The 101 On Holistic Prevention For Your Diabetic Neuropathy

From a complete change in your diet and a large increase in exercise for weight loss to the addition of daily insulin shots or oral medications, it is easy to see the overwhelming nature of a diabetes diagnosis. While you and your doctor are most likely managing your condition, focusing on your skin to prevent diabetic neuropathy is also important. Considering an estimated 15 to 18 million Americans currently suffer with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, learning how to prevent this condition is imperative.

Of course, understanding this medical condition is necessary for prevention and treatment. Using this guide, you will understand diabetic neuropathy and learn how to naturally prevent this condition.

Diabetic Neuropathy 101

Patients with diabetes have high levels of blood sugar, which quickly damages nerve fibers through your body. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy occurs when this damage occurs to the nerves in your hands, arms, feet, and legs.

The condition may cause one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling Sensation
  • Burning Sensation
  • Increased Sensitivity to Touch
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Inability to Balance/Loss of Coordination
  • Sharp Pain
  • Infections/Deformities
  • Joint/Bone Discomfort

While more common at night, you may experience the symptoms throughout the day. The overall discomfort can limit your daily activities and your quality of sleep, so treatment will most likely be necessary. Unfortunately, treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy involves managing your diabetes through diet and exercise and relieving the pain with medication. Thankfully, preventing the condition is possible with proper care of your hands and feet.

Coconut Oil  

While surprising to hear, moisturizing your skin with coconut oil is a great option for preventing diabetic neuropathy. Coconut oil not only moisturizes your skin, but it also improves the circulation of blood to your limbs. This reduces your risk of neuropathy in your hands and feet.

After bathing, dry off with a clean towel. Then, apply a few teaspoons of organic coconut oil to your hands. Massage the oil into your hands, arms, legs, and feet.

Vitamin E

Face soap, body washes, shaving products, and even many types of makeup advertise the addition of vitamin E for a reason. Not only does vitamin E heal skin irritations, but it also increases blood circulation by strengthening your capillary walls. Vitamin E is beneficial for preventing diabetic neuropathy, but also for treating existing inflammation due to its antioxidant properties.

Use the following ingredients to create natural skin moisturizer:

  • 2 capsules of vitamin E
  • 4 ounces of shea butter
  • 4 ounces of mineral oil
  • ½ tablespoon of tea tree oil

Combine the shea butter and mineral oil in a bowl. Open the vitamin E capsules and pour liquid into the bowl. Lastly, add the tea tree oil before mixing with a spoon.

Each night, after showering, dry off with a clean towel. Apply a few teaspoons of your vitamin E moisturizer to your hands and feet. Massage the oil deeply into your skin, focusing on your fingers and toes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

While surprising to hear, adding an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement to your daily diet can prevent and alleviate diabetic neuropathy pain. Since omega-3 fatty acids are common in fish oil supplements, incorporating one into your daily regimen is smart for improving blood flow and reducing the possibility of nerve damage from diabetes.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, fish oil is also an effective pain reliever. By taking one each day, you can reduce your risk of developing neuropathy, but also reduce any pain that may already be present in your hands and feet.

Treating your diabetes is essential, but taking some steps to find more info and prevent neuropathy from setting in is imperative. Using this guide, you can understand and holistically prevent diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

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