3-step treatment for peripheral neuropathy

map of spine nerves

The good news

Provided the nerve cell is still alive, peripheral nerve cells have a remarkable ability to regenerate themselves. Symptoms can usually be controlled by various means, but the real cure is to prevent new damage by identifying and eliminating what is causing the neuropathy.

Step 1: Symptomatic treatments to control inflammation

Natural / alternative symptomatic treatments for neuropathy

General recommendations to counter and control inflammation:  INFLAMMATION – Can’t live with it, Can’t live without it

Transdermal DMSO

Small scale studies conducted in the early 1980’s suggested DMSO may help to relieve peripheral neuropathy (Kingery, 1997)

  • DMSO has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect
  • DMSO is a powerful antioxidant
  • DMSO contains sulfur – a component of nerve protecting vitamin B1

DMSO -Carrier and Penetrant / Stop Pain & inflammation

Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA)

Universal fat and water soluble antioxidant

R-ALA offers several benefits against peripheral neuropathy

Alpha Lipoic Acid (aka. thioctic acid or R-ALA) is the key to significant reduction of neuropathy and nerve pain.

R-ALA is a sulfur-containing fatty acid found inside every cell of the body; the reduced form of α-lipoic acid is dihydrolipic acid (DHLA)

R-ALA helps generate energy

  • R-ALA is an essential cofactor for several mitochondrial enzymes critical to cellular energy production. Also found to act similarly to INSULIN by increasing numbers of cell “transporters”(GLUT-4s) that carry glucose into cells and increasing glucose uptake

This potent fat- and water-soluble antioxidant can neutralize potentially damaging radicals (both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species) just about anywhere in the body. 

  • As can its reduced form DHLA; although supplemented body concentrations are 10-fold less than vitamin C and glutathione and it is quickly eliminated from cells.

Glutathione (GSH) synthesis.

This “in-house” master antioxidant deals with potentially carcinogenic toxins in the body; aging-reduced levels are enhanced by α-lipoic acid

DHLA (the reduced form of α-lipoic acid) has the unique ability to recharge other fat- and water- soluble antioxidants that have been used up.

E.g. Vitamins B, C and E, CoQ10 (important in mitochondrial electron transport chain in cellular energy production) and glutathione; protects microcirculation to the nerves by combating free radicals, a primary cause of nerve damage.

R-ALA and DHLA are effective chelators of free transition metal iron and copper ions.

Preventing them from catalyzing reactions that produce potentially nerve-damaging free radicals.

Can cross the blood/brain barrier / Specific effect on nerves eases neuropathy-associated burning, pain, and numbness.

Promotes better blood flow and oxygen to the nerves; promotes glucose entry into nerve cells and breakdown once there.

R-ALA is synthesized in the body and a small amount obtained from food. In the cell mitochondria 2 sulfur atoms are inserted into octanoic acid (an 8-carbon fatty acid).

Dosage of R-ALA to counter peripheral neuropathy

150 mg R-ALA twice per day or 600-1200 mg /day of a 50/50 mix of R-ALA and S-ALA. (Several studies have shown 100% R-ALA (form occurring in food) to be more effective than the cheaper, more commonly used S-ALA). For best bioavailability, take on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after eating).

Some scientists’ results using R-ALA for neuropathy

  • Researcher L. Androne found that “The antioxidant therapy with R-ALA improves and may prevent diabetic neuropathy.”
  • “Treatment with R-ALA over 3 weeks is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy”.   Reports scientist FA Gries.
  • “Oral treatment with R-ALA for 5 weeks improved neuropathic symptoms.” (Ziegler & Gries, 1997; Kahler et al, 1993; Ziegler et al, 1995; Packer et al, 1995; Ruhnau et al, 1999 )

Animal studies have indicated that a combination of ALA with ALC (see below) can actually reverse and repair the neurological and cognitive declines that occur with aging.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC)

Amino acid responsible for transporting certain fatty acids into cell mitochondria for energy production

20 years of benefits with Alzheimer’s and cognitive disorders

More recent studies show ALC reduces pain and increases nerve conduction in PN

Italian study published 2002

333 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were randomized in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled fashion. Half of the patients received initial doses of 1000 mg daily of intramuscular ALC for 10 days followed by 2000 mg a day orally for the remainder of the year. At the end of the study, those patients treated with ALC showed a statistically significant improvement in nerve conduction responsiveness compared to placebo. In addition, after twelve months of treatment the ALC group had a statistically significant reduction of pain by 39% compared to 8% in the placebo group. The conclusion was that ALC was effective and well tolerated in improving neurophysiological parameters and reducing pain over a one year period. It was felt to be a promising treatment option in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

2010 study published in England

Pre-treating animals with ALC seemed to have a protective effect on peripheral nerves that were then experimentally destroyed. Study authors suggest ALC may be suitable for clinical use in preventing nerve death after peripheral nerve trauma.

N- Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC has been shown to be neuroprotective in traumatic brain injury.     A potent antioxidant, NAC reduces inflammatory cytokines and proteins, reducing edema. NAC is a precursor to body’s master antioxidant glutathione. (Sagara et al, 1996; Love et al, 1996)

Transdermal (or intravenous) magnesium

Reduced Magnesium levels can increase acute pain and induce chronic neuropathic pain.    Low magnesium levels not only inhibit the body’s capacity to block the NMDA receptor site, contributing to higher levels of acute or immediate pain, but in addition, low magnesium levels make central sensitization of the spinal cord more likely to occur, which can lead to chronic neuropathic pain.

magnesium  deficiency also allows potentially damaging heavy metal deposition in the brain.

Take a nightly footbath in a solution of magnesium chloride crystals and water.   The transdermal method is the best to quickly raise body’s magnesium levels and bring relief from pain anywhere in the body, but especially if in the lower leg area, as is often the case with PN;

An Epsom Salt bath provides both magnesium  and sulfur to the body.   Dissolve 2 Cups Epsom salts (magnesium  sulfate crystals) in a tub of warm (not hot) water. Soak whole body for 15-20 minutes. Do this therapy 3 times a week – Very relaxing!

Sulfur

Mg against Pain

Mg calms Nerves

Transdermal Magnesium Chloride

Vitamin D

#1 in the arsenal against inflammation

Vitamin D is neuroprotective – reduces neuronal loss when used alone in traumatic brain injury studies and further studies have shown that adding vitamin D to the Progesterone protocol to rebuild nerves, increases the benefits of Progesterone (See Progesterone on this page). Vitamin D deficiency increases levels of inflammatory cytokines and proteins, which increase substantially when injured.

Best obtained from skin exposure to the sun’s rays.    Need 5000 – 10000 IU / day to battle neuropathic inflammation. The next best Vitamin D source is to use a full spectrum tanning bed, and the third choice is to take a vitamin D3 supplement.

The “Sunbath” – Vit D

How to obtain Vitamin D

“Anti-inflammatoryOmega-6 GLA fatty acids

The body’s inflammatory response is controlled by the sufficient presence of anti-inflammatory Omega-3 and Omega-6 GLA fatty acids to balance today’s typical over-consumption of the inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids (E.g. in corn/soy/canola oils used in cooking /processed foods) – the best way to restore balance is to supplement with wild salmon oil or krill oil and flax seed for omega-3 and evening primrose or borage oil for omega-6 GLA

We need more omega-3

How to obtain omega-3 fat

Castor Oil

Castor oil – Palm of Christ is used either alone or with added essential oils to relieve neural pain.   Some good warming E.O.’s: Oil of Oregano, Cinnamon Oil, Black Pepper Oil, and Ginger Oil, and also Cayenne

Curcumin for autoimmune PN

Potential neuroprotective properties of curcumin (found in turmeric spice)

  • Curcumin, confirmed as potent inflammatory agent, and believed to interrupt immune system attack on myelin sheath.   Nashville researchers believe curcumin may interrupt the production of IL-12, a protein that plays a key role in signaling immune cells to launch their assault on the myelin sheath.
  • Mice with EAE (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis – an immune condition used as a model for MS, since it results in myelin erosion) recover movement after curcumin injections.    In a 30-day study injecting mice with curcumin doses 3 times/week at doses roughly equivalent to the amount eaten in a typical Indian diet (E.g. in curry); In Asian countries, where spicy foods, including yellow compounds like curcumin are eaten quite regularly, reports of M.S. are rare; (Annual Experimental Biology, 2002)

Quit Smoking

Does this really need saying? – OK fine –  here’s just one reason.    Smoking constricts the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the peripheral nerves and can worsen neuropathic symptoms.

 

Mainstream medicine symptomatic treatment for PN to control inflammation

Cymbalta

Cymbaltais a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI), FDA approved for PN – An SSNRI prevents the reuptake of SEROTONIN and NOREPINEPHRINE by nerve endings, leaving these central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitters active in the synaptic gap between neurons.In neuropathic pain, the nervous system itself is the source of pain. One of the things that the nervous system does is to filter out information being sent to it, so that only important information is sent on to the brain. One way that this happens is by having more of the neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine present in the spinal cord and brainstem.

Relief may not last more than a couple months and has some serious withdrawal problems – in some cases, Cymbalta works well for diabetes peripheral neuropathy for a couple of months but then, after realizing it doesn’t work anymore,it can take up to 3 months to completely wean off it, otherwise withdrawal symptoms can be severe. One site lists a possible 85 Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms. Some minor/irritating, such as canker sours, but others disruptive to daily life such as a buzzing in one’s brain.

Opiates

Opiate-containing drugs can lead to dependence, constipation (opiates reduce intestinal motility) or sedation – E.g. codeine, oxycodone

In many cases, peripheral neuropathy symptoms improve with time – especially if the condition is caused by an underlying condition that can be treated. A number of medications often are used to reduce the painful symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Pfizer’s Lyrica

FDA approved pill to treat nerve pain associated with diabetic neuropathy (and shingles) – it is the successor to Pfizer’s Neurontin, now also available as a generic.   http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/01/business/01pfizer.html?oref=login

Lyrica appears to have some positive effects related to anxiety.

Peripheral neuropathy may be associated with a deficiency of the neurotransmitter GABA  – a possible reason for why Lyrica is effective against neuropathy pain.

Dr. Braverman -“The Edge Effect“.

Step 2: Remove the source of damage to peripheral nerves

You need to address the source of your problem

  • Diabetic neuropathy – you need to control blood glucose, which is causing high levels of oxidative stress throughout the body.
  • Peripheral neuropathies, optic neuropathies, and pernicious anemia –  can be due to a Vitamin B12 deficiency and/or folic acid deficiency;
  • Neuropathy caused by exposure to toxic metals – E.g. lead, mercury, in medications. Focus on removing offending substances from the body.
  • Neuropathy caused by bacterial infection – the only way to get rid of organisms in nerve sheath is using electromedicine.
  • Neuropathies caused by an autoimmune disorder –  E.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Guillain-Barre – Treatment is aimed at the underlying inflammatory condition.
  • Neuropathies caused by nerve pressure –  E.g. carpal tunnel syndrome, trapped nerve. Focus on relieving the source of the pressure. Strategies include ergonomic changes to alter any repetitive motions or positions (such as at a keyboard) that caused the neuropathy, rebuilding cartilage, removing infection or toxins causing joint inflammation. Anti-inflammatory “tools” can be applied to area of spine with trapped nerve. (see above diagram) E.g. The SOTA magnetic pulser

Use electromedicine to kill bacteria inside myelin sheath

***HIGH PRIORITY***

 If mercury or other heavy metals could be present, then you should first do a treatment to remove them

If you first apply electromedicine using a frequency of <10Hz  to remove bacteria from the myelin sheath and mercury is present, these low frequencies can cause cells to become more permeable and mercury vapor can penetrate the brain.  This could make the problem much worse; it is better to assume mercury is the problem and do a program to remove toxic metals first – if you are wrong, there is no harm done, only benefit.

Suspect mercury poisoning if you have:

  • Handled heavy metals (e.g. in a dental office);
  • An abnormally high number of “silver” fillings (~ 50% mercury);
  • Been exposed to drinking water contaminated with chemicals;
  • Eaten a lot of fish (most is highly contaminated with mercury);
  • Had their mercury fillings removed by an unqualified dentist, etc.

Treatment requires that toxic metals which can penetrate the blood brain barrier are removed from the body.   The following link gives information on “tools” you can use to remove mercury and other toxic metals from your body. You must do your research on these, because some of the stronger methods of chelation can be dangerous if not done properly; elpful book on chelation: “My Recovery Protocol” by Ken Presner.

Toxic Metal Detox “Tools”

Have dental amalgam removed by a QUALIFIED dentist – if this process is not done safely, it could kill you!   Go to a “biological” or “holistic” dentist (NOT a regular dentist) – they are trained to do two things:

  1. Use a rubber dam to protect against swallowing mercury bits
  2. Use a vacuum tube to prevent inhalation of vaporized mercury (tube at least 3″diameter placed on chest a few inches away from mouth or even better, an “elephant trunk” tube hanging from ceiling;

Electromedicine is the only way to kill bacteria, which are not in the blood stream – there are several choices of electrical units you can use for a systemic DAILY treatment to kill microbes (all are sold as research units, legally they can not mention health benefits)

Here are a couple of choices of electromedicine devices:

(1) Beck Protocol Units – these are very affordable units that work very effectively to remove ALL microbes from the body that are not inside cells. One drawback is that the low output frequency (~4Hz) of these devices causes cell membranes to become very permeable, allowing many substances (E.g. mercury) to be absorbed into cell (technically called “transfection”, Beck called it “electroporation”). This means that the treatment would also increase the effect of any drugs you are taking, and as such, you can not be taking any drugs concurrent with treatment . The transfection effect is less when using a device operating at a frequency of at least 10Hz (40 Hz is better if taking strong drugs), such as the “HIGH RF FREQUENCY GENERATOR” . However, using the 4Hz Beck Protocol unit, it may be possible to take some herbs or mild drugs, provided they are taken 2 hours before or 1 hour after daily electromedicine treatment session, to allow time for these substances to exit the body before the next day’s treatment session.

The Beck Protocol

SOTA Magnetic Pulser

SOTA Silver Pulser

(2) “HIGH RF FREQUENCY GENERATOR”

  • Versatile/powerful unit – “sweeps” through many frequencies in succession to target certain microbes. It runs frequencies up to 20 MHz (most other generators top out at < 40,000 Hz). Its 2.4 MHz ‘carrier wave carries lower frequencies far into the body. The “HIGH RF FREQUENCY GENERATOR” offers a selection of wave patterns, and several other features to set it apart; the major drawback to this generator is its price (~$2300-$4600 depending on options)
  • Use programs for MS, Lyme Disease or any programs involving treponemes, spirochetes or mycoplasma (bacteria lacking cell walls)

“HIGH RF FREQUENCY GENERATOR”

Avoid / remove other harmful substances

Cleanse liver

Toxins may be responsible for PN and a poorly functioning liver will not be able to remove them from the body. A coffee enema is one of the best ways to stimulate the liver

Overnight liver/gallbladder flush  (I won’t lie – this is not fun!)

Coffee Enema – “Trash Truck”

Apply some natural detox therapies

E.g. Epsom salts, sea salt, seaweed powder, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda.

Foods to avoid

Avoid highly oxidized, damaged / processed fats (usually omega-6 fats) – E.g. trans fats found in most all processed / deep fried foods, typical grocery store oils (E.g. soy, canola, and corn oil), margarine, most peanut butterToxic Fats distort cellular functions throughout the body, including the brain.

Eliminate/minimize sugar, (particularly fructose, and minimize / eliminate other refined carbs) to control blood sugar

  • Excess fructose and/or glucose promotes the production of significant damage / inflammation – causing AGES (Advanced Glycation End-products), which are involved in many degenerative diseases. Glycations to simple sugars, such as glucose and fructoseinactivates the enzyme glutathione reductase, responsible for maintaining the body’s major cell-protecting antioxidant enzyme Glutathione (GSH).
  • Peripheral nerves and organs / tissue NOT dependent on INSULIN for their absorption of glucose are more susceptible to damage from periods of hyperglycemia than other organs/tissue – i.e. peripheral nerves, kidneys, blood vessels and lenses of the eye.

Cut out processed foods and sweetened beverages.  This will go a long way to keeping fructose intake to a healthy level of < 25 grams / day;

Excess fructose

Avoid refined carbs.   The body quickly turns them into glucose; even whole grains convert to sugar, just a little slower. Tip: Eat sprouted grain bread and try and minimize even the whole grain carbohydrates in your diet

Too Much Sugar and Other refined carbohydrates

Avoid MSG – which has been linked to neuronal pathway damage

MSG – and other forms of Neurotoxic Free Glutamic Acid

Avoid aspartame, commercial fruit juices, bottled/canned fruits and vegetables – Aspartame ( NutraSweet®, Equal®, etc.), typically found in sugar-free soda and foods, quickly metabolizes to methanol a potent neurotoxin. (Fresh fruit and veggies also contain methanol, but bound to pectin, and your body does not have the enzymes to break down this form. Unfortunately, the methanol in bottled/canned fruit or vegetables or their juice tends to dissociate from the pectin into free methanol, which you do absorb, and which is then converted into formaldehyde (yes, the same chemical they use to embalm dead bodies). Interestingly, ethanol (alcohol) is the antidote to methanol and could explain why moderate (one-a-day) “drinkers” often live longer than those who don’t drink! Epidemiologic studies show moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with a reduced risk of myocardial infarction, dementia, lupus, and other diseases of civilization;

Check your iron levels

Excess iron can cause damage to the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels as well as create massive amounts of free radicals. It can also damage your DNA. Therefore, if you have PN it is very important to check your blood for iron overload, through a simple blood test called a serum ferritin test. The healthy range of serum ferritin is 20-80 ng/ml (ideally 40-60 ng/ml) ng/ml.Ferritin levels can even exceed 1,000, but anything over 80 is likely a problem. Donate your blood 1-3 times per year, even up to as many as once/month as tolerated, until your ferritin levels have been sufficiently loweredMenstruating women would be unlikely to have excess iron, because they lose iron each month in blood lost during menstruation. 

Step 3: Support nerves and aid peripheral nerve regeneration

Malabsorption Problems / Lack of nutrients or good intestinal bacteria

Malabsorption would obviously lead to nutritional deficiencies – Malabsorption may occur from a wide variety of causes:

  • One common cause of malabsorption is a lack of beneficial intestinal bacteria needed to digest food – This can be corrected by taking a quality probiotic supplement with at least 50 billion CFU and a variety of good bacterial strains for a couple of months, whilst incorporating dietary probiotics (e.g. quality yogurt) and prebiotics (food for the good bacteria, such as bananas, garlic, onions, legumes, raw honey) into your ongoing daily regimen.

Probiotics – “Pro Life

Eat lots of organic fruit & vegetables, organic eggs from pastured hens, and eat organic meats from grass-fed animals / birds – a raw egg smoothie (E,g, with fruit, yogurt and a banana) is an amazing pick-me-up for those who are ailing!  Davidson’s™ eggs  have been sterilized to ensure eggs are infection-free.

B vitamins

vitamins are required for healthy nerve function.    They may help those who develop peripheral neuropathy, especially when unassociated with a particular disease, such as diabetes. Generally, the B-vitamins help convert carbohydrates into energy. B6B12 and Folate / folic acid (B9) in body) are cofactors for the methyl donor molecule SAMe. Regenerates nerves and promotes remyelination of nerve fibers. Since vitamins B6, B12 and folate are cofactors for SAMe, their deficiency may cause neurological and psychiatric disturbances, including depression, dementia, myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy, and folate deficiency has, in fact, been linked to PN. Sadun AA. Metabolic optic neuropathies. Semin Ophthalmol. 2002 Mar;17(1):29-32.

SAMe – And Other Methyl Donor Molecules

FOLIC ACID (B9)

Folic acid Dosage – the amount found effective in peripheral neuropathy is 10 mg – 2 to 3 times/day.   Parry, T.E., Folate Deficient Neuropathy. ACTA Hematologica, 1990;84:108.

THIAMINE (B1)

Symptoms of B1 deficiency – include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • “Pins and needles” sensations
  • Feeling of numbness, especially in the legs
  • Muscle tenderness, particularly in the calf muscles

B1 as Benfotiamine is a naturally-occurring, more bio-available form of B1 than conventional thiamine supplements

  • Benfotiamine’s superior ability to penetrate cell membranes increases its bioavailability over conventional thiamine hydrochloride – its unique molecular open-ring structure enabling it to pass directly through cell membranes into the cell; Study in International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapy found that the bioavailability of benfotiamine is 3.6 X greater than thiamine hydrochloride;
  • Benfotiamine results in the sustained increase of Thiamine Pyrophosphate (TPP) – can produce beneficial effects on general nerve health, neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, polyneuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and coronary health for both diabetics and non-diabetics; German study found that benfotiamine can relieve neuropathy pain within 3 weeks.
  • Benfotiamine contains sulfur

Daily Dosage of Benfotiamine – 100 – 600mg w/food

Food sources of B1  – excellent B1 foods include Asparagus, Crimini Mushrooms, Spinach, Tuna, Brussels Sprouts, Flax seeds, Green Peas. Good sources are romaine Lettuce, mustard greens, summer squash, green beans, ssunflower seeds, cabbage, tomatoes, turnip greens, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, black beans, oranges, bell peppers, swiss chard, navy beans, collard greens, dried peas, carrots, pineapple, lentils, garlic, lima beans, sesame seeds, pinto beans, grapes, cantaloupe, kidney beans

PYRIDOXINE (B6)

Daily Dosage of B6 – 2-8 mg Pyridixine HCl.  Do not take more than 200 mg of B6 – as higher daily doses can actually cause symptoms of neuropathy.

COBALAMIN (B12)

Vitamin B12 protects the sheathing surrounding nerve cells and may promote regeneration and growth of nerve cells – a study in the Journal of Neurological Science postulated that methylcobalamine could increase protein synthesis and help regenerate nervesScientists state that ultra-high doses of methylcobalamine have been proven in clinical studies to produce nerve regeneration. Conversely, a B12 deficiency may result in nerve damage.

The liver can store 3 – 5 years supply of Vitamin B12

Food sources of B12  – red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, fish

Daily dose – 2000mcg Methycobalamine (sublinngual tablets) twice daily; typical doses range from 1000 – 5000 mcg; Methylcobalamine is more bioavailable than commonly supplemented cyanocobalamine;

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Omega-3 – ***HIGH PRIORITY ***

The myelin sheath is primarily composed of fatty acids

Optimize your essential fat intake – ensure a good supply of both animal and plant-based anti-inflammatory Omega-3 and omega-6 GLA fats for myelin sheath integrity (important for controlling extent of inflammatory reaction)

The powerful “Omega-3 Fix” – incorporates sunbathing, flaxseed oil, flax seed with its fiber and lignans and a quality marine oil to supply a sufficiency of much needed, often deficient omega-3 fatty acids

EFAs -The Fats of Life

Progesterone

  • Progesterone has been shown in animal studies to promote the formation of new myelin sheaths.  Human Reproduction 2000 Jun;15 Suppl 1:1-13J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1999 Apr-Jun;69:97-107Mult Scler 1997 Apr;3:105-12
  • Progesterone promotes regeneration and myelination of axons (myelin forms around neural axons, allowing nerve impulses to travel faster); influences growth, differentiation and increases expression of myelin-specific proteins in oligodendrocytes, and potentiates the formation of new myelin sheaths by Schwann cells in vivo; antioxidant effect in injured nervous system; multiple effects on glial (Neuron support) cells;
  • Progesterone-induced “blocking factor” directly blocks T-cell activation – reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and their protein products;
  • Progesterone is an essential building block for the stress hormone CORTISOL.   Under stress, most of the progesterone produced is converted into the corticosteroid hormones to deal with the emotional stress or fight or flight situations;
  • Adrenal exhaustion from aging / poor nutrition reduces adrenal progesterone production.   Also reduces anti-inflammatory CORTISONE.

Progesterone- Pregnancy Hormone

Estrogen Dominance

Sulfur

  • Component of B1 (thiamine).   Important for nerve function;
  • Component of antioxidants (E.g. glutathione,  N-acetylcysteine (NAC), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA))
  • Vitamin C is dependent on sulfur for absorption.   For protection against potentially nerve-damaging oxidation reactions;
  • Component of enzymes.   E.g. Coenzyme-A;
  • Bonds (S-S) connect proteins in connective tissue and are the basis for its flexibility.   Important in neuropathy affected by connective tissue inflammation or degeneration;
  • Has a role in detoxification – as a heavy metal detoxifier and especially in liver detoxification; free metal ions or other toxins may be the root cause of oxidative damage to nerves in PN.

Sulfur           MSM – Organic Sulfur

L-Arginine

L-Arginine has potent neuroprotective properties -and may be a therapeutic tool in ALS and neuropathy

Lee JRyu HKowall NW.Motor neuronal protection by L-arginine prolongs survival of mutant SOD1 (G93A) ALS mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Jul 10;384(4):524-9. PubMed

NIR class 4 laser therapy

NIR Class 4 laser therapy is an effective healing frequency therapy in the infrared range (~700-1000 nanometers) obtainable at reasonable cost at clinics throughout the world, incl. the U.S.    Not only stops the pain, but also affects a cure

  • Reduces pain
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Enhances tissue healing

NIR Class 4 laser therapy

Lion’s mane mushroom

(saw this, might be worth researching)

Nerve regeneration using lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) – contains molecules known as hericenones and erinacines, two compounds suspected to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF).

Other nutrients needed to maintain myelin sheath integrity

  • Uric acid;
  • Vitamin D
  • Essential fatty acids;

References

Annual Experimental Biology (2002) Conference New Orleans, LAApril 23, 2002

Kingery WS. (1997) A critical review of controlled clinical trials for peripheral neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndromes. Pain ;73:123-39.

Kahler W, Kuklinski B, Ruhlmann C, et al. (1993) Diabetes mellitus-a free radical-associated disease. Results of adjuvant antioxidant supplementation [in German; English abstract]. Z GesamteInnMed.48:223-232.

Love A, Cotter MA, et al. (1996 Aug) Effects of the sulphydryl donor N-acetyl-L-cysteine on nerve conduction, perfusion, maturation and regeneration following freeze damage in diabetic rats. Eur J Clin Invest. 26(8):698-706. [PubMed]

Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. (1995) Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radic Biol Med. 19:227-250.

Ruhnau KJ, Meissnert HP, Finn JR, et al. (1999) Effects of 3-week oral treatment with the antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) in symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy. Diabet Med. 16:1040-1043.

Sagara MSatoh JWada RYagihashi STakahashi KFukuzawa MMuto GMuto YToyota T. (1996 Mar) Inhibition of development of peripheral neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with N-acetylcysteine.Diabetologia. 39(3):263-9. [PubMed]

Ziegler D, Hanefeld M, Ruhnau KJ, et al. (1995) Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the anti-oxidant alpha-lipoic acid. A 3-week multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study). Diabetologia. 38:1425-1433.

Ziegler D, Gries FA. (1997) Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic peripheral and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes. 46(suppl 2):S62-S66.

Chronic low-level inflammation

Electrotherapy
- The Medical kit of the future

Benefits:

  • Detoxification
  • Boost immune system / cellular energy
  • Anti-inflammatory / Pain-relief
  • Insomnia / Reduce stress
  • Accelerates healing of tissue, bone, muscles, scars
  • Improve circulation +++

Successful electrotherapies:

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy Near Infrared (NIR) class 4 laser therapy
Rife therapy
Ozone therapy

Neuromuscular-related

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Peripheral neuropathy

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Peripheral nervous system 101

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