Use 1/4 gram coconut oil and 1/2 gram honey bee wax. Melt wax add other ingredient after wax has melted. It will become cream it's very good for nerve. and muscle pain and also on cracked skin. You can add essential oil for aroma.
MSM
Posted by Timh (KY) on 01/10/2015 2048 posts
D: This is common condition called "herx" or "dieoff" reaction. The MSM is detoxing pathogens and dead tissue accumulated in your gallbladder and colon.
Advice is to continue at this small dose (when it's best to make it to the bathroom) and slowly increase the dose as you notice less discharge and lighter color.
If you can get up to 1 or 1.5 grm 3x per day that would be good progress and I don't recommend going above that, but instead take 1grm Vit-C w/ 1grm MSM 3x day which should be sufficient detox w/ only these two nutrients.
Additional remedies will be necessary to treat the hep-c or the condition will repeat unless you stay w/ the MSM/C. Here is a link to the E.C. hep-c page https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/hep_c.html
Hepatitis C and Neuropathy Link
Posted by Diane (Sherborn, Ma) on 05/04/2014
Bill, I was put on Atenolol in 2003 because my father had heart issues at my age-- big mistake on my part... I wound up with a resting pulse of 160 got horrendous cold extremities followed by a radio frequency cather ablation operation (4 1/2 hours)...They fixed my heart but I kept the terrible cold extremities which I never had before...Then in 2012 I had a respiratory infection and had TWO cycles of Cipro...then 6 months later I got stage 4 chirossis (I also have hep-c)...and my peripheral neuropathy came on terrible within a week of when I was diagnosed with stage 4 chirrosis...Would you hazzard a guess what the original cause of my neuropathy was so I may be able to address it...I have tried everything out there..Could the antibiotcs cause the neuropathy or maybe the Atenolol? Or the hep-c? Just looking for an educated guess as my doctors have no clue...thank you...again and again..
Hepatitis C and Neuropathy Link
Posted by Nanowriter (Hotspot, Texas) on 05/05/2014
You may want to look into how these meds deplete necessary nutrients. A quick search turned up CoQ10 depletion from the atenolol and global B vitamin depletion as well as zinc from the Cipro.
CoQ10 depletion has been associated with statins and the very bad side effects many people suffer from them. You may want to see if any of the CoQ10 deficiency symptoms line up with yours, especially the ones that began after the atenolol. If not, cold extremities are a classic sign of iodine deficiency/hypothyroid.
The worsening of your viral infection (hepatitis) after the Cipro is interesting in light of the fact that your B vitamins may have been depleted because I do wonder how much the b's help us with viral defense, especially of herpes viruses, which travel on nerves.
Anyhoo, CoQ10 is easy to get as a supplement and you can get b vitamins through brewers yeast and liver or as supplements as well.
Hepatitis C and Neuropathy Link
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Phillipines) on 05/05/2014
Hi Diane...Both the Atenolol and the Cipro can cause neuropathies. Their many side effects are listed
here and
here on drugs.com and these lists are huge. Please notice that Atenolol can also cause cold hands and feet as well as racing heart. Cipro contains fluorine, a poison for the body, and fluorine depletes the thyroid of iodine -- which can also cause loss of energy, cold extremities, brain fog or pins and needles and a host of other problems.
Atenolol is a beta blocker that is supposed to slow down the heart beat but in many instances does exactly the opposite. Beta blockers just treat the symptoms, they do not cure the core reasons for heart problems.
I also have nothing good to say about Cipro, which is a fluoroquinolone antiobiotic that also also contains fluorine as well. Everyone knows my low opinion of anti-biotics, but taking an anti-biotic that contains fluorine as well will have even worse effects upon the body -- and to me this is completely crazy. I must also add that Cipro and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics have also been linked to severe liver and renal toxicity -- see this link. At a guess, I would say that that this liver and renal toxicity may well be at least be partially linked to the high fluorine content of this drug.
To get rid of the fluorine and to help with the cold extremities in your body I would take a liquid kelp extract on a daily basis. The thyroid controls the temperature and metabolic rate of the body, so if you improve the thyroid then you improve its ability to properly control body temperature at the extremities. Removing the fluorine will take a while because fluorine is normally absorbed and stored in the bones and teeth as well as in the glandular regions of the body.
Because of all the above reasons, I cannot exactly say with any certainty what has caused your neuropathy because, as well as Hep C itself being a cause, because there are too many other possible drug related side-effects that could also have caused it.
And the next time your doctor gives you any pills to take -- go straight to drugs.com and look up their side-effects and THEN decide whether you want to take the pills or not.
Hepatitis C and Neuropathy Link
Posted by Diane (Sherborn, MA) on 05/06/2014
Hi Bill, Thank you again for your wonderful feedback. I indeed do now check before I take any drugs...
How much liquid kelp extract should I use or could I use Lugols iodine as a substitute? Or will the extra minerals in kelp help more than Lugols?
Three times I was prescribed drugs that would have put me in anaphylectic shock. I didn't recognize the name because the dr's used generic names which fooled me. My pharmacist caught it twice and I caught it once...AND the dr's have my records for things I am allergic to.
I'm wondering if Borax might help me as well? My shooting pains are throughout my entire body, even my eyes get needle stabs in the middle of the night. It started with cold extremities and now I have electric shocks, stabbing needle pains and terrible cramps in my legs and everywhere else...Right now I cannot move my toes as they cramp terribly and are turning black. 24/7 pain...I DO indeed thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would not know where else to turn to as my dr's said there's nothing else they can do.Much, much blessings.
Hepatitis C and Neuropathy Link
Posted by Bee (New York, US) on 05/06/2014
Hi, Wow I am so sorry you have these side effects and all................... How did you get off the drugs if you did?
I too never read what I was taking nor questioned the doctor.... but now I read everything and question all and research... but if I do ask a doctor they just seem to say what they know and think is best but it appears it's trial and error and practicing medicine..and they rarely listen to their patients..
Hepatitis C and Neuropathy Link
Posted by Diane (Sherborn, MA) on 07/19/2014
HI Bill, Thanks for the feedback with regard to borax and neuropathy...I would also like to know how one takes borax? I've read to take 1/8th teaspoon or 1/4 teaspoon. I've also read that you should take a break from it after 5 days and also after 3 days. I also read that you can take it for 3 weeks and then stop a week. Would like you opinion on this...Thank you much
Hepatitis C and Neuropathy Link
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 07/21/2014
Hi Diane...Normally, for women, you would take 1/8 tspn of borax in a liter of water and drink this liter of borax water throughout the day. You should take this remedy for 5 days and then have a rest from the protocol for at least 2 days in a cycle like that. For men, the dose should be 1/4 tspn borax in a liter of water.
If you wish to take a week's break from the borax protocol then that's also OK but when I used borax water for my own candida problems I took it on a 5 days on, 2 days off basis for 9 months without a break or a problem.
Benfotiamine
Posted by Leslie (New Jersey) on 01/25/2014
★★★★★
The peer reviewed studies found on pubmed.org clearly indicate benfotiamine's superiority over regular thiamine (B-1) for treatment of neuropathy. They also indicate a dose of 300 mg twice per day (total of 600mg) was more effective than half of that dose.
B Complex and B12
Posted by Karla (West Plains, Missouri) on 10/13/2023
Unfortunately Garden of Life was sold to Nestlé who I would not trust to follow the high standards of Garden of Life.
R-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Greg (Alameda) on 07/29/2016
R-alpha lipoic acid is the best form to use. Alpha lipoic acid has both S & R. R is produced naturally in the body and S is not.
Burdock Root
Posted by Ky Mama (Clinton, Ky) on 08/30/2013
Denise,
So sorry about the cramping you are having! Because Burdock is a natural diuretic, I would not expect it to have a bad effect. I am thinking it is making your system work better, thus the diuretic effect. I was breastfeeding when I took burdock and definitely had a high need for liquid. I didn't notice a diuretic effect. (But I do drink a ton of water and might not have noticed! ) However, at least one herbalist recommends starting slow with a blood cleansing herb like this so as not to overwhelm the system. I didn't know this when I tried it and started with 3 t. Per day. I had no problems. But you might want to start with 1/3 t. three times a day and build up to 1 t. three times a day over the course of a week or two.
Burdock Root might help your cramping. It has potassium and magnesium in it, which are good for cramping.
Are you doing anything else for the cramps? Have you tried Blackstrap Molasses? It works wonders for my family. We take 1 T. When we have a cramp. 1 T. twice a day will prevent them for a lot of people.
KY Mama
Burdock Root
Posted by Denise (Seattle) on 08/31/2013
Ky Mama to many, Thanks you for the feedback... I don't think it's a good idea for me to take BSM as it is high in iron. I have hepatitis c as well as neuropathy... I've read iron will help the viris replicate... Maybe I should try it for just one day and see... Hmmm?... I believe the hep-c caused the neuropathy... I had stage 4 chirossis in july 2011 and at the exact same time my neuropathy surfaced... I believe the two are connected... I got rid of chirrosis in 5 months but my neuropathy is still here... I tried a product recently called Padma 28 and got severe headache ans swollen glands in my neck, which I still have.. I certainly will try burdock root and start low and increase... Interestingly enough I took Essiac tea for about a year and it didn't help my cramps. It has 4 herbs and one of them is Burdock... My guess is the burdock is a low dose in the tea.. Again thank you for the feedback and bless you muchly.....
Severe Neuropathy Remedies
Posted by Katie (Avon, Ct) on 03/12/2013
I'm hoping someone can please help me..
14 years ago I became very sick (25 yrs old). After 2 years of struggling with severe debilitation I was diagnosed with lyme disease (and co infections). I spent years off and on antibiotic treatment with limited improvements. One of the most annoying symptoms was skin burning at night. From my knees up to my chest it felt like I was on fire. Then about 4.5 years ago I developed symmetrical burning in my feet. Pain like I simply can't described (as I'm sure most of you know). I kept having to increase Gabapentin and have spent the past 3 years at 3100 mg's. Over the past year or so I've had breakthrough pain and it's showing me that the disease has progressed far past my feet. I have it up to my knees with knife like pains in my calves, numbing all over my feet and now pricking in my fingers. I've had 4 ports an taken months of IV antobiotics to attack the lyme since lyme can cause neuropathy. It clearly isn't working (if it did, it didnt last). I am now on IVIG and am still not improving. The neuro said I should see improvement after 2 months- it's been 5 and im only getting worse. It now wakes me up at night and most nights, prevents me from falling asleep. I've never had it this bad before (where it's interrupted my sleep). I don't know if the Gabapentin isnt working and/or if it's just progressing? I have stopped and started supplements 100X but have never stayed with anything long term bc I've always been on one treatment or another AND bc the doc's assume it's from lyme (but there's no way to truly know) and blow off the power of supplements. I'm a mom of two very little girls and am terrified. Truly terrified.. I don't know where this is going or what will become of my life. ANY suggestions would be beyond appreciated-
With gratitude-
Katie
Severe Neuropathy Remedies
Posted by Steve (Las Vegas, Nv Nevada) on 03/12/2013
Magnesium oil should bring some relief to the areas of pain. Also my brother has had some success using a laser therapy pen to relieve his neuropathy pain. Steve
Severe Neuropathy Remedies
Posted by ANNA (Pennsylvania) on 10/16/2024
i hope anyone here knows if CORYDALIS really works for neuropathy as they say....
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky) on 03/01/2013 2048 posts
Karen: R-alpha is the more bioavailable, hence more potent, form of Lipoic Acid. If you're not getting results from 600mg regular A.L.A. I would recommend other treatment options.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 03/01/2013
Hi Karen; The neuropathy is probably a painful result of vitamin B12 deficiency. Treatment involves high doses, even injections, and can take a long time to heal (up to a year). Treatment of B12 deficiency is life-long.
Neuropathy is one of the many symptoms of B12 deficiency, and skin pigmentation changes is another; hyperpigmentation, and/or hypopigmentation, for instance. (I bring this up because I remember a post about discoloration of the feet.)
Good Wishes
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/03/2013 2048 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 Michelle (Slc, Utah) on 02/16/2017
High serum B12 can be caused by a functional B12 deficiency. In that condition, there is enough B12 in the body, but the cells are not able to use it properly, so they export it back to the blood, and it builds up.
Electrolytes
Posted by Oldriska (Prague, Czech Republic) on 02/01/2013
Hi Diane, I'd be a bit suspicious about treating neuropathy with water with salt and sugar. I have neuralgia in my face and have tried many treatments and read a lot on the subject of neuralgias/neuropathies. Sugar is not recommended for nerve pain and salt can increase blood pressure which conseqently can increase pressure on the nerves. I think if it was this easy to treat the condition there wouldn't be all the people suffering with chronic nerve pain. Still, if you give it a go and have good results with it I'd be only happy to hear your feedback and change my opinion! Take care, Oldriska
Iodine
Posted by Kilgore (Jackson, Ms) on 12/10/2012
Yes work up to 20 drops. In my experience, the protocol can be done indefinitely, but if you experience detox symptoms, you can take breaks from the iodine and use the salt loading protocol to clear out toxins.
General Feedback
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 11/21/2012 2048 posts
Karen: if you successfully reversed Cirrhosis, please post your methods as this could help others. I am fallowing some of the studies Professor Derik Mann is doing w/ noticeable results, unfortunately it's all undocumented and undiagnosed; but seems obvious to me and further verified by your symptoms of Neuropathy as I have many of the same but with less severity.
It seems appropriate to do some heavy metal detoxing as well as possible zenobiotics. Ionic Foot Spa, Detox Foot Pads, Steam or Sauna, increase antioxidants and Glutathione. Wear Magnetic foot soles. The very first few minutes of wearing magnetic foot soles elicited the shocking or voltage-like sensation from my feet to my liver. Clay and Mineral foot or whole-body baths will also help.
General Feedback
Posted by Karen (Tampa, Fl) on 11/21/2012
Timh, What name brand of magnetic foot soles? There are many types on the web... I take saunas and many antioxidents... I can't sit too long as cramping in my calves and leg biceps is a HUGE problem... Can't think straight at times...
ultra violet blood irradation with 2 1/2 cc's of H2O2 at the end took me out of cirrohosis in 6 months... I had 10 treatments and was cleared of cirrosis after 5... It cost me $1700. 00.. Each treatment takes about an hour... They remove your blood and put it thru a untra violet light machine and then re-infuse it again inot you thru the machine... So the blood gets exposed to the ultra violet light twice... At the end they put in the H2O2... Also, while I was doing this, they had a Far Infra Red pad placed over my liver the whole time...
General Feedback
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 11/22/2012 2048 posts
Karen: I have used two different m soles but wore them out and couldn't tell you the brand, sorry. Try to find a magnetic kit w/ various sizes, soles, and such as you would likely profit from wearing a belt over the liver, as I have. If you happen to have any extra refrigerator magnets laying around the house you could cut and fit for the soles. The side that sticks to metal is the side you want to contact the body with.
Also, I will second Mmsg's Epsom Salt bath recommendation as I have good results with. MSM is also good for detox and oxygen boosting; I get good energy boost with MSM. ALA is good for detox, Liver health, and neuropathy.
Avoid Splenda
Posted by Art (Vancouver Bc., Canada) on 11/14/2012
★★★★★
Splenda as I just discovered can cause neuropathy and blood sugar spikes. This is probably the reason why I have come down with neuropathy over the past ten years. It snuck up on me and as I think back this is when I started using splenda because my doctor told me I was excreting sugar in my urine. He told me I was borderline diabetic. I felt the need to post here about this poison splenda and if you just google the name you will find out. I never thought to check it out and only found out about it from watching DR. OZ.
Take care, art
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 11/11/2012
Tom from Eu, those are very interesting links, especially the first one. As far as the second one it seems that the site is not being maintained any more and I could not post to it. My neuropathy started with numbness and loss of motor nerves, then tingling and loss of sensory nerves followed by the onset of pain which peaked about a year or so after starting the chemo. What is strange is that my fingers healed as my feet and legs got worse. By the time I started on ALA the pain and numbness had receded to just my feet but I still had motor and sensory nerve issues in my legs. I was experiencing reduced pain with grape seed extract, I believe because of its antioxidant activity, and so am still taking that. Now that the nerves are functioning better I am to the point, with my feet, where I saw my fingers at in relation to pain a few months before they became just highly sensitive. My fingers are still quite sensitive but not to the point of being painful. I expect that within a month or two my toes and the soles of my feet will be at that stage. I believe that the nerves have actually regenerated and that the sensitivity I am experiencing is from the unconditioned state of the regenerated sensory nerves similar to that experienced after a cut or burn heals.
I went back to work driving a truck hauling containers to and from the rail. It involves a lot of climbing in and out of the truck and a lot of walking as well as about 3000 km of driving per week with 12 - 14 hour days and the only thing that really bothered me was wearing steel toed shoes at one rail yard.
I have also been switched from Lyrica to Cymbalta due to the vision blurring aspect of Lyrica. I am still seeing no improvement in the tinnitus. I have increased the dosage of ALA to 500mg twice a day in an attempt to speed the healing/chelating process. I have no idea if it is helping as I have nothing to compare it to. I do notice a substantial difference in pain now when I take the ALCAR unlike when I first started using it.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 11/20/2012
★★★★☆
Just an update for everyone. I had to switch back to Lyrica from Cymbalta due to a negative reaction. After reading the the information from the top link from Tim in Eu I considered the information about ALA being used to remove free radicals from ALCAR therapy and came to the conclusion that they might be better taken together to get the best effect and so have tried it. I have had no issues from doing so and have gone back to my original dosage to find that I have less pain now at the lower dosage. Almost all the numbness is gone now and I only have pain in my toes. It is aggravated by the job I am doing but is still improving and it is at a level that I can tolerate so I will keep at it for now. It almost seems like too much ALA & ALCAR can cause a higher level of the frozen/burning/pins and needles type of pain in the same way that pressure/activity can aggravate the sensory nerves with this condition. I have found a 5 mg sublingual B12 in the AOR brand and just started using two per day with promising results.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 03/02/2013
It is now six months since I started on ALA and four months since I went back to work. After about three months I hit a plateau where it seemed the improvement slowed down with all the supplements noted in my previous posts. I tryed the vitamin B12 at doses up to 40, 000 mcgs per day with some success and again hit a plateau. I stumbled across L-arginine, it is supposed to increase circulation, and added it to my regimen. I thought it would help by allowing more nutrients to get to my nerves but found that it actually improved things by making my feet feel warmer. I did some more research and found out that phosphorous is good for nerve health and went looking for phosphorous. I found it in a bone supplement with huge amounts of calcium included in it but tried it anyway. It is helping. I began to feel that something else was missing so I added in potassium and magnesium (at the same time) and am seeing beneficial results. The 'electric shock jolts' are now gone but I still have a small patch of numbness in the soles of my feet and a varying level of a burning sensation pain in my feet. I am not entirely healed yet but I am still improving and am working as much as 76 hours per week without issues. I have discontinued Lyrica as it no longer helps the tinnitus. I have also noticed that the timing of my medication/supplements is not critical any more. I take everything in the morning after breakfast and selected ones after supper which is usually about 15 hours later. I also find that if I move my toes around when they get painful that the pain is reduced fairly quickly now. My doctor informed me a couple of weeks ago that ALA is going to be available by prescription in Canada very soon for neuropathy.
My experience is telling me that we all need to try everything available and must utilize all of the vitamin and mineral supplements that can support nerves to promote healing in the quickest manner possible. I can now see that I will completely recover from my chemotherapy induced neuropathy in spite of being told by my neurologist that "where it is a year after chemo is as good as it will get". I am now 37 months from having started chemo and am still improving.
As I am now working full time and long hours, if anyone has specific questions for me, you may contact me directly at gustafsonal (at) hotmail {dot] com. Thank you. Al
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Happy (Up The Creek In, Wv, Usa) on 03/03/2013
in response to: Al from Alvena, Sk., Canada: "It is now six months since I started on ALA ......."
Your symptoms sound like a classic case vitamin B6 over-dose. Read all the labels on all your multiple vitamin bottles, and eliminate all the b6 you find. The 'electric shock jolts' are a big clue.... So is the numbness. STOP THE B6 INTAKE. Root it out.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 03/12/2013
IMPORTANT UPDATE. I missed a dose of ALA and my feet improved a bit during the associated time so I haven't taken any for three days now. It seems that the ALA resulted in a major improvement by removing the heavy metals from my system but then stopped improving things. I saw further improvement every time I added a nerve nutrient to my regimen and then would hit another plateau. I think that the ALA was consuming the B vitamins and minerals faster than my body could absorb them and now that I haven't been taking the ALA any more I am seeing more improvement. It is noticeable in only three days. Perhaps we need to realize that there comes a point that we need to discontinue supplements when they are no longer needed/have done the job they were taken for.
To Happy from WV, USA, I no longer have the sharp shooting pain and just recently added a small dose of vitamin B6 that gave a small improvement. I am sure that the B6 is not a problem. The numbness at one point was up to my mid thigh in both legs and was also in my hands and face. My hands and face are better and I recognize the same sequence of improvement in my feet and legs. I only have a very small patch of numbness on the soles of my feet that is now affecting only my big toes and part of the mid sole area. the cold sensitivity is also improving in that cold doesn't cause as much pain increase now as it did in the past.
To Lily from Kelowna, BC. I don't think gluten is an issue. We don't use flour from modern wheat as my wife has/had celiac disease. I found out about some old varieties of wheat, Red Fife and Marquis, that have a different gluten structure than the dwarf wheat that is commonly grown now and that can be consumed by people with celiac disease. In fact my wife got rid of all symptoms of celiac disease in only six months by switching from gluten free to Red Fife wheat. We now use Red Fife and Marquis flour for all of our cooking and have it locally available at a local organic grower who has a Kelowna company mill it for him.
Thanks to everyone who has replied and given me ideas of things to try. I am still open to trying more supplements in the interest of completely curing this problem. I am sure that the time frame involved is making it more difficult for me than it could have been but I am claiming my life back after what I can only describe as a brutal and demoralizing three year disability thanks to supplements, vitamins and minerals that doctors and specialists that treated me knew nothing about. Don't ever give up. Stay positive to win the battle against poor health. Thanks also to the Earth Clinic site. Awesome. Al
Micro Current Therapy
Posted by Xxx (Yyy, Zzz) on 10/23/2012
★☆☆☆☆
Here's a heads up for you the reader...
I heard about "Frequency Specific Micro Current "therapy from my chiropractor... I looked into it and called about 10 therapists around the country... 8 told me that they could cure peripheral neuropathy in ONE treatment... I had 14 treatments lasting 2 hours (28 hours).. IT CHANGED NOTHING!
I also had 14 treatments 2 hours each (28 hours) for hepatitis-c and had my enzymes checked at the end and they went UP! By just a few point however... Maybe it will work for you...however!
B12
Posted by Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 10/09/2012
★★★★★
Hi Al; I found that the only substance that helps my neuropathy is B12... Alot of it, every day. ( I'm now taking 10 mgs. of sublingual methylcobalamin daily.)
Also, I'm very sensitive to acidic supplements, including ALA and ALCAR, Unfortunately.
When nerves are healing, there can be increased pain for a time, so it can be difficult to determine whether healing or regression is occurring.
Since tinnitus and pain/coldness is returning, my guess is that this is a regression.
I believe that my case could be caused by some genetic defect, some problem with B12 transport throughout my body. I'm having to rely on passive diffusion to distribute it. I've found this condtion to be rather common, not so rare.
Some months ago, I posted about zinc also being helpful for neuropathy. I have also found that when I've tried higher amounts of it, it actually can interfere with B12. ( zinc can displace cobalt, and vice versa). Too much zinc can displace copper and cause neuropathy, copper deficiency type.)
I understand how painful and frustrating this can be, I hope you can find what works best for you.
Grape Seed Extract
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 09/12/2012
★★★★☆
The first natural product/supplement that I tried for peripheral neuropathy (caused by oxaliplatin in chemotherapy) was grapeseed oil and then grapeseed extract in a caplet form with excellent results that allowed me to reduce the amount of hydro morph contin that I was taking by about 40%.
I have told others about it and most that tried the liquid form had stomach upset from it.
I use 50-100 mg three times per day.
Grape Seed Extract
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 09/16/2012
Amanda from Europe, I took one teaspoon of grapeseed oil three times per day to start and then switched to grapeseed extract caplets, 50 mg 3 times/day and increased to 100mg 3 times/day because of the results. I have since gone back to 50 mg 3 times/day since I started on ALA. We are now cooking exclusively with grapeseed oil. It has zero cholesterol. Al
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 09/03/2012
Hi Al... I think it would benefit your condition if you also took the whole spectrum of B vitamins (either as B50 or B100 complex or as De-bittered Brewer's Yeast forms) which contain Choline, B3, B6, Folate and many other nutrients which would benefit the CNS system. Higher dose B12 is also beneficial to many body processes including the nervous system. For more on the benefits of B12 read David Brownstein's book --
Vitamin B12 for Health. Adding the Gotu Kola herb and higher dose Vitamin C to your regimen would also help to accelerate nerve repair. Adding higher dose niacin(not niacinamide) would also greatly benefit you blood transport system and make it more efficient. Niacin actually changes and thins out the blood safely and the flushing effect of niacin is evdence that the capillaries and peripheral blood vessels are opening up for better delivery of the nutrients you are taking to the body peripherals -- ie to the hands and feet regions. Take 500 mgs niacin twice a day after meals dissolved in half a glass of water for best absorption into the body.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 09/04/2012 2048 posts
Al, Zinc is very important for healing to occur throughout the body and also boost immunity. Another very important nutrient is the Omega 3 Fatty Acids like Fish and Krill Oil. Flax Seed Oil is converted into the EFA's that the body needs in order to reduce inflammation and promote healing. A native crop in Canada, you should find Flax Oil readily and at a good price in your grocer.
Hope this helps.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 09/14/2012
I got my dad, 75 years old, started on ALA on Sunday, 9 September 2012 and he is already seeing enough improvement that he went to town yesterday and bought enough for four months. He has had increasing levels of pain in his feet for years (cause not known) and has been using full leg air pressure massage for four hours a day for years to remain walking. He is talking about being able to discontinue that therapy and it has only been five days to get to that point. Al
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 09/15/2012 2048 posts
Al, good to hear of you and your dad's success with ALA; and it's good for immune system, blood sugar, and liver health. Please specify how many mg dose? how many times daily? as it can help set a standard for other interested users.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 09/16/2012
Hi Al... I am 196 pounds and also 6 feet in height. My blood pressure is currently 110 (systolic) and 70 (diastolic). Since I started taking higher orthomolecular dosages of niacin, my blood pressure hasn't changed at all (I measure it myself every week). This is in line with what Abram Hoffer has said in his articles -- he maintains that particularly niacin (not niacinamide) balances high cholesterol and high blood pressure safely and I guess my experience with niacin is a confirmation of that. For blood pressure/cholesterol problems niacin is the one to supplement.
I take orthomolecular doses of niacin because it is anti-aging and helps so many other processes in the body (together with the rest of the B vits). Abram Hoffer was also sure that you would live longer if you took proper orthomolecular dosages of niacin every day. For most of his life, Hoffer also admits that he took between 0. 5 and 6 grams of niacin/niacinamide himself daily and he lived to the ripe age of 92. He has also documented that taking 0. 5 to 3 grams of niacin/niacinamide is the proper orthomolecular dose for a healthy person, depending on how good your diet is.
The current RDA recommendations for vitamin B3 is about 16 mgs a day.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 10/22/2012
Well, it is now fifty days that I have been on ALA & ALCAR plus benfotiamine, zinc and B vitamins. The only thing not improving is the tinnitus but the peripheral neuropahy is reduced by over 90% from where it was. I am starting to claim back a normal life and am working on getting back into good physical condition by catching up on projects that were left to die because of the pain and lack of mobility. It actually feels good to get sore muscles and become exhausted once in a while.
I will add another positive note here. I have been going gray since I was 29 and now at 53 the gray hair is disappearing (80% of gray gone from what was about 70% gray) due to the natural color returning. It is actually coming darker in my beard than it ever was before and about the same shade of brown in the rest of my hair as it was before. Is this combination of supplements the fabled "fountain of youth"? Is anyone else noticing a change in hair color?
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 10/23/2012
Corinne, I now believe that the chill I feel when I quit taking Lyrica is a result of nerves that are still healing. I think that it was platinum from the cisplatin in chemotherapy that was causing the intense pain in my feet and that is being reduced by the chelation effect of the ALA. I think that in time I will be able to get rid of the chilled feeling/lower level of pain by continuing with the same supplement and good diet regimen that I am now using.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Art (Vancouver Bc, Canada) on 02/08/2013
★★★★★
Update on taking ALA for Neuropathy.
I am taking one 100mg. At breakfast and one at supper, and one or two B12 2500mcg before bedtime. The burning in my knees has almost gone and things are settled to near normal. I am not cured but as long as I don't forget to take my ALA twice a day I am fine. If I do forget I am in for a night of torment with burning skin on my upper knees. I have been getting chills these last couple of months after taking Chanca Piedra for stomach issues, but will forge on since summer is near.
Art
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 02/02/2014
Good news, I am now off of all pain killers that I was using for neuropathy. I am still taking some vitamins and minerals to support the nerves but only as part of a healthy diet and not to fix a problem. I still have a bit of tingling in my feet and lower legs but I attribute that to sensitivity of newly healed nerves. I am able to walk normally and the strength is returning in my toes now which indicates that the motor nerves are all working and have been for a while. The cold sensitivity has subsided and I am looking forward to a relatively normal life. I have found that birch and/or wintergreen oils also help to reduce tingling due to neuropathy, apparently by reducing inflammation. I use a few drops topically on my arms daily. It has taken a long time to heal due to the severity of my neuropathy and the time between chemotherapy and starting ALA but it has healed the nerves. Considering I was told by a neurologist that it wouldn't improve any more after a year from the end of chemotherapy I am quite pleased.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Al (Alvena, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 03/04/2015
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Another update. I recently had surgery to remove the right lobe of my liver. This was due to matastatic colon cancer and as a result my blood pressure has gone up resulting in other problems including reduced energy and increased neuropathic pain. I noticed that when I had something sweet to eat like jam, cake, candy, etcetera that the neuropathic pain was reduced substantially so I started experimenting. When doing anything slightly strenuous my blood pressure and sugar would drop and my pulse would go way up so the first thing I tried was leaving out the diamacron and metformin. This allowed the sugar to increase and gave me back my energy without my blood pressure and pulse being significantly affected, but the sugar went too high so I added the metformin back in.
Big surprise!!!! The neuropathic pain went way down, more than eating something sweet made it go down. As a result I typed "diamacron" into google and clicked on "diamacron side effects" and found out that it causes neuropathic pain, conflicts with metformin, is not supposed to be used if you have liver problems, are having or recently had surgery. None of this was covered in the pharmacy information sheet I was provided. The warning is not about alpha lipoic acid, but rather it is about the diamacron prescription medication and what it does. Eliminating it has made a huge difference. I have not as yet tried the nicotine but will be soon. Al
Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Joseph (Stockton, CA) on 08/11/2021 73 posts
Hi Laura, just read your posting of several years ago. 1st. Gabapentine did they sell it back then? To me I would never take due to how dangerous the side effects are. Did you suffer Side Effects at all? How long did you take? Did it really help your pain? Is there an R-Lipoic Acid? Thank you, I too love this site, however, I have lots of priorities so I can't view for hours, but would love to because I pass on info to others that need it.
If I can be of assistance with anything pls contact me. Joseph
Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Diane (Framingham, Ma) on 06/14/2013
For Laura from Erie, CO: I read your post for Peripheral Neuropathy on 7/29/2012 and would like to know how you're doing as I am starting out with your protocol. Want to know if you added anything. Thanks Much and blessings
Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Denise (Portland, Maine) on 06/15/2013
I would like to know how your husband is doing with his neuropathy? You mentioned a new treatment with a naturopath. Is it working out? Very interested as I am also in a great deal of pain with neuropathy. I've been to 2 neurologists and all they can/will do is give me drugs. I tries neurontin but it didn't do anything for my pain and made me very confused and unable to carry on a conversation. Thank you.
Acetyl-L Carnitine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Posted by Rich (San Jose) on 08/02/2017
Each person has a different reaction when taking meds or supplements.
at best trial and error.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Sandy (Detroit, Mi) on 04/30/2012
David,
Have you looked into taking b-12 also? Many are b-12 deficient and the symptoms are linked to this. B-12 is best taken in methyl form (sublingual for over the counter) and/or shot or nasal prescription. Many reasons why this deficiency is very common.
B12, Zinc
Posted by Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 04/14/2012
★★★★★
Hi Mark; This doesn't look easy, but I'll put forth some guesses. Zinc may be needed. It is often times low in people who have become ill with cancer and a large variety of infections. Zinc is active throughout the body, including the nerves. The symptoms of zinc deficiency usually include problems with taste and smell, gastrological disturbance, gonadal disturbance, and growth problems, but there can be many more symptoms. Some types that are easier to find are; zinc gluconate and opti-zinc; I have found these to be effective. Also, a food derived zinc may be gentler on the stomach if sub-divided. There's a zinc-l-carnosine type that may also be easier on the stomach. If taken for long term, a small amount of copper may be needed. ( There are cases of neuropathy that were caused by zinc toxicity that then caused a copper deficiency. These cases were the result of extreme amounts of zinc used, however... in the form of denture adhesives.)
Also, some supplements can worsen neuropathy if taken in too high doses for an individual. B1, B6, ALA, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, etc, may cause irritation.
I found B12 to be most effective for my neuropathy, but it took many months to heal... About a year. But I've also found Zinc to be enormously beneficial for nerve healing. It may take a month or so to see results.
Bulbine
Posted by Jill (Clayton, Ca) on 03/11/2012
★★★★★
I have been suffering from peripherral neuropathy for over 2. 5 years now. Being tired of not finding relief at night, I came up with a solution that works for me. In my garden, I grow Bulbine (very prolific and similar to aloe vera). Since my feet were burning, I thought it might help putting it on my feet. The burning stopped until the gel dried. So, I place several stems of the bulbine between sulifane wrap and roll a rolling pin over until all the gel is squeezed out. Then I wrap my feet before going to bed. In the middle of the night, I have to take the wrap off, but the burning and tingling is minimized greatly for the entire night.
Gluten-Free Diet
Posted by Deb (Wloo, Ia) on 10/27/2011
★★★★★
My ex had severe neuropathy and many more problems. He decided to go on his diet as he found out that he was a celiac at age 55 but didn't bother to follow the diet. :) He finally tried his gluten free diet at 61 and after just two days he felt much better. Now three years later he is 99% better. Doesn't have acid reflux, brain fog, out of breath, tired, pain in feet and legs.
MSM, Lecithin
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 10/26/2011
★★★★★
My partner too suffered with neuropathy, that was till we discovered MSM and Lecithin from his first dose he got almost instant relief. And after only a month or so has never had it back. Hope this helps.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn Usa) on 08/19/2011
★★★★★
My neuropathy is due to diabities and I take Alpha Liopoic Acid intravenously and by pill. A lady who has hep c was the person who got me on this regime. It helps.
B12
Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 08/24/2011
MSM:-(Methylsulphonylmethane. ) It's available in tablet or crystal form, the crystals are said to be quicker absorbed. Health food shops sell it or available online. It, s sold usually to supportjoint comfort and mobility. We googled what are the health benefits of MSM for diabetes, and came up with a great page explaining all about it. Usage , dosage, etc....
B12
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 08/24/2011
★★★★★
Hi John P. ; I do hope you're having some improvement by now with the B12. Have your symptoms changed at all? Oftentimes as nerves heal, numbness, tingling, and pain can alternately diminish and return temporarily. Temperature sensitivity can also shift. Although I've tried numerous subtances for neuropathy, the B12 has worked best far and away. But this only means that it worked for my case. (though there are many case studies to support B12's efficacy with neuropathy). Still, the folks here are offering good suggestions as these supplements also have an excellent track record for treating nerve injury. I also welcome suggestions because someone may just pop us the right answer!
I see you are trying transdermal applications. It still surprises me how powerful they are. In fact, I cringe when I recall that I've coated my hands with paints that were loaded with heavy metals. Then I would use nasty solvents to remove them. Now I use gloves. But I do use the solvent, DMSO with some transdermal applications. I've added 4 (20mg) B12 lozenges, crushed with a mortar and pestle, to a 1 oz. Dark glass dropper bottle, mostly filled with DMSO. I shake it vigorously for a few minutes until dissolved. This is an approximate recipe developed by Dr. Gregg. I've used this off and on for several years with good effects. I buy the DMSO and supplies from a chemical shop. The mixture is a bit sticky, and the flavorings make for an unusual scent, but it did help me. I would often use it on my left hand which had become frighteningly stiff and numb. I'm now trying it on the small numb spot on my heel to see if it speeds recovery. Castor oil is also a great medium to use either alone or with added essential oils, some good warming ones could be : Oil of Oregano, Cinnamon Oil, Black Pepper Oil, and Ginger Oil. Cayenne is very warm, but I have only seen it as a powder or extract. There are some ready-made salves, but some are with cooling mints. I do have one that is warm, it is called Badger sore muscle rub. It is mild. Good Wishes.
B12
Posted by Kelly (Cambridge, Ma) on 08/26/2011
John - Have you tried Alpha Lipoic Acid capsules? It's worked wonders for me and scores of others.
B12
Posted by John (Plymouth, Ma) on 08/28/2011
Kelley, Yes I have tried Alpha Lipoic Acid, but for another issue... It did not agree with me... It made my heart race terribly... Don't know why... That was about 10 years ago.. I have recently found out that by eating raw potatoes you can get your Alpha Lipoic Acid... I don't know what the strength would be though... It is something I will certainly consider...
Thank you very much for your concern and time posting you recommendation... It is greatly appreciated...
This too will pass.......
Bless you
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Ale (Cardiff, Uk) on 10/27/2011
Hello Monique,
A friend of mine had a crippling neuropathy in both feet and couldn't even walk. She went to get osteopathic adjustments just once or twice and now the pain is almost completely gone. You might want to find a good osteopath in your area and give it a try. Good luck!
Vitamin B-1 (Benfotiamine)
Posted by Cindy (Buckhannon, West Virginia) on 05/18/2010
I just wanted to comment on the B12. This is my first time on this site. My friend told me about it. I thought I would check it out. I have neuropathy. No doctor will diagnose why though. I do however have a TPO count of over 1000. TPO is the level of thyroid antibodies (which will eventually lead to Hashimotto's disease). Anyway, since my TSH level isn't high yet (which would mean hypothyroidism), they won't diagnose me with it. So, I did some research on my own. I am 29 now but the neuropathy started when I was 20. I didn't go to the doctor about it until I was 27. They put me on B12 shots. I did that weekly x 4 wks. My count went down! Eventually the number came up. Anyway, when my endocrinologist mentioned Hashimotto's, I did some research and found that Hashimotto's causes everything that wrong w/ me--neuropathy, B12 deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency. For some reason, Hashimotto's affects the lining of your stomach and you're just not able to absorb the B12. So, in my case, I can't take supplements--they won't work. I have to just keep taking the B12 shot until some brilliant doctor finds a cure for Hashimotto's disease (which I don't have, even though they didn't check my T4 count to make sure it was jiving w/ my TSH). I have found doing my own research is much cheaper & more beneficial.
Vitamin B-1 (Benfotiamine)
Posted by T. (Maryland, Usa) on 08/18/2010
It strongly sounds to me like you have Hashimoto's. Please check out Dr. Datis Kharrazian's thyroid book; it's excellent. Right up front I'll tell you that you'd need to go completely gluten-free. There are tons of resources online to aid you in doing that (seems tough at first but it's certainly manageable - I did it in April because of Hashi's and it has definitely helped me). Check out celiac sites for lots of help and advice on going gluten-free, and do read the book if you can as it's really loaded with detailed information and practical advice. Best of luck, and update us again soon!
Vitamin B-1 (Benfotiamine)
Posted by Jc (New City, New York) on 07/07/2011
You might want to try food grade Hydrogen Peroxide 7%. works excellent with epsom salt. you need 2 cups of 7% peroxide to 1 cup of epsom salt. soak in a hot tub of water 113degree. you can soak for a min. of 25 min will work longer 1 hour if have time. when filling tub they sell flat thermometers in hardware store best also to buy a small round fan and I hung it on th bathroom entrance door blowing towards the tub. it maks it extremely comfortable to relax longer. you best get a ground falt electrical breaker home depot. it adapts between outlet and fan cord for safety, the unit is yellow my lasy go to model buy a swim cap made out of soft material this will prevent your hair from bleaching. good luck, it works excellent.
Vitamin B-1 (Benfotiamine)
Posted by Gatordennis (Bradenton, Fl) on 03/24/2012
I just finished reading the thread on "Remedies for Severe Neuropathy" where I noted the many cure/relief suggestions. My pain started in 1 foot 13 years ago before taking statins, moved to both feet, to both lower legs, to both hands, both forearms, both ears, across my face through my cheeks over the last 13 years. It is like my feet are freezing to death while they are setting in a campfire.
I asked doctors if it could come from fire ant bites, walking barefoot on new Berber (contains (formaldehyde), insecticides/herbicides, & every thing else I could think about that may had changed just before the pain started (none of them were accepted as a reason). I often do not feel other pain from cuts, insect bites & etc.
I have been through 3 neurologists & 2 nerve tests - no help. The prescribed meds (each one taken 6 weeks) either kept me awake for days, slept for days while getting no relief from the agonizing pain. I do not use caffeine, have been on meat/cheese/leafy vegetable diet for 2 years (no gluten). I have tried MANY salves, even mixed in cayenne pepper (some for race horses & other old time remedies). I take 5000 mg of daily D3 for 2 years now (started with 50, 000 mg of D-2). I take multi-vitamin, fish oil, sublingualB-12, tried the Co-Q 10 for years, etc etc.
Nothing has worked or given relief. My 120 mg of daily Oxycodone (for neuropathy & 3 year back pain) only make life bearable. I relate with all of you for your suffering. I will give Alpha Lipoic Acid & Lecithin a try. I am at my wits ends & getting desperate for anything to cover over the PAIN.
Vitamin B-1 (Benfotiamine)
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/25/2012 2048 posts
Gatordennis, experiment w/ different medicinal oils like Flax, Borage, Black Currant, Evening Primrose because they influence the body in different ways. Also try an homeopathic nerve tonic. The natural alternative to gabapentin is the amino acid GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) is very benificial for nerves. Since many cases of PN are caused by some type of toxicity, I would definitely try some detox methods like Oil Pulling, Detox Foot Pads for starters.
Vitamin B-1 (Benfotiamine)
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 07/25/2012
Hi Hertsman... You could do no better than to research everything written on ALA by Dr Burt Berkson. He has been researching ALA since the late 1970s and is now a world authority on the use of Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Dr Berkson also makes mention of the type of ALA that he prefers to use -- and that is the RS form of ALA and not the R form. His reasons for this are simply that to manufacture the R-ALA form entails many more chemical processes and steps than it takes to make the RS-ALA form and therefore the R-ALA form will contain, for instance, more trace hexane as chemical residues which are not good for the liver. The manufactured R-ALA form is also much less stable than the RS-form. The R-ALA form is also about 10 times more expensive than the RS-form.
Dr Berkson also advises that the best and purest forms of RS-ALA are made in Europe and not in America or China -- so a good European brand of RS-ALA is what you should use.
Dr Berkson is well-known for using ALA as an anti-oxidant adjunct in his therapies to help cure cirrhosis, hepatitis and cancers. His record as an honest researcher and doctor speaks for itself.
Vitamin B-1 (Benfotiamine)
Posted by Rae H (Charleston, Wv) on 11/19/2015
I have suffered with neuropathy for about three years and it has become progressively worse within a short time. I do a lot of independent research mostly because it seems the professional community is not aggressive or energetic enough to pursue explanation or core reasons for having this incredible pain and debilitating medical condition. I do see a neurologist and he prescribes the usual lyrica, metanx (prescription type multi-vitamin), pain meds, encourages alpha-lipoic acid, panthenogenic acid (correct spelling?). Not much relief and has recently become much harder to manage the pain. He has prescribed lido-Caine patches and those are very helpful. Non-addictive and no side effects. Just a route to try. Folks that have this condition I find to be desperate for any kind of relief. I know I am.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Charlotte (TEXAS) on 07/22/2023
★★★☆☆
I've been taking 300 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid daily…. Still have numbness in feet and low legs. Any suggestions?
