What lifestyle changes can help relieve the symptoms of neuropathy?
Neuropathy is not a pleasant experience for anyone. If there was a way to get rid of or prevent it, would you do it? Some of our readers had some insight about what types of changes could contribute to neuropathy relief. Keep reading to find out what changes you can make today.
5 Health Habits to Mitigate Neuropathy Symptoms
To help relieve the symptoms of neuropathy, consider making the following lifestyle changes:
1. Maintain a balanced diet: Consume nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support nerve health.
2. Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate physical activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day, five days each week. Exercise improves blood circulation, which can help alleviate neuropathy symptoms.
3. Manage blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to monitor and control your blood sugar levels, as high glucose levels can worsen neuropathy.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking restricts blood flow, which can worsen neuropathic pain. Quitting smoking can improve circulation and alleviate symptoms.
5. Prioritize sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night, as inadequate sleep can exacerbate neuropathy symptoms.
By implementing these lifestyle changes, you can improve your overall health and potentially reduce the symptoms of neuropathy. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your routine.
Regular Movement and Exercise
There are many different types of neuropathy, but all are in relation to some sort of nerve damage in the body. This can lead to many painful conditions that can be mitigated through certain lifestyle changes.
Regular movement and exercise can be very helpful for neuropathy as it helps with blood circulation, increases your heart rate, and improves the strength of your muscles. These are all helpful things when you have this condition. You also want to ensure you are eating a healthy diet so you can avoid increasing your blood sugar levels, as well as eating all the vitamins and minerals necessary to help with nerve regeneration. Eating well and exercising also simply help you to feel good, which is really helpful when you are experiencing pain often.
You don’t need to make a complete change in your life right away, but you can start by simply making smaller changes with the idea that you will take better care of your mind and body. This could mean walking three times a week around your home and reducing the amount of fast food you eat. Small changes help to make these lifestyle changes more of a habit which is essential when it comes to managing the symptoms of neuropathy.
Keep Your Hands and Feet Warm
Keep your hands and feet warm. The hands and feet become numb and tingle when the weather is cold. [Those with neuropathy may not feel these cues.] Always keep your extremities warm by having protection. Wearing warm clothing, as well as keeping warm bottles at hand, can help.
Regular exercise and meditation can also help. Physical activity and relaxation can improve mood and improve blood circulation. These activities can alleviate the pain and reduce further nerve damage.
Changes You Can Make to Help Your Neuropathy
Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing and relieving the symptoms of neuropathy. It’s important to note that you should always consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your lifestyle. Here are some lifestyle changes that may help alleviate neuropathy symptoms:
1. Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve circulation, maintain muscle strength, and reduce neuropathy symptoms. Choose low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, or cycling, and consult your healthcare provider to develop a suitable exercise plan.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can reduce pressure on nerves and improve overall health. Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to help manage your weight.
3. Manage blood sugar levels: For individuals with diabetic neuropathy, maintaining proper blood sugar levels is crucial in preventing nerve damage and alleviating symptoms. Monitor your blood sugar regularly, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations, and adhere to your prescribed diabetes management plan.
4. Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking can worsen neuropathy symptoms by impairing blood circulation and damaging nerves. Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption and quit smoking to improve nerve health.
5. Take care of your feet: For those with peripheral neuropathy, it’s essential to pay extra attention to foot care. Keep your feet clean and dry, wear comfortable shoes, and inspect your feet daily for any cuts, blisters, or sores to prevent complications.
6. Manage stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate neuropathy symptoms. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to help manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
7. Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can support nerve health. Ensure your diet includes B vitamins, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining nerve function.
8. Consult your healthcare provider about supplements: Some supplements, such as alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine, have shown potential in alleviating neuropathy symptoms. However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
9. Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help manage neuropathy pain and promote overall well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and create a relaxing bedtime environment.
Remember, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most effective lifestyle changes for your specific situation and to develop a personalized treatment plan for managing neuropathy symptoms.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors’ statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.