Here are some natural compounds that may help:
Curcumin: This is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric. It has been extensively studied and has many benefits with very few side effects. Taking curcumin daily can help relieve symptoms of neuropathy and chronic inflammation. You can add half a teaspoon of curcumin to meals, salads, soups, or smoothies. To help your body absorb it better, mix it with black pepper (just a pinch!) or a healthy fat like olive oil, avocado, egg yolk, chia seeds, or flaxseed. Mixing it with black pepper can increase absorption 2,000-fold! You can also take curcumin supplements, usually 500 mg capsules, twice daily.
Magnesium: This mineral is incredibly important for nerve health. The best forms for relieving neuropathy symptoms are magnesium threonate, malate, gluconate, and citrate. There are different forms, each with their own benefits.
B vitamins: Remember the B vitamins (B12, B6, B9)? Taking them daily in supplement form can help regenerate nerves, especially if you have any of the risk factors for vitamin B deficiency mentioned earlier. Be careful, though: too much vitamin B6 can worsen neuropathy.
Omega-3: This healthy fat is found in cold-water fish and fish oil. If you take omega-3 supplements, make sure they contain EPA and DHA, which are essential fatty acids.
What to avoid
To truly feel better, you need to eliminate things that damage your nerves:
Alcohol: It is almost impossible to cure neuropathy if you constantly drink alcohol.
Sugar: Reducing your sugar intake can make a big difference. Many people notice an improvement in their neuropathy symptoms after limiting their intake.
Inflammatory foods: Avoid highly processed foods, unhealthy fats, fried foods, margarine, and vegetable oils. These foods cause inflammation in the body, which in turn irritates the nerves.
High-sodium foods: Packaged and spicy foods often contain high levels of sodium. This can cause fluid retention, swelling, and worsen neuropathy symptoms.
Allergens: In some people, certain foods can trigger an inflammatory response. Identifying which foods you are allergic to and avoiding them can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which in turn benefits the nervous system.
