It’s no secret that we have a Type 2 diabetes EPIDEMIC.  Rates of diabetes in adults have doubled in the past 20 years!

Currently about 30 million people have diabetes, and by 2030 that number is expected to be over 50 million.

But diabetes isn’t just a blood sugar problem!  Instead it comes with a LONG wake of serious complications. 

And one of the scariest consequences of diabetes that is on the rise is neuropathy.

Here’s what you need to know about this painful and progressive condition and how you can get relief naturally.

Neuropathy—what exactly is it?

Simply put, neuropathy is a condition characterized by chronically inflamed and damaged nerve fibers.  Although it can occur anywhere, the most common areas for it to strike are your limbs, hands and feet.

Neuropathy is one of the most likely complications of diabetes because elevated blood sugar can severely impact nerve fibers throughout your body.

Although neuropathy can sometimes be caused by infection, injury, chemical exposure or nerve compression (such as with carpal tunnel syndrome), far and away the most common type is diabetic neuropathy. 

How it progresses

Neuropathy typically starts as numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, eventually spreading up to the limbs. 

But it doesn’t stop there—instead it can progress to a storm of problems and complications including:

• Loss or absence of sensation.
• Feeling of pins and needles.
• Pain described as burning, sharp, or "electric-like."
• Increased sensitivity to touch.
• Clumsiness or decreased coordination.
• Weakness or paralysis.
• Bowel or bladder problems (because nerves controlling these bodily functions may be affected).
• Temperature intolerances.
• Decreased ability to participate in normal functional activities.
• Kidney damage.
• Low blood pressure.
• Digestive problems.
• Blisters, sores and infections that are difficult to heal.

In extreme cases, infections and sores that are not properly treated may progress into gangrene and lead to amputation of the affected extremity or limb.

So clearly, neuropathy is nothing to take lightly!

Fight back at neuropathy

When it comes to counteracting neuropathy, first and foremost it’s crucial to address the root cause and keep your blood sugar under control.

And the best way to do this is with your DIET!  Here are foods you should eat and those you should avoid to help keep your blood sugar at healthier levels:

Foods to eat with Type 2 diabetes

Salmon and cod:  The Omega-3 essential fatty acids in fish like salmon and cod provide crucial support to your metabolism including maintaining proper insulin levels. 

Legumes:  Legumes are packed with fiber and protein and help regulate blood sugar.

Onions:  Onions are rich in chromium, which is an important mineral to help regulate blood sugar.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are also a good source of chromium, plus they are loaded with antioxidant nutrients.

Red and purple fruits: The anthocyanins (phytonutrients) found in cranberries, cherries, blueberries and similar fruits may help lower blood sugar levels.

Leafy greens and sweet potatoes: Loaded with antioxidant nutrients, leafy green vegetables and sweet potatoes contain special compounds beneficial for blood sugar balance.

Cinnamon: This spice is a potent antioxidant and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Walnuts: Another great source of Omega-3 EFAs, they help to encourage proper insulin levels and help lower heart disease risk.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Studies have shown that extra-virgin olive oil can have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels. 

Now let’s look at:

Foods to avoid with Type 2 diabetes

Refined carbohydrates (including soda, breakfast cereals, pasta, white breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, donuts, snack chips, crackers and white rice): These create surges of glucose flooding your bloodstream, which can send your blood sugar soaring out of control.

Dried fruits: Although fruit is generally a healthy food, the water is removed from dried fruits so what is left is a dense food with a high concentration of sugar that is very easy to overeat.

Fruit juices: Similar to dried fruits, fruit juices have had much of the fiber and some nutrients removed, leaving a very sugary beverage.

Artificial sweeteners: Although hailed by many dietitians as helpful to keep sugar intake low, artificial sweeteners are extremely dangerous to your health and should be avoided at all cost.  If you want a calorie-free sweetener, use stevia.

Easing neuropathy symptoms

Here are 4 very safe, effective ways to directly ease the symptoms of neuropathy:

Supplement with Omega-3 fish oil

Studies have shown that natural anti-inflammatories like Omega-3 fish oil can help stop nerve damage from progression and reduce pain.

And when it comes to an outstanding pharmaceutical-grade fish oil formula that’s up to this important task, look no farther than VitalMega-3!

Every 2-capsule daily dose of VitalMega-3 provides a soothing 1,200 mg of pure Omega-3 fatty acids that help naturally reduce inflammation in your nerves, as well as everywhere else in your body!  Plus they are also important to help control your blood sugar too!

Get physical therapy

Physical therapy can be extraordinarily helpful to improve and maintain functions that may be limited by neuropathy.

Modalities they may recommend include:

• Nerve Gliding Activities. Nerve gliding focuses on allowing the nerves to move more easily as you bend and straighten your joints.
• Moderate-Intensity Exercise. A physical therapist may recommend moderate-intensity exercises to help improve your strength and physical function.
• Balance and Coordination Activities. These are strategies to improve your balance and coordination, both of which may be altered by neuropathy, and help prevent falls.

Keep stress low

Stress makes inflammation worse and raises the risk for diabetic complications, including neuropathy.

Do whatever it takes to ease stress in your life—including exercise, prayer, meditation, visualization, deep breathing and essential oils (especially lavender).

In addition, acupuncture is wonderful for helping to lower stress and relieve pain.

Supplement with vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is crucial for a healthy nervous system.  Unfortunately, it’s an extremely common deficiency, especially in diabetics, and being low in B12 can worsen nerve damage.

Although supplements commonly come in tablet form, their absorbency in the GI tract may be greatly limited—especially if you use acid reducers, are over 50 or have digestive problems.

The best way to get B12 is with an oral spray like Hydroxaden 2.5.

Hydroxaden is a convenient B12 spray that you spritz under your tongue, so the B12 your body so desperately needs can be absorbed right away through the mucus membranes in your mouth!

In addition to 2.5 mg of vitamin B12 (in the preferable forms of hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin), Hydroxaden also provides vitamins B2, B3 and B6, as well as a pleasant, yummy-tasting blend of natural anti-inflammatory herbs.

See what a difference it can make in your health from head to toe when you keep your blood sugar under control and ease painful neuropathy naturally.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia