Our nervous system is divided into the “central” nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, and the “peripheral” nervous system consisting of nerves that run all over our bodies and limbs. Central neuropathy happens in dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism, etc. Peripheral nerve neuropathy may result from poorly controlled diabetes, drugs, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies including B1, B12 and Folates, chemical or heavy metal poisoning, nerve entrapment or injury, infections including herpes, auto-immune diseases, etc. Symptoms include numbness, abnormal sensations, involuntary movements, cramps or paralysis. As a result of the loss of sensation, finger tips and toes may easily get injured and infected, resulting in gangrene. Prevention and treatment of course depend on the cause. Diabetics should have their blood sugar level monitored and controlled. Chemicals, toxic fumes, drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and injuries need to be avoided. Nerve entrapments as due to a narrowed spinal disc, carpal tunnel and other skeletal derangements need to be corrected by surgery or manipulation. Nutritional support to nourish the nerve fibres and nerve cells is essential no matter the cause.
Anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics in the form of drugs, herbs, and enzymes are used to control symptoms of pain and numbness. For people with sensitive stomach and those already taking quite a number of medications and supplements, homeopathic medicine would be the choice because one does not have to worry about interactions and side effects. A time honoured homeopathic mixture for relieving nerve symptoms is called Peripheral Nerve Mix, a formula containing Causticum, Hypericum, Magnesium Phosphoricum and Tellurium Metallicum. For nutritional support of the nerves, a combination of Benfothiamine (AOR), B12-Methylcobalamin (Douglas Lab or Sisu), and High DHA (Metagenics) is probably the most effective. This combination is highly recommended for diabetics with nerve symptoms, also for people with sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve pains, people with involuntary movements as from Restless leg syndrome or Parkinsonism, and people with frequent cramps. People with history of shingles or severe injuries, fast food consumers, chronic alcoholics and smokers should all take these supplements to prevent nerve pains and neuropathies.
Benfothiamine is a special form of well absorbed and long acting thiamine (Vitamin B1). The ordinary thiamine is quickly excreted by the kidneys whereas Benfothiamine can provide a higher blood level of this important nutrient. The common form of B12, Cyanocobalamin is difficult to absorb via the intestinal tract, hence injections are often required for higher serum levels. Also, Cyanocobalaimine needs to be converted by the body to Methylcobalamine before it is biologically active. As we age our ability to do this conversion deteriorates. Fortunately, B12 is now available in the form of Methylcobalamine which is well absorbed and does not require further conversion. When you are shopping for a vitamin B12 supplement, look for Methylcobalamine.
Omega fat preparations like fish oil, squid oil, flax oil, krill oils, seal oils etc. contain a mixture of EPA and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is the important ingredient responsible for the nerve benefits. So if you are shopping for a good omega fat for nerves, choose one that has predominantly DHA such as Metagenics’s High DHA.
Henry Cheng is a medical graduate of the University of London, England and is now Natural Health Products Consultant at Pharmasave Downtown Cloverdale.
