Natural Remedies for Neuropathy: Holistic & Nutritional

I'm hoping either Ted or Bill can chime in on this one. It's a rather startling revelation to me and I'm betting to those suffering the same conditions...I spoke to my liver Dr. yesterday in a hospital in Boston and she said that in the over 2,000 patients she has treated, she has never heard of hepatitis c causing neuropathy with one of her patients. I've been led to believe that hep-c caused my neuropathy, as I don't have diabetes and have been tested 3 times...and never had chemo.

Bill, Thank you...thank you...thank you...Man O man...I can't believe this Dr.didn't know this...I will send her the Google information so she can see for herself...I should say that this is not the first time I have been mis-informed by the medical community..Beware readers...They are not the Gods they think they are...

Lastly Bill...It it a safe assumption that if I get rid of hep-c, my poly peripheral neuropathy will go far away??? Here's hoping...and thank you again very very much...Blessings to you and your family...

Hi Diane...Yes, for the most part, the peripheral neuropathy is caused by the Hep C. As I've said, modern medical research has no understanding of this form peripheral neuropathy caused by Hep C but Ted has stated that in certain cases of peripheral neuropathy the cause may be due to pathogenic infection -- usually of mycoplasma or fungal origin -- although I would not rule out viral infection as well. The Hep C neuropathy arises because of a heavily weakened liver, immune system and blood transport system which is ultimately caused by the Hep C virus. This allows poisons to accumulate in the blood due to an inefficient excretory system(liver). This also lowers the immune protection and makes cell oxygenation inefficient thus allowing other pathogens into the body to cause separate though related Hep C problems such as peripheral neuropathy, fatigue and joint pain.

How much CoQ10 to replinish after taking Atenolol?

Is benfotiamine more for diabetic neuropathy or for neuropathy in general?

I have two people that I recommended taking the sublingual B12 dorm methylcobalamin 5000 mcg once every day. One is a diabetic but was the result of some nurse sticking a needle in the arm damaging the nerves. The other is non diabetic.

This B12 form alone seems to get a lot of positive feedback on the internet. I wonder if adding B1 benfotiamine would make any difference.

I am expecting that they will know if B12 is starting to work in around 2 weeks.

My neurologist has recently informed me that supplemental B6 can build up in your system to toxic levels and cause nerve damage. I stopped all supplements immediately. I am now getting some relief from 1tbs unfiltered, unheated, organic ACV mixed with unfiltered, unheated, organic honey in a glass of hot water, 3x per day. Do your research before you make changes or try something new :)

I would like to know if anyone with stabbing electric shocks from peripheral neuropathy has cured/stopped them. I get them all over my body, feet, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, fingers even in my eyes and the top of my head. They're so strong sometimes I almost black out. I actually see stars or a white light. I get them 24/7 My doctor said last week there's nothing more he can do. I have been on fentenyl patches, morphine, B-12 sublingual amd patches. ALA at all strengths, various kinds of magnesium at all strengths. Thank you for reading. Many blessings

Diane: I have had those symptoms for many yrs but w/ much less severity; mine was directly related to heavy metal poisoning. You can purchase a lab kit to test if you have any heavy metals by submitting a simple hair sample thru the mail. Mercury in specific is very toxic to the nervous system.

Check your D vitamin level. Read about vitamin D influence on sleep and the effects of bad sleep on body recovery. You can Google apnea and vitamin D deficiency for a few articles.

I tried B-12 patches for my terrible neuropathy and my cramping and shooting/stabbing pains got worse..I thought all B vitamins were water soluable so this wouldn't happen. Anybody have any suggestions as why this might happen? Thank you.

Unfortunately Garden of Life was sold to Nestlé who I would not trust to follow the high standards of Garden of Life.

Art/Vancouver/R-lipoic acid: I tried Art's protocol for neuropathy. He recommended 500 mgs 3/day...I got up to 700 mgs once a day and woke up with calf cramps on both legs front and back. From 4:00AM to 6:00AM screaming calf cramps. Maybe I'm using the wrong brand (natrol)? They do seem to differ a bit.

Question for Bill from Phillipines. I have Peripheral Neuropathy and hep-c. I want to take your alkalizing remedy but when I take even one tablespoon of ACV, I get freezing cold in my feet and everywhere in fact. Also, when I take vitamin E (even 200 IU's) I get freezing cold. Don't understand it. Thank you and Blessings.

Hi Bill, Thank you for the quick response. I tried the Berkson therapy for 10 months and my enzymes stayed the same and even went up a bit. I get terribly cold when I take even a small amount of chlorella. I have used chianca piedra for 6 months and my enzymes went down slightly. I currently take lugol's solution 2% on Mondays and Thursdays. I take kelp the other days which has 330 mcg of iodine in it. Last night I took a 1/8th teaspoon of baking soda with real lemon juice (2 tbls) and woke up freezing. I took my temp and it was 96.3. I had some chicken broth which warms me up enough to go to sleep.

Any other suggestions. And thank you again. And blessings.

That's great the laser worked for you, Alice. My brother has some diabetic neuropathy and has gotten good results using a laser therapy pen. He says it helps with other aches and pains as well.

Hello Ky Mama, Could you tell me when you took your burdock root? Before-during or after eating? Also, how big is a 00 capsule compared to a 1/4 teaspoonfull. I can't get capsules. Thx much

To Ky Mama from Clinton, Ky: I see where you have taken 3 or 4 capsules a day of Burdock root with food for 3 months to resolve your neuropathy. My question is... Does 4 capsules equal a teaspoon? If so, then you were taking 3 teaspoons a day. Could I take that in a glass of water instead of putting it in capsules? In other words 3 teaspoons a day of burdock. Thank you for reading.

I will start taking Burdock (1 teasp) 3x a day with turmeric (1 teasp)3x day... One last question. I have terrible calf cramps. Will the diuretic effect of the burdock effect my cramps> I'm in hell with these cramps.. They wake me up every day sometimes with both calves at once cramped.. Screaming pain... I've had these for 27 months. Thank you KY Mama...

Hi Denise,

Yes, I see why you would be hesitant to try the Blackstrap. I don't know if Dandelion Tea is an option for you, but I knew someone long ago who got Hep. C and drank Dandelion Tea and it did cure him. Also, for the swollen lymph nodes, I have found castor oil (topically) to help that a lot. I don't mean to minimize your health issues--sometimes the solutions are very complex. At the same time, sometimes there are some simple things that do help a lot. I hope that is the case for you. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. KY Mama

Magnesium oil should bring some relief to the areas of pain. Also my brother has had some success using a laser therapy pen to relieve his neuropathy pain. Steve

Hi Katie;

http://b12d.org/b12-signs-symptoms-assessment

This website provides alot of information about the signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency. Neuropathy is a primary one. Treatment of B12 deficiency neuropathy is intensive and life-long. Healing can take many months, even years.

Try r - alpha lipoic acid 300mg 3 x daily
Benfotiamine 500 2x daily
Acetyl l carnitine 2x daily
Methly b12 15000mcg sublingual 2x daily
B complex vitamin 2x daily
10000 iu vit d3 daily. Excessively lotion all affected skin twice daily since neuropathic doesnt sweat. Elevate feet at night above the level of the heart. Thick soft socks or footies
You can try the neuropathy oil they sell in cvs pharmacy, a tea tree oil neura.... Something like that sorry dont remember the name exactly. Stay away from alcohol consumption Forever! God bless you I will pray for you. J

Hi, Check out MMS and Jim Humble. I really think this can help and possibly cure your lyme's disease. Let me know if you try this.

Karen: R-alpha is the more bioavailable, hence more potent, form of Lipoic Acid. If you're not getting results from 600mg regular A.L.A. I would recommend other treatment options.

Hello Connie, I had been taking B-12 at 1000 per day. I had my levels checked 6 months later and they were 1000 points over the normal. I have stopped taking it as I felt it is not the reason for my neuropathy..

Hello Timh, Are you saying try other forms of therapy such as benfotiamine, B-12, tumeric, l-carnitine, etc. Etc. Or are you saying try R-lipoic acid? There is not much I haven't tried. I have an option to get ALA by IV and may investigate it...

Thanks for your time and concern. God bless.

That's a low dose for pain.. most use 1000mg/day just for energy. For liver disease 800-1600/day. For chronic pain ... I've read 2000-3000mg/day. Should be broken down 2-3 times a day ... 30 min before meals.

I have a question for anybody. I have peripheral neuropathy. After trying many, many remedies, I have recently connected with a person that says water salt and sugar cures just about anything. He says he was schooled by Dr. Batmangheli (SP?), who discovered the water cure. This person I spoke to has a site called "Goof proof health.com. " It's something that I am doubful about... But... Thanks

Hi Oldriske, The person I told you about tells me he has cured MS, Diabetes, cancer, neuropathy and other big issues with this therapy. Part of his logic is when you go to a hospital they give you saline solution which has water, salt and sugar. He has a point, but... Thanks much for the reply.

Is that 20 drops of 5% every day? How long can you safely do this? Thanks, Kay

Are we talking about the iodine we buy at the drug store? Like for a cut?

I have peripheral neuropathy and have tried everything on this site and more to no avail... My assumption is it's from cirrhosis that I had in 7/2011 which I got rid of with several therapies...

My neuropathy is horrendous and for the last 2 months I constantly have twitches and muscle jerks which are quite maddening... The muscle jerks keep me awake most of the night... That and the CONSTANT hot needles, electric shocks INFLAMED feet are making life very, very painful... If anyone could offer any suggestions I would be grateful, mostly on the muscle jerks as I feel the only way to get rid of my neuropathy is to get rid my my hepatitis C... I'm quite a mess... About 14 months ago I was running and working out... No more... Have trouble getting up stairs...

I even tried lions mane which came highly recommended and only gave me a splitting headache... Thank you for reading...

Karen, maybe start with Epsom Salts baths. Can't hurt and can quite possibly help.

Timh, What name brand of magnetic foot soles? There are many types on the web... I take saunas and many antioxidents... I can't sit too long as cramping in my calves and leg biceps is a HUGE problem... Can't think straight at times...

ultra violet blood irradation with 2 1/2 cc's of H2O2 at the end took me out of cirrohosis in 6 months... I had 10 treatments and was cleared of cirrosis after 5... It cost me $1700. 00.. Each treatment takes about an hour... They remove your blood and put it thru a untra violet light machine and then re-infuse it again inot you thru the machine... So the blood gets exposed to the ultra violet light twice... At the end they put in the H2O2... Also, while I was doing this, they had a Far Infra Red pad placed over my liver the whole time...

Thanks for the information about alpha lipoic acid, I thought it was just me. I have heart problems as well as NP, so that is good to know.

Hi, Can you confirm whether you take grape seed oil, grape seed extract and whether you take it in capsule or liquid form. Thanks

I developed peripheral neuropathy from an overdose of Oxalyplatin in chemotherapy for stage 3 colon cancer in February of 2010. It affected my upper palate, hands and legs up to my mid thigh. I have been on Gabapentin, 3600 mg/day, for an extended period of time and then found out it was increasing my blood sugar by 15.0 with a single 300 mg dose so was switched to Lyrica instead. I have also been on narcotic pain killers along with the others and at times nothing would touch the pain or numbness and when nerve testing was done the doctors could not believe that I could still walk as there was zero sensory and zero motor nerve conduction. I had to look where I was putting my feet as I could not feel where I was putting them. I have been very slowly and steadily healing in spite of being put into a diabetic condition by the Gabapentin.

I read about alpha Lipoic acid in an article about fat loss/muscle building with a relationship to insulin sensitivity and it listed five ingredients of which ALA was one. When I looked at ALA in the search engine and read that it would cure neuropathy and that it is used to reduce the side effects of Oxaliplatin in chemotherapy I picked some up and started using it on 1 September 2012. I immediately noticed an improvement in my feet( the only currently affected area). It was so dramatic of a change that I discontinued all other medications to see what it did by itself. I have spent a couple of sleepless nights due to pain and have started using my other medications again today. Other than Lyrica and Hydromorph contin I take grape seed extract, fenugreek, St. John's Wort, milk thistle, glucosamine and condroitin sulfate with MSM, vitamin D, B12, curcumin, Motrin, and Apo-Temazepam for a sleeping pill. After less than 4 hours since resuming my other medications with ALA my feet are about 75% better than they were three days ago.

Is there anything else that I should be taking to speed the healing/reduce the pain and numbness? Please reply directly to gustafsonal(at)hotmail.com. Thank you. Al

I was trying to find the Gotu Kola herb at the same time as I found the ALA but it seems to be unavailable here (in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). I had to order acetyl-l-Carnitine and benfotiamine as no one had them in stock but could not order the Gotu Kola. Al

I know about flax seed oil. It requires the protein that is in cottage cheese to be mixed with it before consuming to get the maximum benefits. I was at stage 3 with colon cancer when I had the tumour removed and shortly after went on the "Budwig Diet" which is based on flax seed oil(3 tbsp) and cottage cheese(1/2 cup) once daily. I blended them together and added liquid honey and cocoa powder to taste with some extra liquid to make a smoothy for breakfast. This diet is purported to directly attack cancer. Five weeks later all the oversize lymph nodes were back to normal size(that is when I started chemotherapy). I think this indicated that the cancer was gone and thus the overdose of oxaliplatin which damages nerves and the islands in the pancreas especially with a lack of cancer to attack. I have been cancer free for over two years now and only have to overcome the resulting neuropathy to get back to a productive life. Al

First, Bill, my blood pressure is normal as for an 18 year old @ 160 pounds and I am 6 feet tall, 330 lbs and 53 years old. I do not feel it would be right for me to take anything that would lower my blood pressure. What would you say to that re: niacin?

Tim, we are both taking 250 mg of ALA twice daily. I also started taking 500 mg of ALCAR twice daily yesterday and it seems to be helping.

Something quite interesting, when my dad stocked up on Wednesday the supplier told him that ALA would stop Alzhymer's disease immediately. Had we known about that sooner one of my aunts would still be with us. Have also heard that coconut oil helps Alzhymer's disease. Does anyone know if coconut oil contains ALA. If so it would probably be an excellent topical for neuropathy. Al

Al, thanks for your informative responses. As for ALA, I don't think it's endogenous in foods as it is a coenzyme that the body creates from nutrients like B vitamins and sulfur amino acids like Cysteine, as well as some minerals. Another coenzyme you might want to consider supplementing is CoQ10 or Ubiquinol as it works in the body differently than ALA, especially for heart health.

Bill, not only is my blood pressure good, but my good cholesterol is high and my bad cholesterol is low. I believe it is a result of trimming fat from food since I was young. I do not butter bread and I trim the fat from bacon as well as cooking with water, skinning poultry before cooking and eating lots of vegetables.

Timh, I have tried CoQ10 and felt no change in my health. I have no idea if it did me any good or not but I am in a very tight financial situation so even getting ALA & ALCAR & Benfotiamine means putting off paying utility bills. My monthly budget for everything comes out of an income of less than Canadian $900. That has to cover maintaining a home(paid for) and maintaining, licencing and fueling a vehicle as I live 45 miles from the nearest city. I am hoping that the improvements I have seen so far continue at the same rate and allow me to get back to work and my normal income quite soon.

I am seeing a small improvement with the benfotiamine and a significant improvement with ALCAR but the ALA is just phenomenal. Al

I have now been using ALA for just five weeks and am off all pain medications now. I stopped taking Lyrica for numbness and pain blocking yesterday. I am anticipating a full recovery very soon.

I do have a question about the acetyl-l-carnitine. I am wondering if it would be better to take it a few hours prior to the ALA or a few hours after as my research tells me that it helps to absorb the ALA and other nutrients. There was also mention that it heals the "hairs" in your digestive tract. Perhaps it should be taken before bed with minimal liquid and allowed to stay in your digestive tract for a prolonged period for best results. Can anyone expound on this topic?

I had to go back on Lyrica after two days without it due to the increased volume of my tinnitus and a very chilled feeling in feet and legs up to my mid thigh area. Has anyone else experienced this as the pain of neuropathy dissipates and/or found something that helps for it? The Lyrica affects my vision and I am unable to take gabapentin due to how it increases my blood sugar. Any substitute would be appreciated or even knowledge that more time on ALA & ALC would improve it.

Hi Al; This is great news! From what little I understand about inorganic chemistry, I understand that too much of one trace metal can collect and displace others. ( trouble-neuropathy )

I've read that a side effect of cisplatin is oxidative stress with glutathione depletion.

So, I can understand how the ALA can help on these levels, as it both chelates metals, and helps to increase glutathione, a most powerful antioxidant.

I'm glad you are healing!

Connie, it is actually working so good that I am actively looking for a job. I currently have two offers, both to start in November and at the rate of improvement I am seeing that should work out about right. I might even go back driving long haul and get to see a little more of the US. I have only seen a little bit of it in about 900,000 miles of driving down there. I kind of miss it as my last load that I hauled came out of Texas and that was over three years ago.

Hi Al, Great to hear of your improvements. I am wondering if you are still needing to take the Lyrica. Also wondering if you found any interference/interaction with the medication when you first started supplementing. Can you state which brand of Ala/AlC you use or even where you get them. Once again great to hear of your news. Mick

Mick, I have been using the NOW brand of ALA at 250 mg 2x per day and started off with ALCAR 500 mg x2 twice a day & benfotiamine 80 mg once a day as I had to order them and that is what they got in for me. I have since found acetyl-l-carnitine labeled as L-Carnitine in two different brands on the shelf. I buy my supplements at local health food stores/organic markets. One caution about ALA is that you should read the label and only get what says to take with food or after meals. If it says to take without food it usually has an additive to increase absorption that can cause side effects. Look to see what they are and research them. I also take zinc and B12, along with curcumin for the pancreas, milk thistle for the liver, D3(5000iu/day) for general health, grape seed extract for pain relief, grapefruit seed extract for a topical fungus infection, glucosamine and condroitin sulfate with MSM for arthritis(almost gone) and a steadily reducing amount of gliclazide MR to stimulate my pancreas to produce insulin(pancreas was damaged by chemo and gabapentin but is healing well now).

It is now two months since I started on ALA & ALCAR which was 31 months after I started chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and 30 months from when the numbness, pain and tingling started and I am going back to work full time next week which is a lot less than the five years I was anticipating with the former rate of improvement. I am not completely healed but the pain and numbness is at a tolerable level and such that I do not feel that it will be a safety issue. I now walk almost completely normally and can feel with my feet again and no longer look like a drunk when I walk. Al

Can you double check the amount of b12 you are taking? You have it as mg, but I think (hope) you mean mcg. Big difference.

Dear Al from Sask, I want to thank you for your posts. I have neuropathy to where my toes, fingers and the bottom of my feet are very sensitive. I also have a burning sensation at the top of my knee caps that travels up about six inches. That burning pain drove me to the doctor where he wanted to give me a script for gabapentin but I refused. I found out about B12 under the tounge and the burning in my knees calmed down. I was up to 12 x 2500mg sublingual a day for relief. I then discovered Spirulina at 18 teaspoon a day and that seemed to help me reduce the B12 to a couple a day. Then I started to get dizzy spells so I stoped the spirulina and then I was increasing the B12 again. I then discovered your posts about ALA. I got some and what a difference, My feet are no longer sensitive and it doesn't hurt to clip my toe nails any longer.

I have been on the ALA for about 1 month now and I find I am sleeping better. Now I have to cut back on the ALA at 100mg a capsule taken with food. It did cause me gastric pain at 5 caps a day and my prostate felt like it was being sandwiched between my rectum and my bladder. I got relief right away when I cut back. Now I am taking 2 caps a day at 100mg each. I am down to one to 3 B12 at 2500mg sublingual every night and my burning sensation is gone. I know its not cured but at least I can sleep now and that alone is a miracle.

I can't thank earth clinic enough for this.

I am making a correction to my post about the strength of B12 I am taking. It is 2500mcg subligual each caplet but I sure do wish I could find some in the mg dosage. I would also like to state that certain foods can cause a reaction to my neuropathy to where I am taking the B12 like candy, but for the most part ALA has really helped. art.

Art from Vancouver, could you tell us what foods are aggravating your neuropathy? It could help us to avoid them too and maybe even get a better understanding of what is causing the problem. Thanks, Al

Yes Al, I can tell you one of the foods that I was consuming that is causing the neuropathy was the artificial sweetener splenda. I just googled that today and WOW that stuff is poison and I didn't know. Any peanuts would also cause the knee pain and it seemed like greek yougert, ice cream peanut buttercup flavor and other protien based foods were doing it as well. By bedtime my legs were well heated up. I have cut back on all of this. The splenda is in the garbage as of today and I have switched to stevia in my coffee. I also discovered that the B12 should be taken on an empty stomach which I wasn't doing. I can now take the time released B12 without getting very itchy red spots on my legs. I chew one 1000mcg late at night washing it down with water. Just took one now and had two 2500mcg sublingual early today. The night time is when this really becomes a problem while trying to sleep. I don't want to jinx it but last night was the first night in a long time I got a good sleep, touch wood.

My knees seem to be cooling as I type this at 12:24 am.

Take care. art.

Art from Vancouver, is it just non meat protein or is it all protein that bothers you? I changed my diet many years ago after reading the book "Eat Right For Your Type" as I have B Negative blood and that fixed a lot of problems. Some foods that I didn't care for were listed as ones that I should not eat as well as the opposite. Maybe you should check it out.

I had some blueberry cheese cake and now that I did I can recall any cheese cake will cause an episode with my knees being agrivated. Only off the splenda for two days and sleeping better. art

Update on taking ALA for Neuropathy.

I am taking one 100mg. At breakfast and one at supper, and one or two B12 2500mcg before bedtime. The burning in my knees has almost gone and things are settled to near normal. I am not cured but as long as I don't forget to take my ALA twice a day I am fine. If I do forget I am in for a night of torment with burning skin on my upper knees. I have been getting chills these last couple of months after taking Chanca Piedra for stomach issues, but will forge on since summer is near.

Art

To Art from Vancouver, BC. I realized today that peanuts were causing pain in my feet, thanks to what I recalled from your posting. Also remember seeing another post about peanuts having l-arginine in them. I looked up l-arginine on Wikipedia and found out that it is related to aspartic acid (Aspartame). There is a list of other foods there that contain it. I have B neg blood and most of what is listed are foods that I should not eat according to the book EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR TYPE by Peter J. D'Adamo. I would recommend that anyone with neuropahy look l-arginine up on Wikipedia.

After realizing that peanuts (l-arginine) were bothering me I got some l-lysine and a week ago I started taking 1000mg twice a day and have seen another significant improvement in the pain level in my feet. I am getting close to curing this problem. It seems that the platinum in the chemo destroyed the nerve sheath but left the nerves intact and "shorted out". The alpha lipoic acid apparently stops the further decay of the nerve sheath by eliminating heavy metals from the body and the rest of the nutrients I have used are actually rebuilding the nerve sheaths. It has been a long, painful experience that I dread anyone else suffering through. I encourage you to try everything that might help. Some things will make it better and some will make it worse. Not everything works the same for everyone so be aware that experimentation is necessary and can be frustrating. Don't give up. It is over three years now since my problems started and I am still improving. Al

I read over the entire postings on neuropathy to see if I was missing anything. I noticed that someone posted about MSM and Lecithin being used together and I had noticed that after eating a chocolate bar that my feet would often improve for a while. I have been taking glucosamine with condroitin sulfate and MSM for quite a while for cartilage repair-tears and arthritis-so I added Lecithin to my supplements as well and it seems to be helping. It is amazing how being deficient in one or several nutrients can delay/prevent healing or even cause health problems. Don't discount anything without trying it first. You may get a very pleasant surprise. I have been lucky enough to have had several pleasant surprises with nutritional supplements and am looking forward to more. I have found out that some may not work by themselves and have as a result discovered the value of experimentation. I recommend that everybody experiment to find what works for them. Start with a little and increase if it helps.

Al, it is good to hear about your recovery using the ALA.

Will you keep on using it now that you consider yourself cured?

I have made great strides using the R+ALA so that I can take it with out food for those troubled times in the evening.

I have recently switched to R+NAC+SR 500mg with food at lunch and supper, reason being to help with the Liver. Have not seen that much difference and will eventually switch back to the R+ALA when depleted.

One night recently my feet felt like they were beaten with a hose at bedtime and the R+ALA gave me great relief at around 12:30am. So it really does work and I am glad for that, but when I switch back to it I can see using it to the end of days.

Thanks again Al for your input.

ART.

I just received an email from a lady in the UK asking for an update and telling me that the last one was in 2013. I have been busy working long hours, sometimes over 340 hours in a month. The neuropathy is still improving, but extremely slowly. All I use for pain relief now is geranium oil, topically on my hands and forearms. It a natural anti inflammatory and has no known side effects. I still feel I am missing a nutrient or two to finish curing my neuropathy. I try everything that might help and am in the process of checking out one more nutrient with my doctor and hope to try it within a few days. If it helps I will give a further update and let you know what it is and how to use it. The posting I found it in quoted a medical journal entry from the 1840's. New is not always new and maybe old is better. Al

AL: Glad to see you are using your brain to help work out these pressing issues. I am in a constant state of tweaking any treatment or therapy to maximize benefit and minimize harm.

Several months ago I also reported not reading some very critical info on Statin drugs that was not included in the fact sheet from pharmacy. Two items in particular is Statins can and do produce nerve damage resulting in neuropathy, and can and do (in a certain percentage of people) produce pulmonary fibrosis. Well, here I am already w/ both these conditions so I could only surmise a worsening; which was evident particularly in the neuropathy as I had the choice of continuing the medication (and even at 50 or more % lower prescribed dose) and going down from a cane to a walker to a wheelchair or discontinue.

There is lots of Cancer info here on E.C. for the cancer so I hope you can get exact on that and get well again. There are some good Youtube vids on self-applied Ozone for rectal administration.

As for the Neuropathy, there is some promising research lately on a natural nutrient, a nucleotide Inosine for rebuilding nerves which is helping in cases like Parkinson's.

Hi Laura - thanks for the great info. I'm so glad your neuropathy has resolved and congrats on finding the cause! I had a sudden onset of neuropathy in my legs in 2005, which has since spread to my hands. Doctors believe the cause is either autoimmune or a spinal cord cyst. I'm interested to try your approach, but also fearful of giving up beloved gluten, dairy, etcetera and having it not work. So, my question is, how long were you doing the gf thing before you noticed a difference? Even though I've tested negative for gluten sensitivity, I've gone off of it for periods up to 2 weeks without any difference. Thanks in advance for any info!

Tikeen from Halfax: My husband has neuropathy pretty severe, I'm interested to hear how the treatment goes with ur husband. Wishing ya'll best of luck!! Pls let me know how it goes! XOXOXO

Liz,

How long did it take for the alpha lipoic acid to work? Also how much did you take a day?

My neuropathy is due to diabities and I take Alpha Liopoic Acid intravenously and by pill. A lady who has hep c was the person who got me on this regime. It helps.

Looking for Connie from Utah...

Hello Connie,

You gave me a remedy for my Periphal Neuropathy... I am now up to 10,000 mcgs of B-12 and still have pins and needles and severe cramps in the middle of the night in my calves... My legs are cold from the knees down and we're in a heat wave in August.... It seemed to subside initially, but the full neuropathy is still there... I have been doing it for about 3 weeks.. Is this something that may take months to resolve? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated... If you recall I believe that hep-c has caused this neuropathy...

Thank you...

Hi John P. ; I truly hoped that you had knocked that neuropathy out of the park right away, but it usually does take time to heal nerve inflammation. It took about 8 mnths. For me , 3 1/2 yrs. Ago. Then, when I stopped taking it daily, and regressed, it took several months to again heal the nerves. Even after restarting B12, I still regressed during the first month. Now in my 6th month, I have a small, shallow numb area on the heal of my left foot, and it is recovering feeling. The area around it is sensitive and tingly. This means that time is necessary. Also, it means that we're going to have to get more technical with your process.

Firstly, I've read that oftentimes with liver trouble, potassium could go low. That can cause some cramping and pain. If you are not taking any potassium sparing meds. , such as some certain diuretics or anti-hypertensives, then consider increasing potassium foods. ( careful with the sweet ones, they can cause pain). Consider getting a copy of blood test and observe electrolytes. ( I find I feel best when K is about 4.5 mEq/L). Fresh vegetable juices are great, carrot, celery, and added greens. Smoothies are also a great option, as are homemade broths with the retained liquid from the veg.

As I see that you have expressed a sensitivity to acids, I agree that reducing them is a good way to alleviate pain. The nerves are exposed, and even beneficial acids can cause pain now. Although citric acid is natural and good, it is added to so many foods as a preservative, that it is easy to get too much. Even ascorbic acid can cause pain. I don't recommend total avoidance, but some reduction. I recommend a food type B-complex. (new chapter). It's expensive, but less is needed. I've found that it doesn't cause pain when taken with meals at 1/2 to 1 tablet. B1 and B6 are good for nerves at lower dosages, ( personal opinion ). Also, the fat soluble vitamins, A and D, can be difficult to metabolize when there is liver trouble, so I recommend getting them from food rather than supplements. Good Wishes.

Hi Connie,

ThanKs for the reply... I'm wondering what amount of B-12 are you currently taking? I have gotten up to 10, 000mcgs... I went very slow for obvious reasons... I have only been on this for less than a month... If it took you 6 months, I guess it will not be overnight with me either... I tried taking lecithin and it thinned my blood out (assumption) and I have gotten very cold as of today... I got a commendation to rub coconut oil on my body... Don't know if you've heard of this... I may try it on a small part of my leg for starters and see what happens...

I am extremely grateful for your advice and your quick response...

God bless, John

Hi John P. ; A few days ago, I asked myself ; What has B12 not done for you? My hair is still 40% gray, and I haven't yet written that " hit song". Each day is a bit better, but it's so slow for me. When the neuropathy was at its worst, I began with a litany of supplements to cure it , but I was using so many at the same time , I couldn't discern what was working. I became confused. My studio became an apothecary. When I look back, I realize that there were so many obvious clues for me, but I was distracted with pain and fear, and I had spent my life on denial of my instincts. I've got a way to go with that. What I'm learning from you is that you are going about your healing process logically and methodically. I appreciate this. Although B12 is not the only one thing , Its pretty dang'd powerful. There have been and there are currently tests being done for people with MS and early ALS to at least improve their status. The amounts being used are 50 mgs. Daily by injection. This means that there could be a wide variance in an individual's needs. I've tried a wide variety of amounts, and I'm still somewhere between 2500 - 5000 mcgs. Daily now.

I've " haunted" some forums, and it appears that other people are trying a wide variety of amounts, but, most seem to be settling in the 1000 - 5000 mcg. Range. Some are lower, and some are extrordinarily higher. I have been influenced by this information, so I need to be mindful of it when making suggestions. Another thing I am noticing about B12 is that it is raising my body temperature and I am feeling warmer. ( I've read this and now I'm seeing it. I'm at 98. 2 degrees now). I believe it will help with cold legs eventually. I also believe that massaging legs and feet with oils can be wonderful. (my skin is dry, so I use castor oil). I've used various salves for pain with good effects. Since you have coldness, I would recommend that warming spices be added to your salve, such as Ginger, and Cayenne. Ginger has been recommended to raise body temperature and improve circulation. ( internally and transdermally) Best to You.

Hi Connie, Thanks for the great suggestions.... I currently rub my legs with magnesium oil fro "Ancient Minerals", however I don't know if it has been working as I have been doing it for only 2 weeks... No results... Yet... Rubbing castor oil may be a good idea as it is highly recommended for hep-c in a pack against ones liver for an hour or so per day via Edgar Casey and many other current people... So transdermally it may help significantly... I will try it on just a small part of one leg and see if I get any kind of reaction with my hep-c.... I am so cautious with adding things as I have had bad reactions to many things... I feel this is because of my liver..

Thank you again so very much, John P.

Hi Connie, You sure are certainly informed with regard to P.N. And many other things. I cannot thank you enough for your time and support. You are heaven sent. You will indeed get your hit record.

Regarding the magic bullet for P.N. I'm going to give benefotiamine a try, if all else fails. I have researched it throughly. It's a man made form of Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine).

Again, NO ONE was put on Earth to suffer. We all are here to thrive.

Bless you.

Hi John,

I can feel your pain.. Literally. I've been suffering from horrific pain in my feet for almost 3 years now. As of the past few weeks, it's began to spread up my legs and I am experiencing stabbing sensations and cramping as well(grrrrr). I have a long history with Lyme Disease and co-infections so since I test negative for literally everything else the docs can come up with, it seems Lyme is the origin.

I have been on Neurontin for as long as Iv'e had this problem and about 6-7 months ago began a strict regimin of ALA, Benfothiamine (600 a day), Acetyl-Carnatine and more. I seemed to hold for a while but now things are exploding and I have no idea why. I have been taking 25mg B12 injection 3x's a week for about 4 weeks now. To no avail (sigh). About 2 weeks ago I decdied to give up carbohydrates in another desperate attempt to stop this incredible pain.

I hope and pray you find relief asap as so many posting here have. I have learned a lot simply by stumbling on this thread so I thank you for that.

A great sight with a TON of info on supplements, etc for neuropathy is "Neuro-talk. " Find the peripheral neuropathy section.. there is a tremendous amount of information to be had and much like here, a tremendous amount of support.

Be well, Kate

Kate, you are not alone. I've had terrible Neoropathy in both feet for 4 1/2 years. Its a terrible way to live. I'm trying to research cures and came across this site. I even had a Spinal Cord Stimulator trial implanted but it didn't work for me. Supposedly though, it helps lots of people. I haven't read many people on this site who have tried it. Also, I guess there is a nerve root stimulator too which is similar and works for 2 out of three people. I went to the Lahey Clininc in Burlington, MA for my SCS. It's something you cna look into. I'm at a point I don't know what else to try, has anyone had luck with acupuncture? I tried it years ago with no sucess but I'm going to try again. I have a 7 and 8 year old to raise and can't go on feeling like I do. I have a high tolerance for pain but it's even more than I can take now. Good luck yo you. Let me know if you find anything out.

Monique

Like you, I have developed neuropathy from chemo. I am ready to start the supplements that have worked for you and apparently many others. Would you mind telling me what brands you have used. Also do you use any benfotiamine?(B-1)

Thanks so much for the hope! Faith

Connie from Slc, Utah, thank you for your comments. I have PN, and have adjusted my diet (gluten free, balanced blood sugar) and have added in many supplements recommended on this site. Do you have dosage recommendations on the ones you state can irritate at high dosage?

I have a problem with ALA. Perhaps because it is a chelator, I feel incredibly toxic any time I take it, even very low dose. I am not otherwise sensitive to sulphur as in onions or garlic. How important is ALA to any protocol of supplements? Do you or anyone here have an opinon on that?

I have extemely severe neuropathy in both feet which is getting worse. I'm scared. I've tried the alpha lipoic acid and acettyl-l-carntine and everthing else too. Nothing, not even pain meds like oxycodone touch the pain. I have a 7 and 8 year old to raise and the pain has become unbearable. Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Monique you can try "earthing" for your pain. The most simplest way to do earthing is for you to sit with your feet barefoot on the earth (or grass). You can do some research but I have read it helped someone with neuropathy of the feet.

If it helps you can also back earthing sheets for your bed and even the computer. The best shoes to wear are leather soled shoes because they still earth you to the ground.

Lots of info available on earthing.. May be worth a try... Just sit or outside barefoot and see if it helps. Would love to know how it goes.

I have been using curcumin which is an extract of turmeric. I used one that states that it is a standardized extract. The active ingredient in turmeric that helps is much more concentrated in the curcumin and can directly reduce pain as well as helping pancreatic health.

I have found that B1 and B12 works well on neuropathy. There are certain types of B1 that are fat soluable (benfotiamine) so it doesn't just go out of the body, but the body can actually hold onto the B1 and use it to repair the nerves. There is also B12 that can be found that is methylcobalamine or methyl B12.. The body has to convert the B12 to methyl B12 before it can use it, thus getting it already converted means the body can use it. You can find these online, not usually in health food stores.

Definitely try B12 for neuropathy. It must be methylcobalmin and must be sublingual (under your tongue lozenges). It is unfortunate that you can't list brands because there are several brands out there but only two that I have found that are really good. I suspect it is the quality of the methylcobalmin. You must be consistent with taking it everyday but eventually the neuropathy will get better. It takes some time so be patient but it definitely works. B12 is water soluable so you don't have to worry about getting too much, your kidneys will simply remove the excess.

Your antibodies are a big red flag for Hashimoto's. How are you so sure you don't have Hashimoto's? What kind of ignorant doctor is trying to diagnose Hashi's by TSH levels?? Your TPO is way higher than mine was. Did you have anti-TG Ab testing as well?

I highly recommend Dr. Datis Kharrazian's thyroid book for those with Hashi's (or suspected Hashi's). That is the one that finally put many pieces of the puzzle into something that makes real sense.

Re: B12 - I take a sublingual B12.

To FU on my 5/18/10 post... Well, my mystery hasn't gotten any clearer. I am now getting neuropathy in my hands. I switched doctors and this one isn't much better. In the beginning he was going to run all these tests b/c my previous doctors had "completely missed the boat. " So, for my first test he scheduled a thyroid ultrasound. After that he said he would address any possible circulation problems. The US showed that I have mutliple nodules on both sides of my thyroid. I thought this doctor was really going to be the answer. Boy was I WRONG! I went back for my FU appt last wk. No more tests. All my levels are "stone cold where they're supposed to be. " So, his answer was to increase my Gabapentin. So, now I'm more tired that before (on top of feeling awful normally). I just don't know what else to do. There has to be a reason I feel like this (neuropathy in feet & hands, tired, fatigued, generalized aches & pains throughout my body, and per my previous post TPO >1000, B12 deficiency, Vit D deficiency) and no one seems to care... They just want to give me a pill. The closest holistic doctor is 2 hrs away & costs $190 for the first visit & FU visits cost $60-$190 every visit after that depending on your diagnosises. I live practically in the center of WV. Does anyone have any suggestions? I just don't want it to be something that could have been prevented from getting worse.

I should have expanded the thread before I replied... I see I already replied to you back in May ;) Well I just gave you the same advice as I did then, only I'll add that I am even more of the belief that it is Hashimoto's as you've got the nodules now as well. The longer you let this attack your system, the worse off you are going to get. You already have obvious autoimmunity going on and this predisposes you to other autoimmune problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Please check out the book; I believe your answers are there but it's down to you to learn and make the changes you need to make.

Thank you T from Maryland. I just looked up that book. It seems I have already bought it (I probably bought it after you replied in 5/10) but haven't read it yet (my memory isn't that great anymore either). I'll make time this weekend. Thank you for the advise on going gluten free. I'll try anything at this point. Thank you again.

Hi there, I have terrible neuropthy in both feet and the pain has become unbearable. I've tried lots of "cures" and keep searching and researching, It is by no means a cure, but I have been going to the YMCA on Mondays for 1/2 foot massages. It doesn't take away the pain, but there is something about a gentle foot massage that feels good to me. My children, 7 and 8 also massage Mom's feet every night before bedtime. My feet are incredibly sensitive to touch, but just knowing someonone is caring about them helps a tiny bit. I tried to get my insurance to cover the foot massage at the YMCA but of course they wouldn't. Any other suggestions anyone has, would be greatly appreciated. Also, I live in Ellington, CT does anyone know of a support group in my area? I was thinking of starting one myself but don't know the first things and really wonder if I should undetake it with how I feel. I don't want to get together and just complain of our pain but would like it to be a positive forum to exchange helpful hints to one another.

Thanks, Monique

So many different suggestions on this thread, difficult to know what to try. So many folk talking about feet but can't find any mention of lower back pain neuropathy? The pain is awful, horrible sore pain that won't go away. I've read that r-lipoic acid is better than the standard lipoic acid. Can anyone give advice for nerve pain in lower back. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

I have suffered with neuropathy for about three years and it has become progressively worse within a short time. I do a lot of independent research mostly because it seems the professional community is not aggressive or energetic enough to pursue explanation or core reasons for having this incredible pain and debilitating medical condition. I do see a neurologist and he prescribes the usual lyrica, metanx (prescription type multi-vitamin), pain meds, encourages alpha-lipoic acid, panthenogenic acid (correct spelling?). Not much relief and has recently become much harder to manage the pain. He has prescribed lido-Caine patches and those are very helpful. Non-addictive and no side effects. Just a route to try. Folks that have this condition I find to be desperate for any kind of relief. I know I am.

Hello Rae H:

On the issue of neuropathy .... I've used AEP (a phosphate). Google "Calcium AEP Nutrition Review" for so many of the benefits of AEP I sometimes use AEP at 4 to 6 a day to help flare ups. Dr. Robert Adkins used AEP in IVs with his MS patients (see Vita Nutrients, the book, written by Dr. Adkins).

Digestive enzymes will help absorb. I started them because of the lack of acid in my stomach. You might try them. All the best to you.