Diabetic Neuropathy: 11 Natural Home Remedies

Diabetes is a very common condition. It is affecting about 1 in every 3 adults in the United States of America [1]. The diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication which develops from diabetes because the high blood sugar levels are affecting the nerve fibers throughout the body. The neuropathy is a pathological condition and it is accompanying more than 100 different forms and manifestations of nerve damage in both groups – people with diabetes and people without diabetes. The diabetic neuropathy is a term which is used to describe the nerve damage that is caused by diabetes which is a chronic condition that is happening when the body is not using the hormone insulin properly. The diabetic neuropathy can happen anywhere but it is most likely to affect the nerves running thorough feet, hands and limbs. Not all people who suffer from diabetes will develop diabetic neuropathy but many people do. There are some studies in which are shown that about 60 – 70% of people who have diabetes are experiencing some form of neuropathy [2]. Some people can have mild symptoms which develop from the nerve damage, such as numbness or tingling in the limbs. Other people can experience a good amount of pain, the inability to go about life normally, and problems with the heart and blood vessels and digestive issues. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from diabetic neuropathy before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies for this condition. Here are some home remedies for diabetic neuropathy:

Vitamin B12 use in diabetic neuropathy

You should take Vitamin B12 for the normal functioning of your nerves. This vitamin is having a fundamental role in maintaining normal nervous system function. If you are not getting enough of Vitamin B12, then it can cause a loss of the protective myelin sheath around your nerves and this can impair the nerve function. This is a reason why you should consume more foods rich in Vitamin B12. Some foods which are rich in this vitamin are nutritional yeast (not all have Vitamin B12 so you should check the labels before you buy them), breakfast cereals (not all cereals have Vitamin B12 so check labels before buying them), dairy products, eggs, shellfish, poultry, red mead and organ meat. [3]

Vegetables and whole fruits help in diabetic neuropathy

You should eat fruits and vegetables of all kinds which are rich in vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and essential electrolytes, like potassium and minerals.

Aromatherapy

It is known that a topical use of essential oil blended in a base of carrier oil can give a relief to people who suffer from diabetic neuropathy. In one study was used as a blend of bergamot, eucalyptus, tea tree, geranium and lavender oils to help alleviate the foot pain which is associated with diabetic neuropathy. This can help to decrease the pain which is experienced as early as 30 minutes after application. This means that you can use this natural treatment on daily basis to give you a relief from the pain that you live with. Also when you diffuse oils, then it can help you to ease the anxiety or stress associated with diabetic neuropathy. The lavender essential oil can help you to sleep better, improve your mood and relieve stress. The clary sage oil and lime oil can calm you down and it can make you to feel less anxious. [4]

Ginger help in diabetic neuropathy

It is known that when the body is experiencing hyperglycemia or a sugar spike, then it can trigger problems with the nerve and muscle function in the digestive system and this can cause gastric problems. Ginger can help you with the gastric symptoms that are associated with diabetic neuropathy. It can help you with the gastroparesis which is a condition where food leaves the stomach very slowly. This natural cure has myriad benefits and it can ease the nausea and discomfort. Also it induces contractions which can help with the gastric emptying and enhance digestion. You can take the ginger as a simple tea made by boiling slices of fresh ginger in water. Also you can add ginger to your food as a spice. [5]

Wild – caught fish

You should eat wild – caught fish because it has Omega – 3 fatty acids which can benefit diabetics by lowering the triglycerides. Also they can reduce the risk of diabetic complications.

Evening primrose oil

You can apply this natural cure on the affected areas because it can ease the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Also it can help to improve the nerve function for you. There are some studies in which are shown that when you are taking a combination of evening primrose oil supplements and Vitamin E, then it can help to manage the mild to moderate cases of diabetic neuropathy. In one study was said that 88% of participants have experienced a relief from the symptoms of burning pain in a period of two weeks of this natural treatment. [6]

Ashwagandha use in diabetic neuropathy

This is an Ayurvedic home remedy which can keep your diabetes under control or it can help you to manage the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. This natural cure will bring down the elevated serum insulin or blood glucose levels and it can improve the glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. This will help to improve the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and it can lead to be less severe. There was one study in which patients were taking 5 gm of ashwagandha with a milk two times per day in a period of two months and they have experienced a relief from the tingling and burning sensations in their feet and hands. Also this natural cure can help to reduce the numbness. [7]

Manage stress

It is known that the stress can make the inflammation worse and it can increase the risk for diabetic complications of all sorts. You should do natural stress relieving things, such as being around family and friends; spending more time doing hobbies or being in nature; practicing healing prayer; meditating and exercising. Also the acupuncture is very beneficial home remedy which can help you to get a relief from the pain and stress and also to ease the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. [8]

Add lean protein foods

You should add sprouted beans/legumes, cage – free eggs, pasture – raised poultry and grass – feed beef in your diet.

Avoid table sugar

You should not consume the table sugar. Instead, use a stevia which is natural no – calorie sweetener.

Reduce exposure to toxins and quit smoking

It is known fact that people who suffer from diabetic neuropathy have more chances of developing kidney stone symptoms and other kidney problems, such as kidney disease. This is a reason why you should take off the added stress to your kidneys because in this way you will prevent an accumulation of toxins in the blood and worsening of this problem. You should lower your exposure to unnecessary prescriptions or antibiotics; chemical household cleaners and beauty products; pesticide chemical sprayed on non – organic crops and too much cigarettes/recreational drugs and alcohol. Also you should quit smoking as soon as possible because if you have diabetes and use tobacco in any form, then you have more chances to develop nerve damage compared to nonsmokers and even your chances of stroke and heart attack are increased. [9]

Yoga help in diabetic neuropathy

This technique can improve the insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Also it can protect against oxidative stress which is linked to diabetic neuropathy. You should do yoga poses which are recommended for people with diabetes, such as lying – down body twist; sitting half spinal twist; seated forward bend; corpse pose and bow pose. This can help you to reduce the diabetic neuropathy which you are experiencing. [10]

Massage

The good massage can reduce the chronic pain if you suffer from diabetic neuropathy. This will ease your stress, anxiety and pain. It can help you to sleep better and it can improve the overall wellness. Also it will boost your mobility.

Capsaicin

This natural cure can help you in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. It is ingredient in capsicum peppers. You can apply it topically because it will give you a relief from the pain caused by diabetic neuropathy.  [11]

Water

You should drink 8 ounces of water every day because this can help you to stay hydrated. Also you can fill up on more water – rich and fiber – rich foods such as fresh veggies and fruits because this can help you to feel satisfied.

Healthy fats

You should add healthy fats in your diet, such as avocado, seeds, nuts, olive oil and coconut oil/coconut milk.

References:

[1] Berry J. Statistics and facts about type 2 diabetes. In Medical News Today. 2019. Retrieved from www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318472

[2] Leheny S. Diabetic neuropathy: Types, causes, and risk factors. In Pharmacy Times. 2017. Retrieved from www.pharmacytimes.com/contributor/shelby-leheny-pharmd-candidate-2017/2017/10/diabetic-neuropathy

[3] Alvarez M, Sierra OR, Saavedra G, Moreno S. Vitamin B12 deficiency and diabetic neuropathy in patients taking metformin: a cross-sectional study. Endocrine Connections. 2019;8(10):1324–9.

[4] Metin ZG, Donmez AA, Izgu N, et al. Aromatherapy massage for neuropathic pain and quality of life in diabetic patients. Journal of Nursing Scholarship. 2017;49(2).

[5] Maan B, Binawara BK, Sharma P, et al. To study the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on fasting blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin level in diabetics. Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences (SJAMS). 2017;5(10F):4222-6.

[6] Omran O. Histopathological study of evening primrose oil effects on experimental diabetic neuropathy. Ultrastructural Pathology. 2012;36(4):222-7.

[7] Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: A Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. 2011;8(5Suppl):208–13.

[8] Hosseini A, Abdollahi M. Diabetic neuropathy and oxidative stress: Therapeutic perspectives. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2013;2013:168039.

[9] Clair C, Cohen MJ, Eichler F, et al. The effect of cigarette smoking on diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2015;30(8):1193–203.

[10] Raveendran AV, Deshpandae A, Joshi SR. Therapeutic role of yoga in type 2 diabetes. Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2018;33(3):307–17.

[11] Simpson DM, Robinson-Papp J, Van J, et al. Capsaicin 8% patch in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The Journal of Pain. 2017;18(1):42-53.