Home Remedies for Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects your hands and feet. You may experience pain, numbness, and weakness. Your peripheral nerves send signals from your spinal cord and brain to other parts of your body. When the nerves are damaged, the signals are affected. They affect the response of your body to temperature, pain, and reflexes. Peripheral neuropathy is a common problem in Austin and finding help is easy. However, there are plenty of home remedies that may help. The following are a few remedies for neuropathic pain in Austin.
1. Vitamins
Vitamin deficiency may be the cause of your peripheral neuropathy as it can cause extensive nerve damage. Consider increasing your intake of Vitamin B to prevent the symptoms from getting worse. Even though it is present in your food, your doctor may suggest that you take supplements. Vitamin D may be great as well. It can reduce nerve pain. Your skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun, but you may also need supplements.
2. Stop Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of peripheral neuropathy. It can make the pain worse if you already have it. Smoking limits the circulation of blood in your body. The blood vessels narrow, and they allow the flow of less oxygenated blood. Smoking is likely to increase pain and numbness when you have peripheral neuropathy.
3. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is rich in capsaicin which is good for pain relief. It reduces the intensity of the pain signals in your body. Consider increasing your intake of cayenne pepper to reduce neuropathy pain. Topical ointments with capsaicin may be great as well.
4. Dietary Changes
Diabetes is one of the main causes of peripheral neuropathy. Consider making changes to your diet to lower your blood sugar levels. Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods and avoid simple carbohydrates. You may also need to avoid sweets, white bread products, and processed foods. The following are some of the best dietary changes to observe:
- Increase your intake of antioxidant-rich foods like fatty fish, blueberries, flaxseed oil, and walnuts
- Reduce your intake of alcohol
- Eat less than 2300 milligrams of sodium every day
- Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts
- Avoid trans fats
5. Warm Baths
Warm baths can sooth you and reduce the symptoms of neuropathy. Warm water increases the flow of blood through the body. It reduces pain, numbness, and weaknesses. If the peripheral neuropathy has affected your sensory nerves, you may not be sensitive to temperature. Be careful to make sure your water is not too hot.
6. Exercise
Regular exercise is good for your overall health. It may also reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. It reduces your blood sugar and promotes the flow of blood to your legs and arms. Exercise can slow down nerve damage. If you already have it, exercise will reduce the associated pain and discomfort.
Even though home remedies may be great for dealing with peripheral neuropathy, you should seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.