Did you know?

Neuropathy is the term used to describe a disorder of the nerves. The disorder is usually associated with the peripheral in the hands and feet. Three types of nerves may be affected:

1. Sensory nerves control sensations. When affected by sensory neuropathy, sensory nerves can cause tingling, pain, numbness or weakness in the feet and hands.
2. Motor nerves allow for movement. When affected by motor neuropathy, motor nerves can cause muscle weakness, twitching, cramping and even paralysis.
3. Autonomic nerves control the systems of the body, including the gut and the bladder. When affected by autonomic neuropathy, there may be changes to the heart rate or blood pressure, dizziness, loss of bladder control, bloating, constipation or diarrhea.

Causes
Although 30 percent of neuropathy cases are of an unknown cause, many different conditions can lead to peripheral neuropathy.

• The most common cause is diabetes, because high blood sugar levels can damage the walls of the tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves in the ends of the hands and feet. With neuropathy as a complication of diabetes, up to 50% of people affected may be completely without symptoms.
• B12 and/or folate vitamin deficiencies can cause nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy.
• Excessive alcohol levels in the body can cause nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy can occur in people who have a history of chronic alcohol intake.
• When the kidneys do not function properly over time, an imbalance of salts and chemicals can cause peripheral neuropathy.
• Infections such as shingles, HIV and Lyme disease can cause damage to the peripheral nerves.
• Connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can cause peripheral neuropathy.
• Certain poisons and toxins.

An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy, and although it can occur at any age, it is more common among older adults. Sometimes single nerves, or nerve sets are affected. Bell's Palsy is a specific example of a neuropathy of the facial nerve, affecting the muscles and skin of the face. Physical trauma, repetitive injury, infection, metabolic problems and exposure to toxins and some drugs can all lead to neuropathy.

Treatment
Addressing the underlying cause of neuropathy is a preventive strategy, particularly against diabetic neuropathy, where taking care of the high blood sugars can prevent nerve damage. For toxic causes, simply removing the exposure to a suspected toxin or poison can stop the nerve damage.

While chronic neuropathy can't really be treated, the underlying causes can be targeted. Medications can relieve the pain and burning, numbness and tingling and help manage the nerve damage.

Practical treatments include wearing clothing that doesn’t cause chafing, covering sensitive areas with a wound dressing and using cold packs or warm compresses, depending on which feels best. Stress relief also helps some people—these include meditation, massage, acupuncture and vitamin therapy.

We recommend taking the four LifePharm Powerhouses—Laminine, OMEGA⁺⁺⁺, DIGESTIVE⁺⁺⁺ and IMMUNE⁺⁺⁺—because together, these nutritional supplements may help relieve stress, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, help abate GI tract discomforts and provide antioxidant support. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.