Neuropathy affects millions and brings with it pain, tingling, numbness, and burning in the hands and feet.
This condition is often caused by damaged nerves, but the good news is that natural approaches—including specific supplements and lifestyle adjustments—may help relieve or even reverse symptoms. Dr. RN Veller explores how addressing root causes and giving your body the right support can make a real difference.
What Is Neuropathy, Really?
Your nerves are like electric cables connecting your brain and body. They’re protected by a myelin sheath, which helps signals travel quickly and accurately.
When this covering is damaged—whether from age, poor posture, vitamin deficiencies, or spinal issues—it’s like frayed wires sparking unpredictably. The result: pain, tingling, burning, numbness, or even loss of coordination.
Neuropathy can appear in different forms:
Sensory neuropathy causes pain, tingling, and numbness—especially in the hands and feet.
Motor neuropathy affects movement, potentially leading to muscle weakness or even paralysis.
Some people lose balance or sensation of hot and cold due to nerve damage.
“Peripheral neuropathy” specifically refers to damage outside the brain and spinal cord—typically in the limbs.
Root Causes of Neuropathy
Knowing the causes helps you treat the condition more effectively. Some of the most common triggers include:
Vitamin Deficiencies: B vitamins (especially B12, B6, and B9) are essential for nerve health. Not eating enough meat, having intestinal parasites, or taking medications like metformin and antacids can lead to deficiencies. Regularly checking your B12 levels is important if you’re on these drugs.
Nerve Compression: Poor posture, herniated discs, or tension from stress can pinch nerves, especially in the neck, spine, or wrists, causing symptoms.
Hidden Infections: Certain infections—like syphilis—can cause nerve damage years later. Fortunately, antibiotics like penicillin can still treat old infections.
Diabetes: One of the most common causes. Chronic high blood sugar damages nerves over time.
Medication Side Effects: Some drugs, including high doses of vitamin B6, can actually worsen neuropathy. Balance is key.
Common Signs to Watch For
Tingling or Numbness: Like your hands or feet “falling asleep” without a clear reason.
Pain: Burning, stabbing, or squeezing sensations—often worsening at night.
Muscle Weakness: Trouble gripping objects or feeling like your feet are dragging.
Balance Issues: Feeling unsteady or like you’re walking on cotton.
When It’s Serious
Seek medical attention if you experience:
Total loss of feeling in hands or feet.
Severe difficulty moving, gripping, or walking.
Intense, constant pain that doesn’t respond to treatment.
Supplements and Natural Compounds That Help
The goal is to support nerve repair while avoiding triggers that worsen damage.
Curcumin: Found in turmeric, this anti-inflammatory powerhouse can ease symptoms. Use in cooking or take 500 mg supplements twice daily. For best absorption, combine with black pepper or healthy fats.
Magnesium: Key for nerve health. The best forms for neuropathy are threonate, malate, gluconate, and citrate.
B Vitamins: Daily supplements of B12, B6 (in safe doses), and B9 support nerve regeneration—especially if you’re deficient.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, EPA and DHA support brain and nerve health. Choose high-quality supplements for best results.
What to Avoid
For real improvement, cutting out harmful substances is just as important as taking the right supplements.
Alcohol: One of the biggest barriers to recovery.
Sugar: High sugar levels fuel inflammation and worsen nerve damage.
Inflammatory Foods: Avoid processed foods, fried items, margarine, and vegetable oils.
Sodium Overload: Processed and packaged foods cause fluid retention and swelling.
Food Allergens: Identify and eliminate any foods triggering inflammation in your body.
The Takeaway
Neuropathy doesn’t have to control your life. With the right knowledge, natural support, and a few lifestyle shifts, many people see major improvements—or even full reversals—of their symptoms. The key is to treat both the cause and the symptoms, nourishing your body while avoiding what harms it.