People who have damaged nerves as a result of chemotherapy or radiation treatments, toxin exposure, high blood sugar and alcohol abuse are also at high risk.

Neuropathy doesn’t progress exactly the same way for all people though.

Symptoms depend on many variables including how and where the specific nerves are affected.

Neuropathy often seems to appear with no warning, but that is rarely the case.

In most cases, nerve pain is the result of some other problem.

The risk for developing painful Neuropathy can come from one single source or a combination of sources.

Now, here are the top 7 warning signs that you must pay attention to :

• Burning pain, pins and needles in the extremities
• Night pain and sleeping difficulty
• Pain from the lightest touches
• Hands and feet feeling tired or heavy
• Numbness and tingling
• Cramping of the feet
• Difficulty walking

It is highly important to do whatever it takes to slow the progression of peripheral neuropathy.

If you notice or experience any of the above symptoms or warning signs, call or see your doctor right away.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post What are the Top 7 warning signs of neuropathy? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.

Numbness often begins gradually, growing worse over time. Pain can be very mild to extremely severe.

So how can you best evaluate your symptoms?

Answer these basic questions to see if you need to discuss the problem with your doctor:

• Am I extra sensitive to touch?

• Do my hands feel tingly or numb?

• Do I experience bouts of recurring pain and numbness in my feet?

• Do my muscles sometimes feel weak

• Do I fall a lot?

• Do I often feel off-center when walking?

• Do I sweat a lot?

• Do I suffer bouts of diarrhea and/or constipation?

• Do I suffer from incontinence?

• Do I have a lot of GI problems?

• Do I suffer from high blood pressure?

• Do I ever feel lightheaded or dizzy?

• Am I diabetic?

• Have I been exposed to any poisons?

• Am I on any regular medications?

• Do I suffer from an autoimmune disease?

• Have I suffered with any type of infections recently?

• Have I had Lyme Disease?

• Am I an alcoholic?

• Have I been in an accident recently?

• Do I have thyroid problems?

• Do I suffer from any vitamin deficiencies?

If you answered YES to three or more of these questions, then see your doctor right away. You may be experiencing signs of peripheral Neuropathy.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post How can you test for neuropathy at home? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.

Certain natural treatments can help ease some of the symptoms or even prevent further nerve damage.

Add Exercise To Your Daily Routine

It doesn’t have to be intense but know that any type of exercise can promote muscle tone, which may reduce symptoms of neuropathy.

Exercise can also help fight several health issues that cause neuropathy like diabetes which can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Exercise helps control blood sugar levels, which reduces the risk of complications from diabetes.

Exercise also reduces pressure on peripheral blood vessels, which can benefit people at risk of developing neuropathy.

Quit Smoking Now!

Smoking cigarettes can reduce oxygen flow and decrease circulation, which can increase neurological problems.

Smoking can also damage the immune system and increase Neuropathy symptoms.

If it’s too hard for you to quit then try hypnosis. The hypnotist consistently tells the subconscious mind something until it believes it.

For instance, those undergoing hypnosis to stop smoking will be given the same message over and over again: you do not need that cigarette or that cigarette makes you feel nauseas.

After awhile, the subconscious mind will accept the statement as truth and begin to react to it.

Focus first on B vitamins. B-12, B-9, B-1, B-6 -can all help ease neuropathic pain.

Next in line is Alpha-lipoic acid which can decrease insulin resistance thereby reducing symptoms like pain, tingling, and prickling in the feet and legs.

Finally, to combat inflammation, take Omega 3 and Vitamin E.

Most neuropathy patients are also diabetic so the first dietary change has to focus on removing simple carbs from your diet. Fruits should also be minimized in consumption especially fruit juices.

Avoid all junk food and processed food.

Eat a more plant based diet focusing mostly on vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and some organic eggs if you want.

Remove Stress From Your Life!

Everyone seems stressed these days and for good reason: we are constantly on the move, moving from activity to activity virtually every day, taking little time to just chill out. There are a few things you do to achieve that:

1. Make a to-do list for a more efficient daily schedule.

2. Accept your limitations.

3. Cut back on non-essential responsibilities.

4. Learn to say NO.

5. Remove yourself from stressful situations.

6. Do daily meditation at home for 10-15 minutes once or twice a day.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post How do you calm down neuropathy symptoms? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.

Medication that treat the underlying symptoms such as pain don’t necessarily provide the desired calming effect and can prove too costly for some people.

An increasingly popular alternative to relieving neuropathy related foot pain is using cannabidiol (CBD) products.

CBD, or cannabidiol is an active ingredient in cannabis. It is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory. It accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract.

Recent studies show that topical CBD can reduce joint swelling and pain with no adverse side effects.  So how does it work exactly?

CBD Oil vs pain and inflammation

CBD may indirectly improve anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical studies show that CBD reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The action of CBD oil helps manage foot problems due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties.

Hemp-derived CBD oil can help with pain management, inflammation management and neuroprotection of the foot. CBD oil is an organic, all-natural product that is well tolerated as well.

Now, CBD comes in several forms and has been shown to decrease some of the burning and tingling sensations in people with diabetic neuropathy.

CBD oil cream is all natural and is often used in treating skin conditions like eczema and arthritis, but it has been shown to provide almost immediate relief from neuropathic pain.

You can try rubbing a CBD cream or oil into the skin in areas that are painful. This will affect nerves under the skin.

CBD oil can reduce and even prevent inflammation, especially for those neuropathy patients who usually wear high heels.

You should rub it on before you wear your shoes for the day. This should lessen the pain but remember to also apply it later as you return back home.

CBD oil cream is usually made of CBD oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, hemp seed oil and other essential oils.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post Is CBD oil good for neuropathy of the feet? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.

It also acts an electrical conductor that contracts muscles and makes the heart beat steadily.

More than half of the magnesium in our body is stored in bones.

Magnesium can be beneficial in patients suffering from neuropathic pain

Clinical studies have found that magnesium has beneficial effect in patients suffering from neuropathic pain by  blocking the pain receptors and due to its muscle relaxing effect.

Magnesium is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, both very important in combating neuropathy related inmflammation.

Low levels of magnesium may lead to insulin resistance.

Low levels of magnesium can interfere with glucose metabolism and insulin receptor function. It can increase the risk for type 2 diabetes in adults.

A study found that magnesium supplementation may reduce plasma glucose levels, and improve the glycemic status of adults with pre-diabetes.

Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters that transmit messages between nerve cells in your brain and body.

Magnesium plays an essential role in nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction. It also protects against neuronal cell death.

Low magnesium levels found in patients with peripheral neuropathy

A study found that patients who experienced symptoms consistent with peripheral neuropathy, all had decreased serum magnesium levels.

When supplementing with magnesium their condition improved and neuropathic symptoms abated.

Another interesting fact is that in a study on rats with diabetes, adding magnesium supplements to their diet helped protect them from developing peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

Most Americans don’t get the recommended amount of magnesium.  Adult men 19-51+ years need 400-420 mg daily and women about 310-320 mg.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post Is Magnesium good for neuropathy? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.

When battling Neuropathy, it is important to stay away from foods that may cause inflammation and allergic reactions or even induce pain.

In general, 60-70% of people with diabetes also have some form of neuropathy, due to the high blood glucose which interferes with the transmission of nerve signals, and weakens the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to nerves.

There are certain foods that you simply can’t continue eating if you’re battling neuropathy.

No More Sugar.

Since the vast majority of Neuropathy patients are also diabetic, it is extremely important for patients to control their blood glucose levels.

This requires a strict adherence to a sugar-free diet and no artificial sweeteners are allowed either.

The more unstable your glucose levels, the more likely your Neuropathy will worsen. Even the smallest amount of table sugar should be avoided.

Also avoid high fructose foods like sweetened drinks and snack foods.

No More Gluten.

Even if you do not have sensitivity to gluten, you should avoid all gluten-laden products during the healing process. This includes things made with wheat, rye, barley, and oats.

If you experience any type of sensitivity to gluten, it is important to take it completely out of your diet permanently when battling with Neuropathy.

Some people can reincorporate minimal amounts of low fat dairy products when symptoms start to abate but during the healing process, all dairy (including milk, yogurt cheese products) must be avoided. It also doesn’t matter if it’s organic or raw. You have to remove it from your diet.

Oils may be fine when left in their natural state, but once they are processed, can become quite toxic in the body.

During the refining process, the molecules of the oil are actually changed, and some small amount of metal product is added so these oils can become dangerous to your health and wellbeing especially if you ‘re already battling neuropathy.

No Salty or Processed Food

Processed foods may be quick and easy to cook and eat, but that convenience comes at a price – your health.

Steer clear of foods containing a lot of preservatives, salt and chemicals, since these ingredients can, over time, damage your nervous system.

These usually include things available in box or canned form like macaroni and cheese cups, canned pasta, canned soups, pretzels and snacks of any kind.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post What foods you must avoid with peripheral neuropathy? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.

But it is also a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals that damage cells.

While your body makes its own ALA, you may need an extra boost if you suffer from neuropathy.

Neuropathy is a common complication of chronic diabetes. It usually begins in the feet and toes.

Alpha-lipoic acid can decrease insulin resistance thereby reducing symptoms like pain, tingling, and prickling in the feet and legs.

Now, oxidative stress and free radicals caused by excessive glucose metabolism are associated with the development of diabetic complications.

The end result is that they cause changes in myelin, the protective layer around your nerve tissue.

The good news is that Alpha-lipoic acid is also known to be a scavenger of certain free radicals so you’re basically getting 2 benefits related to peripheral neuropathy:

Controlling insulin and blood sugar level and getting rid of the free radicals and oxidative stress.

Now, it is important to note that as we age, the amount of natural Alpha lipoic acid produced internally in the body decreases so taking a supplement is essential.

So how much do you need to take?

In most cases, taking just 600 mg each day of Alpha Lipoic acid will help to reduce Neuropathy symptoms. You need to take it for at least 2-3 weeks in order to start seeing results.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post Does alpha-lipoic acid help with neuropathy? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.

Each type affects a specific set of nerves which triggers symptoms in different areas of your body.

High levels of fats or sugar in the blood can damage the nerves in your body. Symptoms of nerve damage may manifest differently depending on where the damage is.

Peripheral Neuropathy- The most common nerve damage from diabetes.

When you suffer from peripheral neuropathy you will most likely experience symptoms in your hands, arms, legs or feet. That is where most of the nerve damage is.

The nerves going to your feet are the longest in your body. That is why these nerves are damaged more often than others. It’s just that there’s simply more of them in your body.

Foot deformities, infections, ulcers, and even amputations are complications associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Autonomic Neuropathy- The nerves that comprise the autonomic nervous system.

This system of nerves regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, urination and even sexual arousal.

When that set of nerves is damaged due to diabetes, then symptoms may range from digestive problems, heart rate issues, erectile dysfunction, excessive sweating and dizziness.

Unlike the previous types, focal neuropathy is associated with damage to one specific area or nerve such as carpal tunnel syndrome in your thumb or weakness of grip.

It usually appears suddenly and commonly affects the head, torso, or legs.

Pain, numbness, and weakness are confined to a single limb or area with this type of neuropathy.

Other examples of focal neuropathy include double vision, paralysis on just one side of your face, pain the thigh, shin or foot.

This type of diabetic neuropathy mostly affects the muscles in the upper part of your leg, buttocks, and hips.

It is the second most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It may resolve partially within 6 to 12 months time and with proper treatment.

It is more common in people who have type 2 diabetes or older adults.

Common symptoms include difficulty rising or standing up from a sitting position, weak thigh muscles and severe pain in the buttock, hip or thigh.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post How many types of diabetic neuropathy are there? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.

There can be multiple causes to neuropathy. The main one being diabetes which can damage nerves mostly in the extremities.

But a deficiency of specific types of vitamins can also lead to peripheral neuropathy.

Vitamins such as B1, B6, B12 deficiencies may lead to neuropathy, however, B12 deficiency is the most common one.

All of the vitamins mentioned above can easily get absorbed through the gut except for Vitamin B12.

You see, vitamin B-12 helps produce a substance called myelin which is a protective coating that shields the nerves and helps them transmit sensations.

Without this coating, nerves can become damaged.

The absorption of vitamin B12 requires a complex mechanism, which doesn’t always work optimally.

Food sources of Vitamin B12 include poultry, meats and eggs. That is why vegans are often deficient in B12.

Now, the most common indications of a lack of vitamin B12 are numbness and tingling along with an unsteady way of walking.

Several factors can cause vitamin B12 deficiency including the excessive use of antacid drugs or medications which interfere with proper stomach acid production, deficiency of intrinsic factor and reduced stomach acidity.

Intrinsic factor is a protein secreted by the stomach which enables the body to absorb vitamin B12.

Diets that lack eggs or meats, including vegetarian diets, provide less amounts of vitamin B12 than the body needs.

B12 supplements usually do not need acidic conditions in the stomach to be processed properly,  however, they do require an uptake mechanism as well as an intrinsic factor.

If either of these two factors are lacking in a person, they will have to take Vitamin B12 injections.

B12 deficiencies are detected through blood tests, with the normal range being from 250 to 950.

If your level falls below 350 then you need to take around 1000 mcg of vitamin B12 each day.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post What is the best vitamin for peripheral neuropathy? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.

People with diabetes have a damage in specific nerve fibers in all nerves, mostly those that travel to the legs and feet.

However, about 40% of neuroapthy patients don’t suffer from diabetic neuropathy. They sometimes have what is called idiopathic neuropathy which is a neuropathy of unknown cause.

People with non-diabetic neuropathy tend to suffer mostly from one of the following:

1. Vitamin B1, B12 and folate deficiencies.

2. Excessive alcohol intake.

3. Traumatic injuries such as from car accidents.

4. Chemotherapy treatments- may cause damage to the peripheral nervous system.

5. Auto-immune diseases- Such as Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

But sometimes peripheral neuropathy seems to happen for no particular reason. Also known as Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, it occurs mostly in people over 60 years old and usually progresses slowly if at all.

People of that group are diagnosed based on their medical history, clinical examination and supporting laboratory investigations.

Treatment of such idiopathic neuropathy is focused mostly on controlling the associated pain with anti-seizure medications,  antidepressants, or opiate drugs.

More severe conditions may require a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post Can you have neuropathy without having diabetes? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.