Welcome to another video!
Do you know the best vitamins to support healthy nerves?
These vitamins not only help keep your nervous system healthy, they may also alleviate a
painful condition known as "neuropathy".
In this video, we use the word "vitamins" broadly to include nutrients such as amino
acids and antioxidants.
Some of these vitamins are available as supplements, others are present in certain vegetables,
fruits, and natural foods.
Continue watching to learn how these vitamins may reduce symptoms of neuropathy and prevent
it from occurring.
Make sure you stay through to number 1, as this nutrient is not well known among the
best vitamins for your nerves.
Remember, this video is educational, we are not giving you medical advice, and you should
always check with your doctor if you plan to supplement along with your medication.
With this disclaimer out of the way, do you know what neuropathy means?
The word neuropathy refers to nerve damage, which results in a feeling of numbness, tingling
or "pins and needles", muscle weakness and pain in the affected areas.
For some people the feeling may be in their hands or feet, others feel it on their head,
face, and even internal organs.
Neuropathy is often called peripheral neuropathy, as it indicates a problem in the peripheral
nervous system, which is the network of nerves outside your brain and spinal cord.
Neuropathy happens when nerve cells, called neurons, are damaged or destroyed.
The resulting pain can be long-lasting, sharp, and sometimes chronic.
In many cases, people feel limited in their ability to move and function, so it can be
incredibly debilitating.
There are a lot of reasons why people get this condition.
Some of the most common ones include injury to nerves from accidents or toxins like alcohol
and drugs;
infections such as Shingles or HIV/AIDS;
metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease),
or vitamin deficiencies;
and inheritance disorders.
In many cases, the cause is idiopathic, which means that doctors can't figure out what caused
it.
Did you know that neuropathy is more common than you might think?
It is estimated that about 25% to 30% of Americans will be affected by neuropathy.
Even though there are medications out there to treat some neuropathies, these can have
side effects.
So, changing your diet can be an effective way to battle neuropathy.
Let's begin with our Number 11.
Acetyl-L-carnitine.
That is a mouthful, isn’t it?
When you consume this amino acid, your body gets energized, as you are giving it fuel
for metabolic processes.
Some studies have shown that Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) may significantly reduce pain and help
injured nerves regrow in people with peripheral and diabetic neuropathy.
ALC can be taken as a supplement, but you can also find it in fish, meat, poultry, and
dairy products.
For better effect, you can take 3 grams of ALC a day.
Studies have found that this supplement is safe, but should not be consumed if you are
on blood thinners.
Number 10.
Alpha-lipoic acid.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy
for the other organs in the body.
This powerful antioxidant has been used to treat diabetic neuropathy.
You can get it as a supplement, though in some cases it is also given via IV.
A normal dose is 600-1,200mg per day.
Some foods contain little amounts of ALA, including liver, red meat, brewer’s yeast,
spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Studies show that taking this supplement can help with pain, and may even reduce blood
sugar levels.
Number 9.
N-Acetyl cysteine.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is the supplement form of cysteine, an amino acid and antioxidant.
While NAC is not available in food, cysteine is present in foods with a high amount of
protein, such as pork, beef, chicken, fish, lentils, oatmeal, eggs, low-fat yogurt, sunflower
seeds, and cheese.
Some preliminary studies show that NAC can help reduce neuropathic pain, improve coordination,
and remove damage from oxidative stress.
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Number 8.
B Vitamin Complex.
B vitamins are essential for a fully functioning metabolism.
Their primary function is to help your body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats,
and to use the stored energy in food.
When we do not get enough B vitamins, we feel sluggish, tired, and even anemic.
The B vitamins include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, biotin,
folate, and vitamin B12.
When it comes to neuropathy, you should prioritize thiamin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
Thiamin inhibits inflammation pathways, which lowers pain.
Vitamin B6 helps preserve nerve endings, reducing the extensive damage that neuropathy can cause.
And finally, vitamin B12 gives you an energy boost, improves cognition, and relieves fatigue.
Foods that are rich in B vitamins include animal-based foods such as red meats, poultry,
seafood, shellfish, eggs and dairy and plant-based foods like dark leafy greens, legumes, nuts
and seeds.
You can also get a B vitamin complex supplement, but do choose one that is made from natural,
whole foods.
Watch our previous video on warning signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency for more information.
Number 7.
Glutathione.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that can help stop damage to your body, which helps
prevent disease, aging faster and chronic inflammation.
It is composed of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine.
Yes, you can obtain glutathione from spinach, avocados, asparagus and okra, and other greens
like broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage - but do know it's poorly absorbed by the
body.
Studies have also found that glutathione may be an effective supplement in treating neuropathy
caused by cancer drugs.
Aside from neuropathy, taking glutathione can reduce the risk for other diseases, like
Parkinson’s, diabetes, and heart disease.
Number 6.
Omega-3 Fish Oil.
Fish oil contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
These fats are essential to our diets for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Two crucial ones - EPA and DHA - are primarily found in certain fish like anchovies, herring,
mackerel, salmon, sturgeon, lake trout and tuna.
Fish oil is useful in treating neuropathy due to its anti-inflammatory effects, and
its ability to repair damaged nerves.
It also helps to relieve muscle soreness and pain.
A study has found that fish oil supplements can boost nerve health, enabling nerves to
transmit signals more effectively and keep them from dying or atrophying – two things
that can contribute to chronic pain.
Taking fish oil can slow the progression of neuropathy, especially for those that suffer
from diabetes.
For the most part, natural fish oil is safe, so you can add about 2,400 to 5,400 mg per
day to your diet.
Fish oil also has proven benefits for brain, heart, eyes, skin and blood sugar, making
it mighty and very healthy!
Number 5.
Magnesium.
Magnesium is a mineral involved in hundreds of chemical reactions, from making DNA to
helping your muscles contract.
Despite its importance, up to 68% of American adults don’t meet the recommended daily
intake of 400 mg.
Magnesium is proven to play an essential role in pain processes and helping our bodies fight
off new pain pathways.
Regularly consuming magnesium improves neuropathic symptoms like neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy,
and peripheral neuropathy.
You can supplement with magnesium, but note that some types of magnesium are better absorbed
than others.
You can also get enough magnesium from food.
Try eating more dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, legumes, tofu, seeds, whole grains,
fatty fish, bananas and leafy greens.
Number 4.
Glutamine.
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body.
It helps support healthy digestion by providing fuel for cells in your digestive tract, which
can be helpful for those who suffer from disorders like Crohn's Disease.
And it’s not just about digestion – glutamine is an energy source for immune cells and has
been shown to promote wound healing!
Our bodies naturally use glutamine to build protein, and you can find this nutrient in
foods like chicken, fish, cabbage, spinach, dairy, tofu, lentils, beans.
It can help treat neuropathy that is caused by chemotherapy and medications.
In most cases, glutamine is prescribed to those that develop weak muscles and who lose
muscle mass due to cancer treatment.
Number 3.
Turmeric.
It should come as no surprise that this superfood is on this list.
Turmeric contains a biologically active compound known as curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Curcumin has been used in the treatment of arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and even depression,
as well as cardiovascular disease.
For neuropathy, curcumin helps relieve numbness, tingling or pain in the hands and feet.
Studies have shown that turmeric regulates the expression of the gene that is involved
in neuropathic pain.
It also inhibits the pathways that promote inflammation and can lead to chronic illness
and pain.
You can still add turmeric seasoning to your meals, however, for best results, try liposomal
turmeric.
Curcumin is present in higher amounts in turmeric extract supplements for increased potency.
Number 2.
Capsaicin.
Capsaicin is the active compund found in different types of hot peppers, such as cayenne peppers,
that makes the peppers spicy hot.
Many people suffering from conditions like arthritis, post-surgical pain, and neuralgia,
use capsaicin creams, gels or patches to numb the pain.
Applying capsaicin can help reduce the tingling and pain in the extremities that comes with
diabetic neuropathy.
Since this method is non-invasive, you will not have to add more pills to your diet!
And lastly Number 1.
Coenzyme Q10.
CoQ10 or Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is a fat-soluble molecule that has significant benefits for
people with cardiovascular disease.
CoQ10 plays two major roles in your body: energy and protection.
It gives energy to your nerve cells which need more nutrition than most other cells.
And as a powerful antioxidant it protects your body from pollution and toxins in the
environment and within your body.
All cells need CoQ10 for their energy needs.
CoQ10 is found throughout the body in cell membranes, especially in the mitochondria,
and is abundant in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
Your brain, heart and nerve cells need the most energy.
Nerve cells are sick or damaged in neuropathy and for them to heal they need adequate levels
of CoQ10.
In one study, neuropathy symptoms such as pain and tingling improved and in fact were
cut in half or better on CoQ10.
The nerves were also healing with an improved speed for conducting impulses.
However, the amount of CoQ10 in our body decreases as we age.
You can eat foods like organ meats, fatty fish, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, oranges,
and lentils to get more CoQ10.
When supplementing with CoQ10, consider the more easily absorbed form known as Ubiquinol.
There you have them!
Try one or more of these 11 natural vitamins and see what works for you!
To learn about a breakthrough combination of nutrients that may emancipate you from
your numbness, tingling and burning, click the link in the description.
Remember that lifestyle habits also make a difference, so accompany your supplements
with a healthy diet, a good night's sleep, exercise, and low-stress levels.
Most of these vitamins are in natural foods already in our diets, so you can start by
consuming more of these.
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And now, over to you:
Are you or a loved one experiencing neuropathy symptoms?
Are you taking any of these vitamins to support healthy nerves and calm neuropathic pain?
If so, please share how it has worked for you.
Leave your comment below!
And be sure to check out our other videos!