In the middle of doing simple tasks – whether it’s tapping away on your computer or washing dishes – have you ever experienced an uncomfortable, stabbing pain in your feet or hands? Numbness (Pamamanhid) and weakness (pangangalay) of the hands and feet can be symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), “neuropathy refers to the many conditions that involve damage to the peripheral nervous system, the vast communication network that sends signals between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and all other parts of the body.”
That tells us the what, not the why. Do you just wake up with your hands and feet feeling numb, or is there an underlying reason why nerve damage occurs?
Medical News Today explains that “neuropathy is a common complication of a number of different medical conditions and can involve autonomic nerves, the motor nerves, and the sensory nerves.”
It has different causes ranging from physical injury/trauma, diabetes, drinking too much alcohol, and hormonal imbalances, to name a few. Pain, uneasiness, numbness, and the tingling associated with nerve damage can affect how we go about different tasks, but it can be managed by working on a few lifestyle changes and taking the right supplements.
Rising above the challenges of nerve damage
To be able to treat and manage neuropathy, you need to consult with your doctor so you can better understand the symptoms involved and find out the underlying cause. From monitoring the food you eat to starting an active lifestyle – committing to positive changes can help you manage nerve damage.
Eat a healthy diet
Neuropathy experts recommend following a healthy diet for nerve health. This includes controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes, and taking on a healthier diet overall.
A diet rich in nutrients can help manage nerve damage and improve your nervous system. Consult with a nutritionist and look into consuming vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as part of your meals. As much as possible, choose lean meats and avoid food and beverages with heavy sugar content.
Exercise regularly
Aside from watching what you eat, simple routine changes can make a difference, too. Regular exercise has been found to effectively hinder the progress of neuropathy.
People with peripheral neuropathy can do any of three kinds of exercise: aerobic exercises that cause deep breathing and increase heart rate and blood flow; balance exercises that build strength and improve steadiness; and stretching exercises that increase your flexibility.
On a related note, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy suggests taking care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. “Check your feet daily for signs of blisters, cuts, or calluses. Wear soft, loose cotton socks and padded shoes.
Avoid factors that may cause nerve damage
The National Health Service UK says that “only some of the underlying causes of neuropathy can be treated. For example, if you have diabetes it may help to gain better control of your blood sugar level, stop smoking, and cut down on alcohol.
So smokers and avid drinkers need to change their ways: it’s best to quit smoking, and drink alcohol in moderation if you can't cut it out altogether.
On your downtime, spend a few minutes massaging your hands and feet as it can “help improve circulation, stimulates nerves, and may temporarily relieve pain.”
Supplement with Vitamin B-Complex
Depending on your doctor’s orders, you can also take supplements and vitamins for neuropathy. According to Healthline, “B vitamins are useful in treating neuropathy since they support healthy nervous system function.” Vitamin B1 is known to reduce pain and inflammation, while vitamins B6 and B12 help to maintain the myelin sheaths that protect nerves of your central and peripheral nervous system.
Instead of drinking a ton of tablets to get the vitamins you need, you can ask your doctor about Vitamin B-Complex + Vitamin E (Neurogen-E) and the right way to take it. Vitamin B-Complex + Vitamin E (Neurogen-E) contains 300mg of Vitamin B1, 100mg of Vitamin B6, 1000mcg of Vitamin B12, with added 100IU Vitamin E, all of which can help treat the symptoms associated with nerve damage such as pricking (tusok-tusok), weakness (pangangalay), and numbness (pamamanhid), and sharp pain. Each caplet contains 5X more Vitamin B12 and 3X more Vitamin B1, plus added Vitamin E versus major players among OTC brands! It is recommended to be taken once daily.
Given that nerve damage can affect your daily life, changing your outlook can also be beneficial in the long run. Don’t treat neuropathy as a burden; take it as an opportunity to get moving and grow into a healthier version of yourself.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference No. U172P031120N
