Defined as the damage caused to the nerve fibers in the body, diabetic neuropathy is a condition that is side effect of diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body, if unchecked for a long period of time, can lead to diabetic neuropathy.
The condition is more prone to attack the legs and feet, with individuals experiencing a feeling of numbness, tingling or sharp pain in the toes and feet (the symptoms can be noted in the hands as well). The other symptoms include increased sensitivity to touch and even muscle weakness. The symptoms worsen over a period of time, making it hard for the individual to even walk or move at one point of time.
Treating Diabetic Neuropathy with Natural and Alternative Treatments
While diabetic neuropathy can be controlled with medications, there are several natural treatment options that have been gaining popularity over the years. These include:
- Dietary Changes
Making changes to the daily diet can help treat nerve issues. It is considered essential to eliminate all food allergens from the diet, including all dairy products, whole foods and even artificial sweeteners, etc. to control diabetic neuropathy.
- Vitamin B Supplements
B Vitamins help support nerve function, thus protecting them from conditions like diabetic neuropathy. Taking B Vitamin supplements on a regular basis can therefore, help strengthen the nerves and support their function better. This in turn will help reduce the numbness and pain experienced in the nerves to a great extent.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements
Studies have related the use of antioxidant properties present in alpha lipoic acid to curb the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Taking alpha lipoic acid supplements helps replenish the antioxidant levels in the body, thus providing enough protection against the free radical damage caused by diabetes (which eventually leads to diabetic neuropathy).
- Biotin Supplements
Taking biotin supplements in high doses may alleviate the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy within a short span of time. Increased biotin levels in the body help to regulate the nervous system function and protect the nerves from the debilitating effects of diabetic neuropathy.
- Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback is a procedure wherein an individual with diabetic neuropathy is taught to control his/her bodily functions via sensors attached to the head and the rest of the body. Studies have revealed that by doing so, an individual can easily train the body to control diabetic nerve pain to a great extent.
- Meditation Therapy
Meditation therapy is often prescribed for diabetic neuropathy. Meditation helps lower the blood pressure levels in the body, thus improving breathing and heart rate. This in turn allows the muscles and nerves in the body to relax. Individuals meditating regularly will be able to feel a feeling of calmness and warmth in their body, essential factors in bringing down the numbness and pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.
- Relaxation Therapy
Relaxation therapy also helps curb the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy to a great extent by calming down the body and mind. Some relaxation therapies that have been found to be effective in treating the condition include rhythmic breathing, deep breathing, visualized breathing, listening to music and mental imagery relaxation.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
TENS is a therapy that is used to prevent the pain signals from reaching the brain, thus giving a reduced sensation of the pain and numbness caused by diabetic neuropathy. This is done by sending tiny electrical impulses to the nerve pathways in the body via small electrodes placed on the skin.
Acupuncture is also considered as an effective natural treatment option for diabetic neuropathy. While immediate relief may not be experienced, individuals opting for acupuncture can expect to experience reduced pain and numbness in a few sittings.
Diabetic neuropathy is caused by diabetes and affects the nerves in the body. It has been found that the condition and its symptoms can be controlled and curbed with the help of natural and alternative treatments.