Peripheral
Neuropathy Ways to Avoid and Heal Disabling Pain and Numbness
by Dr. Greg Fors T
he nonprofit Neuropathy Association estimates that 20 million Americans and 60 percent of diabetics suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a disabling disorder that causes
numbness, prickling or tingling and pain in the toes and/or fingers. The disorder also frequently disturbs sleep by causing burning, throbbing or shooting pains in the extremities.
Peripheral neuropathy affects people of every age, in every walk of life. By definition, it simply means that the outlying (peripheral) nerves in the hands and feet have sustained damage.
Typically, this nerve damage becomes apparent only after it is well established and starts to cause pain and/or numbness, usually first in the toes and feet. Symptoms often begin mildly and can be easily ignored until the pain and numbness become constant. With a proper neurological exam, a doctor can find evi- dence of the beginning of peripheral neuropathy even before the patient is aware of any symptoms. Neurological findings, followed up with proper laboratory tests, can identify the under- lying metabolic cause of the neuropathy before it does extensive damage. This is the ideal way to treat the condition, but most individuals wait until symptoms drive them to the doctor. While some peripheral neuropathies progress slowly over many years, other types can develop more suddenly. Among the underlying causes of peripheral nerve damage are systemic inflammation, reduced blood flow, oxygen depri- vation and nutritional deficiencies, often created by poor diet and/or malabsorption leading to nutritional deficiencies in the nervous system. Some of the more common nutritional deficien- cies are low tissue levels (not blood levels) of vitamins B6 B12
and , folic acid and vitamin D. Unless a doctor runs the proper
laboratory tests for malabsorption and tissue-specific nutritional deficiencies, individuals can go undiagnosed for years. This can lead to many other health issues as well.
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral
neuropathy. The condition develops over time from elevated blood sugar levels that cause reduced blood flow, oxygen de- privation and nutritional deficiencies in the peripheral nerves. However, many individuals not yet diagnosed with diabetes
develop early neuropathy from the insulin resistance and elevated blood sugars associated with metabolic syndrome. Individuals with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, as well as people with Raynauds’ disease and other conditions that tend to im- pede blood circulation to the extremities, commonly develop peripheral neuropathy. Toxic neuropathies are those caused by substances that are poisonous or toxic to the peripheral nerves. A primary example is the toxic neuropathy associated with excessive al- cohol use. Certain medications can also damage the peripheral nerves over time. There are many ways to develop peripheral neuropathy, so identifying and treating underlying metabolic factors is vital, to help alleviate the disorder’s burning, tingling, throbbing pains. Eventually, untreated peripheral neuropathy can lead to disabil- ity, muscle weakness and loss of balance and coordination. Although no drugs can cure peripheral neuropathy, a proper diet can be utilized, along with gentle aerobic exercise. An individualized, balanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, based on an Essential Fatty Acid Profile lab test, is vital to heal damaged nerves. Alcohol and tobacco, as well as harmful foods such as sugar, junk foods, fast foods, processed foods, sodas, foods sprayed with pesticides, and foods contain- ing trans-fatty acids, should all be eliminated. Certain additives, such as MSG and artificial sweeteners like aspartame, are toxic and negatively impact the nervous system; check food and bev- erage labels to avoid them, too. A doctor knowledgeable in the care of peripheral neuropa-
thy can utilize specific laboratory tests, supplements and herbs to correct an individual’s underlying metabolic issues and help initi- ate long-term healing for this potentially debilitating condition.
Dr. Greg Fors, DC, is a board-certified neurologist (IBCN), certi- fied in Applied Herbal Sciences (NWHSU) and acupuncture. Trained through the Autism Research Institute, he is a registered Defeat Autism Now! Doctor. As the clinic director of the Pain & Brain Healing Center, in Blaine, Minnesota, he specializes in a functional medicine approach to neuropathy, fibromyalgia, fatigue, depression, insomnia and autism. For more information, call 763-862-7100 or visit
PainAndBrainHealingCenter.com for details about his book, Why We Hurt, available through book- sellers everywhere. See ad, page3.
natural awakenings May 2012 15
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