If you have nerve damage, you might experience a loss of feeling, ulcers that cannot heal, and even amputation in severe cases. Nerve damage happens most commonly in patients who are diabetic, but it can also happen in other people with different health conditions.
Part of nerve damage whether you have diabetes or not is that you need to eat a healthy diet to get as many nutrients and vitamins as you can. When you eat healthy, you are able to keep your blood sugar under control and also be able to prevent yourself from developing other health conditions that might cause nerve damage.
Supplements being able to reverse nerve damage is debated as some doctors think they are very useful and others think they do not help much. Before taking any supplements, like Nerve Control 911, for nerve damage, make sure to talk to your doctor to ensure that the supplement does not affect any other medications you might be taking.
This guide has common supplements that patients often take when they are concerned about nerve damage or when they want to reverse some of the nerve damage that may already be experiencing.
Alpha-lipoic Acid
This is a type of antioxidant that is found in many different foods but is also a supplement that people with nerve damage take. Alpha lipoic acid is said to be able to lower blood sugar levels and prevent tissue damage that can lead to nerve damage.
Some patients who take alpha lipoic acid say they have less pain and an improvement in their signs and symptoms with nerve damage. Some also have improved performance on nerve function tests.
You can take a supplement containing alpha lipoic acid and you can also eat foods that naturally contain the nutrient including broccoli, yeast, and spinach.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is one of the most important vitamins for nerve function and it also helps in the production of red blood cells. People who do not have enough Vitamin B-12 often have neuropathy or are at higher risk of developing neurological problems.
There are also many different prescription medicines that can lead to Vitamin B-12 deficiency so your doctor might advise you to take a supplement if you are on one of these medications:
- Stomach acid-reducing histamines including all the medications that act as H-2 blockers such as Tagamet HB and Pepcid AC
- Metformin and some other kinds of drugs that are used to treat type 2 diabetes including Glumetza and Riomet
- Proton pump inhibitors that also reduce stomach acid including Prilosec OTC and Prevacid 24 HR.
It’s important to note that if you don’t already have a Vitamin B-12 deficiency, taking a supplement will probably not help with your nerve damage very much.
If you are not sure whether you have a deficiency or not, you can get tested at your doctor’s office and they can let you know what your levels are.
If you do find that you are deficient in B-12, taking a supplement may help lessen your pain and other weird sensations you might have in relation to your nerve damage.
While also taking supplements, you can make sure to consume different foods with B-12 in them including lead red meat, fish, and B-12 fortified foods like cereals and breads.
Acetyl L Carnitine
This compound is produced naturally in the body and is mostly found in the liver and kidneys. It has many different functions including reducing oxidative stress and helping in the regeneration and functions of nerve cells.
There have only been a handful of studies done when it comes to nerve damage and Acetyl L Carnitine so it can be difficult to tell if it really helps or not. However, many people said they had improvements with sensory problems and were able to perform better on nerve function tests as well as having reduced pain.
The supplement does have side effects though especially when not taken as directed. It also interacts with many different medications including those that are used for blood thinning. As with all supplements, make sure to talk to your doctor before taking Acetyl L Carnitine as you want to ensure it’s safe for you and will not interact with other medications you might be taking.
Diet and Physical Activity
Along with nerve supplements, one of the best things you can do for nerve damage is to eat well and exercise often. Eating a varied diet along with taking supplements can ensure you are healthy and getting enough nutrients which can reduce many different conditions including nerve damage.
Some of the best foods you can eat for nerve damage are lean meats and chicken. You should also try to eat different kinds of fish a few times a week.
Make sure you are eating enough dairy mostly with low-fat and fat-free choices. Fruits, legumes, and vegetables are also important as well as whole grains.
Exercising is also important because it allows you to manage your blood sugar and reduce the risk of nerve damage. If it’s been a long time since you exercised, make sure you talk to your doctor before beginning new or strenuous activities. You want to make sure the activities you choose are helpful to you and your body rather than pushing yourself too hard.
Aim to get about 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day and drink more on the days when you exercise vigorously.
Final Thoughts
There are a few different supplements you can take to help prevent nerve damage as well as reverse nerve damage symptoms you might already be experiencing. Make sure to take the supplements only as directed and talk to your doctor before beginning new supplements.
While taking supplements, make sure to continue taking your prescription medications as directed by your doctor as well as eating well and exercising.
Nerve supplements should start showing you some improvements in a few weeks, but make sure to talk to your doctor if you don’t notice any changes.
