Peripheral neuropathy often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination and circulation. It is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves (not the brain or spinal cord). It can be caused by metabolic conditions (especially diabetes), infection and autoimmune diseases. Many cases have unknown cause.

The following is from the Mayo clinic website

Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include:

    • Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms
    • Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain
    • Extreme sensitivity to touch
    • Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as pain in your feet when putting weight on them or when they’re under a blanket
    • Lack of coordination and falling
    • Muscle weakness
    • Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not
    • Paralysis if motor nerves are affected

If autonomic nerves are affected, signs and symptoms might include:

    • Heat intolerance
    • Excessive sweating or not being able to sweat
    • Bowel, bladder or digestive problems
    • Drops in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness

 

Dr. Michels’ Neuropathy Nutrition Protocol

The goals of the nutrition for neuropathy are to support the metabolism and energy production of the nerve cells an to support the health and function of the nerve’s cell membrane. Also in the case of diabetes it is to support healthy blood sugar metabolism.

Neuropathy Support

  • phosphatidylserine – 150 mg/day 2 caps twice daily
  • Acetyl L-Carnitine – 800 mg 3 caps divided dose with meals
  • gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) – 240 mg 1 cap 3 times/day with meals

 Metabolic Support

  • Metabolic Synergy1 – 1 capsule 3 x daily with meals
  • Sensitol1 – 1 capsule 3 x daily with meals
  • Magnesium bi glycinate1 – 1 capsule 3x per day
  • OmegAvail Hi-Po1 – 1 capsule 2x per day with meals
  • Or OmegaAvail Smoothie1 – 2 Tbl. Daily
  • PaleoFiber1 – 1/2 teaspoon per meal
  • D3 – 5000 iu /day (pure encapsulations) – 1 capsule per day

1 These products are Designs for Health Brand

The following are specific for neuropathy: Phosphatidyl Serine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, GLA. The others are for general metabolic and blood sugar support. OmegAvail Hi-Po can be substituted with omega avail smoothie (any flavor).

Products and recommendations can be found at my FullScript Site (see Protocols – Neuropathy)

Neuropathy Protocol at Dr. Michels Fullscript Store