Back Clinic Neuropathy Treatment Team. Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to peripheral nerves. This often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body. The peripheral nervous system sends information from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the body. It can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes, and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes mellitus.
People generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning, or tingling. Symptoms can improve, especially if caused by a treatable condition. Medications can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy. It can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), two or more nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathies), or many nerves (polyneuropathy). Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of mononeuropathy. Most people with peripheral neuropathy have polyneuropathy. Seek medical attention right away if there is unusual tingling, weakness, or pain in your hands or feet. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for controlling your symptoms and preventing further damage to the peripheral nerves. Testimonies http://bit.ly/elpasoneuropathy
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 29 million type 2 diabetes cases have currently been diagnosed in the United States, where another 8.1 million cases are undiagnosed. Diabetes can have various serious complications, including the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated that between 60 and 70 percent of individuals diagnosed with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. Patients with diabetes often report experiencing symptoms of pain and discomfort, while other may report minor or no symptoms at all. Nerve damage can even manifest up to 10 years after being diagnosed with diabetes.
Causes of Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy can occur due to an extended period of elevated blood sugar levels. High, unregulated blood glucose can cause injury to the vessels that supply the body’s nerves with the proper nutrition and oxygen they require to function accordingly. Over time, the nerves can become damaged, impairing the nervous system’s ability to communicate effectively. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can vary greatly depending on the severity and extent of the nerve damage.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the majority of individuals with diabetes experience moderate to severe nerve injury. The symptoms of neuropathy generally manifest in the legs and feet, gradually manifesting in the arms and hands over time.
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is frequently identified by its set of characteristic symptoms, although each can differ from person to person. The symptoms experienced by the individual will depend largely on the location and severity of the nerve damage. The most common symptoms of neuropathy include: pain and discomfort, tingling sensations or numbness; burning sensations; loss of balance; sensitivity; and trouble sleeping. Each symptoms can also vary depending on the grade of severity and progression of the condition.
Pain and Discomfort
Many patients with diabetes commonly describe feeling sudden and sharp symptoms of pain shoot through their extremities. Other people may feel severe, cramping pain along their muscles. This variety of symptoms occur in the muscles of the feet, calves, hands and/or forearms. The pain and discomfort caused by diabetic neuropathy can also frequently result in muscle weakness, causing patients to struggle to hold items as a result of their symptoms.
Tingling Sensations or Numbness
Tingling sensations and numbness are also some of the most commonly reported symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes. Tingling in the hands and/or feet can feel the same as when one of your limbs falls asleep. It may also feel as if you’re wearing a glove or sock when you’re not. Numbness results in the inability to feel your hands and feet. This can ultimately be a difficult situation for some people as this can often lead to puncture wounds in the feet when walking barefoot. The risk of foot injuries can be especially dangerous to patients diagnosed with diabetes because the presence of neuropathy as well as poor blood circulation can make wounds troublesome to heal. Wounds that don’t heal properly can be exposed to infections. In serious cases, these infections may lead to amputations.
Burning Sensations
Many diabetic neuropathy sufferers describe burning sensations, followed by several of the previously mentioned symptoms, especially in their feet. The burning pain is generally described as being bitten by fire ants or worse. Some patients report feeling as if their feet are on fire. Patients frequently soak their feet in an ice bath to achieve relief, however, the solution is unfortunately only temporary.
Loss of Balance
Loss of balance and coordination is another common sign of peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. This is the single largest complication which can result in life threatening accidents and injuries, especially among older adults. Muscle weakness may typically affect the strength, mobility and flexibility of the ankle, altering an individual’s gait.
Sensitivity to Touch
Diabetic neuropathy can often overload regular sensations, resulting in an extreme sensitivity to touch. Many patients with peripheral neuropathy describe being unable to tolerate the weight of their bed sheets against their legs, sometimes even the sensation of clothing against their skin can create tremendous discomfort. Holding a cup of warm coffee may feel painfully hot for some people with neuropathy or it could actually hurt if a person with cold hands touches their skin. Also, their hands or feet may feel hot or cold for no reason.
Difficulty Sleeping
Because the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can often worsen at night, these can begin to interfere with a person’s ability to get a good night’s rest. This occurs due to a couple of reasons. Foremost, people who have been very active throughout the day can aggravate the inflammation on the nerves, increasing the pain, discomfort, and other symptoms of the condition. Subsequently, when settling down to sleep, the stimulus of the body decreases drastically, causing the signals of pain to become more pronounced than they were during the day. This can cause a person’s pain perception to be more intense, interrupting their capability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Types of Neuropathy
There are several different types of neuropathy, or nerve damage, each with their own set of causes and symptoms, although the majority share most of the common characteristics associated with nerve injuries.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy primarily affects the legs, feet, toes, arms and hands. When a person has developed type 2 diabetes, the damage to the nerves caused by this type of neuropathy will generally affect the legs and feet before it extends to the arms and hands. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy largely depend on which area of the peripheral nerves, or central nerves, have suffered damage or injury.
Damage to the motor portion of the nerve can manifest as cramping, muscle weakness and/or muscle wasting. This can often lead to alterations in the patient’s balance, mobility and gait. Injury to the sensory portion of the nerve can manifest as tingling sensations, numbness, burning pain and/or sensitivity to touch, where many people describe being unable to tolerate bed sheets on their legs.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy is associated with damage or injury to the nerves in charge of regulating the automatic and semi-automatic functions of the body, including digestion, bladder and bowel functions, heart function and sexual function. This type of neuropathy will affect the proper function of the automatic nerve responses in the body’s internal organs. Individuals who develop autonomic neuropathy due to type 2 diabetes may experience issues digesting food, breathing, urinating or incontinence and/or sexual problems, such as impotence.
Complications related with autonomic neuropathy can also make it difficult for medical professionals to determine when a patient’s blood sugar levels have become too low. Symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as sweating and heart palpitations can be easily detected, however, those symptoms can be concealed by nerve damage.
When autonomic neuropathy begins to affect the digestive system, individual’s can experience constipation, trouble swallowing or gastroparesis, a disorder which causes a delay in digestion. Gastroparesis can also gradually worsen over time, leading to debilitation caused by frequent nausea and vomiting. Delayed digestion can also make keeping track of glucose levels in the body a challenge. In more serious cases, gastroparesis can cause a patient to have to subsist on a liquid diet or be fed through a feeding tube.
Nerve damage to the cardiovascular system can alter a person�s heart rate and blood pressure. People with type 2 diabetics resulting in autonomic neuropathy may experience a drop in blood pressure after sitting or standing, causing them to feel light headed and dizzy.
Nerve injury to the urinary tract and sex organs can cause difficulty controlling urination and sexual functions. Neuropathy affecting the bladder may cause incontinence or can make it more difficult to fully empty. Autonomic neuropathy also decreases sexual function, leaving men without the ability to become erect and women with vaginal dryness and/ difficulty achieving orgasm.
Proximal Neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy can also commonly affect people with type 2 diabetes, especially older adults. It primarily affects the hips, thighs, buttocks or legs and generally develops on one side of the body. This type of neuropathy can weaken the legs. In serious cases, a person may lose sufficient muscle tone where they will no longer be able to stand from a sitting position without assistance. Proximal neuropathy is often described to be very painful.
What Can You do if You have Neuropathy?
Currently, about 29.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, it’s estimated that approximately 38 percent of Americans may also have pre-diabetes. Of these million, about 70 percent can or may develop some form of neuropathy as a result of the condition. While these statistics can be shocking, there’s several steps you can take to increase and maintain your health and wellness once you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Eat low glycemic index foods. This will allow your glucose levels to substantially decrease.
Minimize grain and other starch consumption to no more than 2 servings per day. For example, you may have a small serving of oatmeal for breakfast (men- 1 cooked cup / women 1/2 cup, cooked) and rice with lunch (same portion size as oatmeal). Eliminate any starches at dinner time. Eat only protein, non-starchy vegetables and good fat.
Avoid Trans fats (hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils) and vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower, soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, peanut oil). Use Ghee (clarified butter), coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil.
Start exercising. You don�t necessarily have to find a gym. Start by walking around your neighborhood. If your balance and stability is poor, make sure to take your cane or walker with you and stay on even surfaces. Exercising will help increase your insulin sensitivity.
Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours). Even one night of inadequate sleep can raise your insulin resistance. This is because the stress hormone, cortisol, is elevated. This will cause you to crave more carbs, but even when you eat them, you will feel worse afterward because your glucose tolerance has been reduced. If you�ve had a poor nights sleep, it�s especially important to eat low glycemic index foods.
In addition to keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range, research studies have demonstrated that controlling blood pressure to avoid complications from diabetes can be just as important. In 2010, the British Medical Journal stated, �In patients with type 2 diabetes, the risk of diabetic complications was strongly associated with raised blood pressure.� Any reduction in blood pressure is likely to reduce the risk of other issues, with the lowest risk being in those with systolic blood pressure less than 120 mm/Hg. If you follow the steps above, however, your blood pressure will naturally begin to decrease.
Diabetic Neuropathy Can Be Reversed
The reality is that the various forms of diabetic neuropathy don’t necessarily cause death. There are many clinical studies published in widely respected journals, such as the Journal of Neurology and the British Medical Journal, which show effective treatments that reverse the damage to peripheral nerves, including chiropractic care.
In the United States, millions of Americans have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, where a large percentage may develop neuropathy. Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves, which is the most common reason for the development of diabetic neuropathy. There are several types of neuropathies, each with their own set of symptoms.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Each year, cases of liver disease developing without the instance alcohol abuse are increasing throughout the United States, the U.K, and Australia. Decades ago, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis were diagnosed due to excessive alcohol consumption. Currently, however, more and more adults and even children are diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a medical condition that is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fats within liver cells. More precisely, NAFLD causes normal, healthy liver tissue to become partially replaced with fatty tissue. Although it’s common for the liver to have some fat, an accumulated amount of more than 5 to 10 percent of the individual’s liver weight can create complications. Excess fat can begin to invade the liver, eventually covering healthy regions of the liver and decreasing the amount of healthy liver tissue.
According to statistics, approximately 70 million Americans may have fatty liver disease and not even know it.
The Function of the Liver
The liver is one of the most active and highly functioning organs in the body, working hard and tirelessly to maintain the body’s overall health and wellness. The liver is in charge of regulating chemical levels and toxins in the blood as well as excreting bile. Bile is necessary to break down fats stored in the body. All of the blood which leaves the stomach and intestines must be filtered through the liver. The liver’s primary function is to detoxify the blood. Other essential functions of the liver include:
Detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes (breaks down) drugs.
Manufactures proteins important for the regulation of blood clotting
Breaks down excess hormones circulating in bloodstream
Produces cholesterol (necessary for vitamin D and hormone production and for healthy nerves)
Stores and releases glucose, as needed
Stores iron
Converts harmful ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism that gets excreted in the urine)
Clears the blood of alcohol, medications, drugs and other harmful chemicals
Produces immune factors and removes bacteria from the bloodstream
Clears and removes bilirubin (excessive buildup causes jaundice -yellowing of skin and eyes)
The liver is also responsible of processing and storing important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and iron, in order for these to be more effectively absorbed by the body.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, has become a prevalent condition in the United States and western Europe as weight gain, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome have dramatically increased over the population. It is now the most common cause of liver disorders in the United States as well as in other western countries, such as Australia and the U.K. Approximately 1 in 5 people, amounting up to 25 percent of the population in these regions have NAFLD.
While some research studies have demonstrated that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease most commonly develops due to excess weight and obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, studies have also shown that the excessive use of prescribed medications and pain killers can lead to fatty liver disease as well.
Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
NAFLD is referred to as a silent disease. People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may initially experience no symptoms from the disorder, where they will often live with the condition for many years, even decades without a diagnosis. Eventually, however, several signs and symptoms may begin to manifest. These symptoms include:
feeling tired
fatigue
weight loss
loss of appetite
weakness
nausea
confusion
trouble concentrating
pain in the center or right upper part of belly
enlarged liver
bloating and gas
dark urine
bruising easily
sweating, excessively
constipation
dry and dark patches on neck and under arms
If non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is left untreated for an extended period of time, it could eventually lead to the development of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis results when scar tissue develops in the liver, preventing the liver from functioning properly. This scar tissue can then block the normal flow of blood that passes through the liver and can also slow down the processing and absorption of nutrients, hormones, drugs and naturally produced toxins as well as the production of proteins and other substances produced by the liver. The symptoms of cirrhosis are usually severe and they include the buildup of fluid in the body, particularly in the abdominal cavity called ascites, muscle weakness, internal bleeding, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and liver failure.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosis
Utilizing an abdominal ultrasound or a biopsy is the best way to diagnose fatty liver disease. Individuals with NAFLD often don’t have elevated levels of liver enzymes, which is why blood tests generally appear normal. Elevated levels of liver enzymes do however indicate that there may be some inflammation in the liver due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disase or another more serious condition known as NASH.
Causes and Risk Factors of Fatty Liver Disease
There are numerous risk factors which may increase your chances of having NAFLD, including:
Obesity
Gastric bypass surgery
High cholesterol
High levels of triglycerides in the blood
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Medications
Sleep apnea
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Underactive pituitary gland (hypopituitarism)
Hemachromatosis (excess iron accumulation)
A research study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology in 2006 stated that NAFLD is commonly diagnosed in 84 to 96 percent of patients who are undergoing bariatric surgery. The study also recognized that the disease is most common in men but can increase with menopause in women.
Foods Which Can Lead to Fatty Liver Disease
High-Carbohydrate & Refined Foods
When we consume an excess of refined carbohydrates and other types of foods, insulin levels can spike significantly. Foods such as white bread and other carbs should be reduced or eliminated from your diet, even whole grains should be consumed in moderation as these can convert into sugar. Rice and corn should also be avoided. Insulin sensitivity is a major factor in the development of liver disease.
Sugary Beverages
Sports drinks, such as gatorade or powerade, soda, energy drinks and fruit juices, contain refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. When these substances are consumed in excess, they could eventually lead to fatty liver disease. The average 12-ounce can of soda, for instance, has about 10 teaspoons of sugar. The human body is not designed to be able to break down the elevated amounts of sugar the average American consumes on a daily basis and this can greatly impact the health of the liver. The average person consumes 20 tsp of sugar per day, equaling to about 66 pound of sugar per year.
The American Heart Association, or AHA, recommends that no more than 6 tsp of sugar per day for women and 9 tsp per day for men should be consumed. A child�s sugar intake should not exceed 3 tsp per day.
According to a research study conducted at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, refined sugars, particularly fructose, are suspected to be a common contributor to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fructose has been demonstrated to cause extensive damage to liver cells. There have also been substantial connections between increased fructose consumption and obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.
Processed Foods
Refined sugars, hydrogenated oils, convenience foods and lunch meats can be toxic to your body in the long run. Nitrates and nitrites, for instance, are commonly found in processed foods and they have been closely associated to the development of serious conditions, including cancer. The high fructose corn syrup found in processed foods is the single biggest cause of fatty liver disease. It’s essential that you eliminate these products from your diet to heal liver disease.
Foods Which Can Improve Fatty Liver Disease
A research study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry revealed that natural enzymes found in fruits and vegetables as well as in plant extracts and herbs, can be utilized traditionally to treat various liver diseases. It’s essential to add these foods into your everyday diet. Fruits and vegetables can be easily added into your diet through juicing.
When the proper function of the liver is impaired due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and/or due to other liver conditions, juicing fruits and vegetables has the additional benefit of making these easier to digest for better absorption. Vegetables ideal for a liver detox include, kale, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beets and celery.
Beets
Beets can naturally cleanse and purify the blood, boosting the function of the liver and increasing nutrient production in the body. Beets are also rich in antioxidants, folate, iron, fiber and betaine, a natural digestive enzyme. Beets are great additions to juicing recipes and can also be added into smoothies. You can also daily shred some beets and toss them into your salads.
Broccoli
Broccoli and other members of the cruciferous family, such as brussel sprouts, cauliflower, arugula, cabbage, collard greens, kale and bok choy, are rich in fiber and glucosinolates, which help the liver naturally cleanse the body of carcinogens and other toxins.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin are rich in beta-carotene, a natural anti-inflammatory. When an individual has a potassium deficiency, it can disrupt the proper function of the liver. �Sweet potatoes, which are naturally high in potassium, can be tremendously beneficial because they help support healthy liver function. One sweet potato contains nearly 700 milligrams of potassium. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins B6, C, D, magnesium and iron. These are also easy to eat because they�re naturally sweet and their sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream through the liver, preventing blood sugar spikes.
Lemons
Lemons are great for your liver. They provide a variety of antioxidants and can help the liver produce more enzymes to give you more energy and help with digestion. Lemons are also naturally rich in electrolytes. Although lemons are acidic, once they enter the body they become alkaline, which helps neutralize toxins and excrete wastes. Juice 1 fresh lemon, daily and drink it undiluted on an empty stomach every morning to enjoy its wonderful benefits.
Bananas
With about 470 milligrams of potassium, bananas can also be great for cleansing the liver as well as for overcoming low levels of potassium in the body. In addition, bananas can help with digestion, helping to release toxins and heavy metals from the body, decreasing the liver’s work load.
Garlic, Whole Cloves
Garlic is high in allicin and selenium, two fundamental nutrients for the liver. These function by cleansing and nourishing the entire body, especially the blood. Selenium is a naturally detoxifying mineral and allicin helps counter immune system invaders, also assisting to decrease the load on the liver. Garlic also activates enzymes in the liver which aid digestion and flush out toxins. Use whole garlic cloves instead of processed minced garlic or powder.
Ginger Root
Ginger has powerful anti-inflamatory properties and it’s also an excellent antioxidant. For people diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, consuming ginger can be fundamental. Ginger root can also drastically lower blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance and elevated glucose levels are major factors in the development of NAFLD. You can make ginger tea by boiling slices of ginger in green tea or water. You can also add ginger to a stir-fry, salad or smoothie.
Leafy Greens
Consuming leafy greens are a huge part of a balanced nutrition as these can be beneficial for just about any type of health issue. Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, arugula, and collards are all some of the most nutrient dense leafy greens to enjoy. These are rich in chlorophyll, which assists in liver function by purifying the blood, alleviating toxins, decreasing inflammation and promoting the healing of wounds. Chlorophyll is also amazing at neutralizing heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and even pesticides that can burden liver function.
Supplements Which Can Improve Fatty Liver Disease
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root contains vitamins and nutrients which are important to help cleanse the liver in order to allow it to keep functioning properly. Dandelions have also been known to aid the digestive system by maintaining the proper flow of bile. Dandelion root is a natural diuretic and it allows the liver to eliminate toxins effectively. Dandelion stems which can be brewed in a tea are also rich in vitamin C, which can help with mineral absorption, reduces inflammation and prevents the overall development of many diseases.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a powerful detoxifier, aiding and supporting proper liver function. This supplement helps rebuild liver cells and removes toxins from the body which have been processed through the liver. According to a research study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, milk thistle has the power to improve mortality rates in patients with liver failure as it is capable of naturally reversing the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption and that of pesticides in our food, heavy metals in water supply, pollution in the air we breathe in and even poisons. A 2010 study showed that milk thistle benefits treatments of alcoholic liver disease, acute and�chronic viral hepatitis as well as toxin-induced liver diseases.
Vitamin D
Recent research studies have shown that vitamin D deficiencies can often lead to NAFLD, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Vitamin D deficiency has also been demonstrated to cause severe cases of NAFLD, including serious liver inflammation and liver fibrosis, or hardening of the liver. The research study also revealed that vitamin D deficiencies can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. All of these factors can additionally play a considerable role in the development of peripheral neuropathy. Optimal vitamin D levels should be between 70-100 ng/ml for overall health and wellness.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active component of turmeric and it’s considered to be the most powerful herb on the planet, effectively helping to treat and reverse disease naturally. Currently, there are over 6,000 published articles emphasizing on the amazing health benefits of curcumin. Other research studies have also demonstrated that curcumin could prevent the progression of liver disease, helping to reduce the inflammation of the liver and the body alike.
Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil can help speed up the healing process of people with fatty liver disease. A research study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences measured black seed oil�s ability to restrict liver oxidative stress markers. The results of the research study indicated that black seed oil can benefit liver disease patients because it�s capable of decreasing issues associated with the gradual progression of liver disease.
Maintaining a healthy and balanced nutrition is the best course of action to treat fatty liver disease. Many people with liver disease are overweight and malnourished. A healthy diet can provide the body with essential vitamins and nutrients needed for the body to function. Weight loss along with a balanced diet can be an effective treatment for fatty liver disease as well. Exercising regularly for a minimum of 30 minutes a day and eating a healthy plant-based diet can ultimately help your overall well-being.
Can Fatty Liver Disease Cause Peripheral Neuropathy?
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is considered to be the most common liver disorder in the western region . It�s recognized as one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease across the world.
A research study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2003 reported a connection between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and peripheral neuropathy. The research revealed that 73 percent of people with NAFLD could develop peripheral nerve damage leading to the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
As if the development of peripheral neuropathy wasn’t bad enough, scientific evidence demonstrated that the longer you have NAFLD, the more likely it is to progress into liver fibrosis, or the accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue, cirrhosis, or the accumulation of scar tissue in the liver, and NASH, or severe liver inflammation and cell damage.
Although, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is most likely to occur in people who are overweight with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, recently there are more and more cases of children with NAFLD. This is a direct result of the standard American diet. Pediatric NAFLD has been reported in children as young as 3 years old.
If you have been diagnosed with NAFLD or are overweight, suffer from metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance or diabetes, it�s important to take action. The good news is, the liver is the only organ capable of fully regenerating itself. As long as at least 15 percent of your liver is working and functioning properly, your body can repair and regenerate your liver.
Liver disease is commonly diagnosed in people due to excessive alcohol consumption. While this instance can cause an accumulation of fats within liver tissue, each year, more adults even children are diagnosed with a specific type of condition, referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. NAFLD can occur for a variety of reasons.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.
Type 2 diabetes in the United States has tripled since the 1980’s, where researchers have estimated that one in three Americans will have diabetes by 2050. More than one-third of American adults are obese and one in three Medicare dollars are spent on issues relating to diabetes. Unfortunately, these numbers continue to increase.
The sequence of health complications associated with insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes are characterized as the underlying cause of the majority of heart disease, cancer and premature death in the world. According to research, however, these conditions are preventable and reversible. Type 2 Diabetes is associated with the following chronic illnesses and diseases:
Both obesity and diabetes are preventable and reversible with proper lifestyle changes and a balanced diet and nutrition. On average, people consume approximately 152 pounds of sugar and 146 pounds of flour every year. The consumption of food high on refined sugar and flour can have a drastic effect on a person’s overall health and wellness.
When you remove foods that are causing disease from your diet and exchange them for nutritious foods, disorders such as diabetes, can be reversed, even in patients with obesity. The following seven strategies can be implemented every day with patients to prevent, treat and reverse insulin resistance, obesity and type 2 diabetes without the use of drugs and surgery:
5 to 5 grams of PGX, a unique type of fiber that controls appetite and blood sugar, before each meal with eight ounces of water
200 � 600 mcg of chromium polynicotinate or picolinate
600 mg of alpha lipoic acid twice daily
2,000 IUs or more of vitamin D3 (Thorne Research)
One to two grams of omega 3 fatty acids (Tuna Omega by Standard Process)
A high-quality multivitamin/mineral (Basic Nutrients by Thorne Research)
Get the proper nutrients.�Taking supplements can make your cells be more sensitive to insulin while increasing their effectiveness to metabolize sugar and fat in the body. Together with varies lifestyle changes and a proper diet, these can help the individual balance their blood sugar as well as prevent or reverse diabetes.
Stock up on whole, unprocessed foods. Whole, unprocessed foods can help balance blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress as well as improve your liver detoxification, to prevent or reverse insulin resistance and diabetes. Choosing a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables known to have a low to moderate glycemic index, and foods rich in omega-3 fats, coconut butter and olive oil, legumes, nuts and seeds, can help promote a healthy metabolism, reverse insulin resistance and diabetes, even slow down aging and age-related diseases, such as heart disease.
Cut the Sugar.�Consuming foods and beverages with refined sugars and carbohydrates can create high levels of insulin, which can eventually lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Among the many complications associated with chronic, elevated levels of insulin, inflammation, high blood pressure, poor sex drive, increased risk for cancer and depression can also occur. The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes is to reduce or eliminate sugar from your diet.
Get the right exercise.�Participating in physical activity or exercise can have tremendous benefits for your overall well-being. Effective exercise can help balance blood sugar and lower insulin levels. The goal is to walk or perform any other cardio activity for 60 minutes, up to six times a week, although even 30 minutes of physical activity can help. Studies show high-intensity interval training can also benefit type 2 diabetes and obesity. Best of all, you can do these in only a few minutes a day.
Get sufficient sleep. Lack of sleep or poor sleep can affect your metabolism, may spike sugar and carb cravings, can increase your appetite, and may even increase of developing several diseases, including Type 2 diabetes. One study found that even a partial night�s poor sleep could induce insulin resistance. Therefore, sleeping properly should be a priority. Create a sleep ritual that includes turning off the T.V. in the bedroom, herbal therapies consisting of aromatherapy with essential oils, soaking in warm bath with 2 cups of Epsom salts and essential oils and creating total darkness and quiet.
Control stress levels.�With chronic stress, our levels of insulin, cortisol, and inflammatory compounds called cytokines all increase. This can trigger a metabolic dysfunction that leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, and eventually, type 2 diabetes. The connection between stress, weight gain, mental disorders, and blood sugar imbalances show that managing stress is a critical component when managing obesity and diabetes. You can�t eliminate stress, but you can learn to control it. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, massage, laughing, and dancing are among the best ways to manage stress and reverse type 2 diabetes.
Journal Your Results. Research shows that people who track their results lose twice as much weight and do twice as well. Begin by getting a journal to track your progress. That could be as simple as a pad of paper, a notebook, a spreadsheet in your computer, or anything that is convenient and works for you. You should track: what you eat; the baseline of all measurements, weight, waist size, body mass index, or BMI; daily blood pressure (optional); and daily glucose readings (if diabetic). Many patients become inspired to stay on task when they begin to see their results on paper.
Every year in the United States, 1 million people are diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is known to be the 7th leading cause of death. The good news is that this statistic can be changed according to new research. Diabetes is no longer inevitable. You can prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes.
Research studies have demonstrated that developing type 2 diabetes occurs as a result of environmental factors, such as how you eat, chemical exposure and stress management, among others. When you eliminate these negative factors, the pancreas has the ability to heal and cells will regain insulin sensitivity. This is ultimately fundamental considering that diabetes is responsible for a host of debilitating illnesses such as: Peripheral neuropathy; heart disease and stroke; kidney disease and kidney failure; and alzheimer’s disease.�
Type 2 diabetes affects many individuals in the United States and it’s often considered to be the underlying cause of heart disease and other diseases. According to new research studies and evidence, diabetes can be prevented and reversed by following several important life changes and a proper nutrition.
For more information, feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition which occurs due to nerve damage in the arms, legs, hands and feet. Common symptoms include pain, tingling and burning sensations and numbness.
This type of neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors, such as diabetes, chemotherapy, statin medications, disc herniation and trauma from an injury, toxic metal exposure, chronic alcohol consumption and vitamin deficiencies. Recent research studies, however, have associated peripheral nerve damage to gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that generally affects the individual’s digestive tract. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, it can cause damage to the small intestine, interfering with the body’s natural nutrient absorption function. In a majority of cases, this inability to properly absorb nutrients can alter growth, weaken bones and even damage peripheral nerves, leading to neuropathy.
According to the Celiac Foundation, in the United States alone, 2.5 million Americans are undiagnosed and at an increased risk of experiencing serious health complications. Celiac disease affects approximately 1 out of every 100 people throughout the world. If the disorder is left untreated for an extended period of time, the affected individual can develop issues like type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, dermatitis herpetiformis, anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, miscarriage, neurological conditions such as epilepsy, migraines, short stature, intestinal cancers, and now nerve damage. A new research study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology has found that celiac disease patients are at an increased risk of suffering nerve damage.
�It�s quite a high figure, compared to many other outcomes in celiac disease,� the study�s co-author Dr. Jonas Ludvigsson, a pediatrician and professor at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, said in a statement. �There is a real association between celiac disease and neuropathy. And we have precise risk estimates in a way we haven�t had before,� concluded Dr. Ludvigsson.
Swedish researchers also studied medical records between 1969 and 2008 from over 28,000 patients with celiac disease and compared them with the results of 139,000 people who were never diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder. Those individuals with celiac disease were found to be 2.5 times more likely to develop some form of neuropathy. In addition, gluten sensitivity in people without the disorder can also cause them to experience symptoms, such as tingling sensations and numbness.
In another research study, researchers screened 215 patients with peripheral neuropathy. A total of 140 of these patients were diagnosed with idiopathic neuropathy, meaning there was no medical reason behind their peripheral neuropathy. Also, the researchers tested those 140 people for antibodies to gluten utilizing two celiac disease blood tests: the AGA-IgA and the AGA-IgG test. While these tests are believed to not be very specific to celiac disease, they can detect whether the body perceives gluten as an invader and if it is generating antibodies to defend itself against the protein found in�wheat, rye, spelt, kamut and barley. About 34 percent of those tested, exactly 47 people had high antibodies to gluten in one or both of those tests, compared with a 12 percent rate�of high antibodies to gluten in the overall population.
The researchers also performed endoscopies and biopsies on those people in the research study who were suspected to have celiac disease and established that 9 percent of those in the unexplained neuropathy group actually had celiac disease. The celiac disease genes, HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, were discovered in 80 percent of all patients with peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Key Symptom of Celiac, Gluten Sensitivity
According to research studies conducted by the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, peripheral neuropathy is one of the most prevalent non-digestive symptoms of celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. As a matter of fact, patients with celiac disease may often experience no noticeable gastrointestinal symptoms but they may display peripheral neuropathy and other neurological symptoms.
Researchers evaluated the medical records of over 28,000 patients with celiac disease, following up with all the study participants after 10 years to check if they had developed nerve damage. They concluded that those with celiac disease had an increased risk of developing nerve damage over a period of time as compared to the control population.
Gluten Sensitivity Causes Nerve Damage
Peripheral neuropathy and other neurological symptoms, such as brain fog and migraines, can more frequently manifest in people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, stated Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Alessio Fasano, one of the lead researchers in the field of gluten sensitivity. Dr. Fasano explained that up to 30 percent of individuals diagnosed with gluten sensitivity experienced neurological symptoms, a much larger percentage than people with neurological symptoms due to celiac disease experienced.
According to Dr. Fasano, gluten sensitivity has the potential to develop in far more people than celiac disease. He estimates that approximately 6 to 7 percent of the United States population may have a gluten sensitivity, meaning that about 20 million Americans could be sensitive to gluten. Symptoms of gluten sensitivity can include: digestive issues; headaches; rashes; eczema-like skin symptoms; brain fog; fatigue; and peripheral neuropathy. “Almost one-third of those I’ve diagnosed as gluten sensitive report brain fog and headaches as symptoms,’ stated Dr. Alessio Fasano.
Dr. Ford, a pediatrician in Christchurch, New Zealand and author of The Gluten Syndrome, stated that he believes the percentage of people who are gluten-sensitive could potentially be between 30 and 50 percent.
“There are so many people who are sick,” he says. “At least 10 percent are gluten-sensitive and it’s probably more like 30 percent. I was sticking my neck out years ago when I said at least 10 percent of the population is gluten-sensitive. My medical colleagues were saying that gluten sensitivity didn’t exist. We’ll probably find that it’s more than 50 percent when we finally settle on a number.”
Dr. Fine, a gastroenterologist who founded and directs the gluten sensitivity testing service Enterolab, agrees that gluten sensitivity could possibly affect approximately half of the population.
An increased percentage or people in the United States have additionally been diagnosed with other types of autoimmune disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches and/or microscopic colitis, placing these Americans at a higher risk of developing gluten sensitivity. Approximately 60 to 65 percent of people with those conditions test positive for gluten sensitivity. Meanwhile, approximately 20 to 25 percent of people with no symptoms are diagnosed with gluten sensitivity.
�When we did the math, we came up with the number that about one in two individuals are gluten-sensitive,� Dr. Fine stated.
Peripheral Neuropathy Can Resolve with Gluten Sensitivity
Another research study published in 2010 on the journal of Neurology demonstrated that a gluten-free diet could stabilize neuropathy and its symptoms in many of the patients diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, among others in the study.
More so recently over the past years, gluten has been demonstrated to develop an autoimmune antibody response to nerve cells, the myelin sheat, or protective coating around the nerves, as well as in receptor sites on cells which connect neurotransmitters, the chemicals which allow the nerves to transmit important information and communicate. It has also been discovered that gluten can contribute to the breakdown of the blood brain barrier. This allows chemical toxins to leak into the blood supply of the brain itself.
Furthermore, gluten sensitivity has been determined to also damage the gut, interrupting the proper absorption of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins B1 and B12. Gluten sensitivity has also been associated with the following neurologic conditions:
In conclusion, if you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity or if you haven’t been diagnosed with these complications but you suspect you may have them, following a gluten-free diet can be fundamental towards the overall health and wellness of your nerves and gastrointestinal tract. If you are unsure, feel free to follow the “Gluten Free for 3” challenge. Go completely gluten free for just 3 days and keep a journal log of how you feel and sleep during those 3 days. If you feel better, chances are, you are gluten sensitive.�
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.
Neurotoxins are substances which can interfere with nerve cells by overstimulating them to death or interrupting the electrical activities of nerves and their communication process, altering the normal function of the nervous system.
Common symptoms associated with the consumption of neurotoxins can manifest immediately after ingestion or they may be delayed. Symptoms include: weakness in the extremities; tingling sensations or numbness; memory loss; loss of vision and/or intellect; uncontrollable obsessive and/or compulsive behaviors; delusions; headaches; cognitive and behavioral issues; and sexual dysfunction. Also, people with certain types of disorders can be more vulnerable to these substances.
Research studies have demonstrated that neurotoxins can shorten the life span of nerve cells. In addition, these substances have been associated with the development of brain disorders, peripheral neuropathy as well as neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer�s, Huntington�s Chorea and Parkinson�s disease.
To make matters worse, the availability of neurotoxins has increased dramatically within the last few decades. A majority of the neurotoxins our bodies absorb are found in the food we eat and the water we drink. Even worse, these can also be found in baby food.
Neurotoxins In Food
If you have children, it’s important to be aware of the following ten neurotoxins listed below. Because kid’s bodies are still developing, they are often the most vulnerable to the effects of consuming these dangerous substances. The majority of food products that contain neurotoxins are listed on their ingredients list. Processed foods, such as chips and candy, are generally supplied with a load of neurotoxins. It’s best to avoid consuming any food or drink containing the following neurotoxins listed below.
10 Neurotoxins To Avoid
Aspartame (best known as Equal, AminoSweet, NutraSweet and Spoonful):�This substance is very commonly added to sugar-free products, such as sugar-free gums and drinks. Most aspartame is made from the fecal matter of genetically modified bacteria. Research studies have associated the consumption of aspartame to migraines, obesity,�kidney failure, blindness, seizures,�neurological disorders, mental illness, brain tumors and diabetes.
Monosodium glutamate (also known as MSG or sodium glutamate):�This substance is common in junk food, fast food and most restaurant food, canned food and even in baby food. Independent researchers believe that ingesting MSG, or monosodium glutamate, plays a considerable role in the development of neurodegenerative brain diseases, including Alzheimer�s, Parkinson�s and Huntington�s disease. MSG is frequently disguised on ingredient labels under alternative names like hydrolyzed, or vegetable protein, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured protein, TVP, autolyzed yeast, carrageenan, malt extract, malt flavouring, bouillon, seasonings, spices and natural flavoring.
Sucralose (or Splenda):�This artificial sweetener alternative is very popular in sugar-free products, especially sugar-free drinks. Sucralose was accidentally discovered during a research focused on creating a new insecticide, which is why some researchers propose that sucralose should be listed in the insecticide category. Sucralose has been identified as a chlorinated compound. When the body breaks down this type of chlorinated compound, it releases toxic chemicals into the bloodstream.
Aluminum: This type of metal can frequently be found in our drinking water as well as in over-the-counter antacids and vaccines. Aluminum is a difficult substance for the body to absorb, however, citrate or citric acid tremendously increases its absorption. Vaccines are some of the highest factors which contribute to aluminum toxicity, primarily because the aluminum is injected directly into the body.
Mercury:�This heavy metal is common in fish products, vaccines and amalgam fillings, also referred to as silver fillings. Mercury can be found in our drinking water as well. Mercury has been identified to be one of the most toxic neurotoxins because it destroys brain tissue.
Fluoride (sodium fluoride): This substance is very commonly found in drinking water and conventional toothpaste. Fluoride was utilized to exterminate rats before it was introduced into consumer products. The fluoride used for the products we consume is a mixture of a variety of chemicals which can be hazardous to the body. Not to be confused with the natural calcium fluoride, sodium fluoride can be found listed on the warning labels of fluoridated toothpaste products.
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein:�This harmful food ingredient is very common in certain junk foods. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein contains high concentrations of the substances glutamate and aspartate. In high levels, glutamate and aspartate can overstimulate nerve cells.
Calcium caseinate:�This substance is frequently found in the ingredient list of many protein supplements, energy bars and junk food. Due to its harmful properties, this neurotoxin can damage the brain and cause other neurological issues.
Sodium caseinate:�This type of protein is common in dairy products and junk food. It has been associated to the development of gastrointestinal complications and has even been linked to autism.
Yeast extract:�A popular food ingredients in many processed foods, such as canned food. It is also toxic to the brain.
Sugar: The Most Common Neurotoxin�
While the above mentioned neurotoxins can be commonly found in higher concentrations on a majority of the foods we eat today, there is one substance that people consume more frequently than all the others: sugar or table sugar. Refined sugar is not as toxic as aspartame but it can be toxic enough to cause considerable harm to the body when it’s consumed on a regular basis.
When you eat a fruit, for instance, you are not just ingesting sugar and water, but also synergistic components, such as mineral activators, enzymes, co-vitamin helpers and fiber. It’s these components that help the body effectively metabolize all the nutrients of the fruit.
Without the help of these synergistic components, sugar cannot be metabolized safely. In fact, certain elements of the sugar are broken down into toxic chemicals instead. When the body metabolizes refined sugar, toxic metabolites are released into the body. These metabolites can then considerably impair the respiration process of the cells.
Other Common Neurotoxins
Other common neurotoxins which can be found in some of the favorite processed foods we consume are chemical food additives, preservatives and sweeteners. Numerous research studies�have been conducted on food additives and their toxic, damaging affect on the nerve cells in our body. Brain cells and the peripheral nerves are the most affected by these substances, which can also have a cumulative effect on the body over time.
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, and artificial sweeteners can gradually cause considerable damage to nerve cells, which may lead to peripheral neuropathy or even worse, Alzheimer�s disease. Yet, these ingredients are found in the foods and beverages we consume daily. The average household has diet beverages, salad dressings, canned soups, condiments, crackers, junk food and many other of these types of foods and drinks. Even baby foods contain many of these neurotoxins.
Whether or not you suffer from any neurological dysfunction, everyone should avoid consuming these harmful chemicals. Over a period of decades, they can cause, not only peripheral neuropathy but, damage to brain cells as well, leading to memory loss, confusion, dementia, including Alzheimer�s and other serious neurological diseases such as Parkinsons.
A variety of favorite processed foods Americans consume today have added refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, among additives and preservatives, which can be harmful to the body. However, most of the foods and drinks people eat today commonly contain some of the most harmful substances for the brain and nerves, neurotoxins.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.
Peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition where nerve damage or dysfunction occurs, triggering common symptoms such as tingling or burning sensations or numbness in the hands and feet. The source of the neuropathy can often be difficult to diagnose but some of the factors which can contribute to the development of the condition include: vitamin deficiencies, traumatic injuries, diabetes, chemotherapy, alcoholism, infections, kidney disease, tumors and exposure to poisons.
Although these are some of the most frequently reported factors responsible for the development of the condition, many of the common foods people eat on a daily basis and in large quantities can actually worsen peripheral neuropathy. The following are various of the foods which can aggravate nerve damage and dysfunction as well as increase the painful symptoms of neuropathy.
Gluten
First of all, what is gluten? Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat, barley and rye. The most common sources of gluten include a majority of breads, cereals, pasta, crackers, cookies, cakes, pastries and all foods containing white, wheat, cake or baking flour.
People with celiac disease, best described as a gluten allergy, can trigger and worsen the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy if gluten is consumed. Approximately 50 percent of adults with celiac disease aren’t even aware that they have this autoimmune disorder. Celiac disease, as mentioned before, is an allergy to gluten, however, many individuals may have a sensitivity to gluten without celiac disease. As a matter of fact, 18 million people in the United States have currently been diagnosed with some form of gluten sensitivity. Both gluten sensitivity and celiac disease can cause or increase tingling sensations and numbness as well as other neuropathic symptoms.
If you have any type of gluten sensitivity or allergy, suitable alternatives to the storage protein include: rice, oatmeal, corn and rice-based cereals, breads labeled as gluten free and potatoes.
Refined Grains
Refined grains can aggravate peripheral neuropathy because these are high-glycemic, meaning they can have a tremendous impact on your blood sugar levels. Because refined sugars cause a spike in blood sugar, inflammation throughout the body is increased, worsening any other symptoms associated with it. Chronic inflammation can both cause peripheral neuropathy and worsen nerve damage, resulting in increased pain and decreased function of many structures of the body.
According to the Diabetes Association, controlling glycemic levels in the body can be the most effective strategy for preventing the progression of neuropathy associated with pre-diabetes or diabetes, which is the most common reason for the disorder.
To control glycemic in the body, replace refined grains and products, including white and wheat bread, enriched pasta, white and instant rice, low-fiber cereals and processed snack foods, such as pretzels, potato chips and crackers, with whole grains. Nutritious whole grade alternatives include oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa and millet.
Added Sugars
Supplementary sugars which are added to foods, such as cane sugar, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup, add sweet flavor to many of our favorite snack but these supply very few nutrients to foods and can ultimately increase the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Common sources of added sugars include: regular soft drinks, candy, milk chocolate, sugary cereals, pancake syrup, jellies, frozen desserts and commercially baked cakes, cookies, pastries and pies.Similar to refined grains, they are high-glycemic and can affect blood sugar levels in the body. Additionally, diets rich in added sugars are most commonly associated with poor nutrient intake.
To protect yourself against nutritional deficiencies which may lead to worsened neuropathic symptoms, choose nutritious foods with natural sugars, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, instead of sugary snacks.
Bad Fats
Fats are as essential to your diet as protein and carbohydrates as these are necessary to provide energy to the body and to assist in processing a variety of vitamins and manufacturing hormones. However, when our diet is made up of mostly bad fats as compared to good fats,�many complications can begin to affect the body.
The worst type of dietary fats are trans fats. Trans fats are commonly listed on labels as hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils. These can increase inflammation in the body, raise bad cholesterol or LDL, and may contribute to the development of insulin resistance which can harm small blood vessels necessary for delivering nutrients to the peripheral nerves.
Saturated fats commonly found in fatty meats and dairy products are often given a bad reputation within the medical field but research studies, including one study from Harvard Health Publications, show that a diet with a moderate amount of saturated fat from fruits, such as avocados and coconut oil, may offer extensive health benefits to the cardiovascular system. Further studies also concluded that a small to moderate consumption of animal saturated fat can also provide several health benefits. It’s recommended to eat moderate amounts of healthy fat sources, including: avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut oils and ghee.
Dairy
Dairy is one of the most inflammatory foods in our modern diet, second only to gluten. It causes inflammation in a large percentage of the population. Individuals who’ve already developed peripheral neuropathy have some form of nerve damage and inflammation can impact the nerves even further, subsequently increasing the pain and other symptoms associated with neuropathy. �Inflammation caused by the consumption of dairy can also result in digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea and may worsen autistic behaviors.
Why the Food We Eat Impacts Neuropathy
Essentially, the food we consume provides our body with the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly. Without the proper nutrients, our metabolic processes can suffer and our overall health and wellness can decline. The food we eat is central to our well-being.
Nutrients are the substances found in food which are fundamental for the growth, development, repair and maintenance of the body’s functions. If an individual’s diet is deficient in nutrients, their health may be affected. Nutritional deficiencies occur by consuming a diet made up fast foods, junk foods or processed foods with very little whole foods. In addition, consuming regular beverages such as soda, coffee, energy drinks, sugary drinks and alcohol, can deplete essential vitamins and minerals in the body, including: vitamins B1, B6, B12, folic acid, calcium and magnesium, among others.
Nutrients are in charge of giving our bodies instructions about how to effectively function by also providing it with the necessary materials to carry out the appropriate functions to maintain overall health and wellness. In conclusion, its important to remember that the food we eat can act as a medicine to maintain, prevent, and treat diseases, such as peripheral neuropathy.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.
Peripheral neuropathy most commonly develops in patients who’ve been previously diagnosed with pre-diabetes. According to researchers from the University of Utah, early interventions can allow people to maintain their overall health and wellness. Further research studies have revealed that peripheral nerve damage begins with pre-diabetes and obesity.
Approximately more than one in three adults in the United States, about 86 million people, have pre-diabetes. Without the proper body weight and moderate physical activity, 15 to 30 percent of these individuals could develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.
“We now know a lot more than we did 3 to 5 years ago about neuropathic pain in patients with pre-diabetes. Neuropathy affects patients with pre-diabetes in a continuum,” stated Dr. Rob Singleton, MD, and professor of neurology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. “We think obesity and the dysfunction of lips or fats are what’s actually causing the issues.”
During another research study conducted and published by researchers from the University of Michigan in JAMA Neurology, peripheral neuropathy was also commonly diagnosed in patients with obesity, regardless if they had normal blood sugar levels when compared with lean, control patient participants. This same study additionally confirmed that the rate of neuropathy increased in individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes, leading the researchers to conclude that pre-diabetes, diabetes and obesity are possible metabolic drivers of peripheral neuropathy.
Dr. Singleton and his team of researchers have been studying peripheral neuropathy associated with pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome as well as which forms of treatment may work best for the condition. Metabolic syndrome is characterized as the group of risk factors which increases the chance of experiencing heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Risk factors include: high blood pressure; elevated blood glucose, high cholesterol and abdominal fat. Throughout their research, they discovered that many patients with metabolic syndrome had pre-diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
�We have demonstrated that in pre-diabetics with neuropathic pain, exercise can reduce neuropathic pain and can increase the intradermal nerve fibers in the thigh and ankle. We are in the process now of replicating that study,� Dr. Rob Singleton explained in an interview with an endocrinology advisor. �You need to improve lipid, or cholesterol, function and glucose levels. Lifestyle issues have to be addressed.�
The Relation Between Pre-Diabetes & Peripheral Neuropathy
New research studies have evaluated the relationship between pre-diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. In a study published in Diabetes Care, Dr. Christine Lee, PhD, of the University of Toronto, determined that pre-diabetes created similar risks towards nerve damage and dysfunction, which often lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy, as those caused by diabetes.
Evidence suggests that peripheral neuropathy begins in the early stages of the diabetes pathogenesis. Dr. Lee and other researchers evaluated 467 individuals. The researchers found that peripheral neuropathy was common in 29 percent of adults with normal glucose levels as compared to 49 percent in adults diagnosed with pre-diabetes and 50 percent in adults diagnosed with diabetes. The researchers also established that pre-diabetes, or a progression of elevated glucose levels in the course of 3 years concluded an increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy and nerve damage or dysfunction.
“Early interventions such as lifestyle changes involving proper diet and exercise, could be ultimately essential towards preventing severe nerve complications,” stated Dr. Christine Lee. Another study published in Diabetes Care by Dr. Rob Singleton in 2006, supported this statement. Dr. Singleton and other researchers concluded that dietary changes and physical activity can result in cutaneous reinnervation as well as improved symptoms in patients with pre-diabetes.
Peripheral Nerve Damage Before Diabetes
Its fundamental to acknowledge that the nerve injury which occurs with peripheral neuropathy can occur before diabetes develops. As a matter of fact, current research studies have shown that obesity, even with normal blood sugar levels, has been associated with causing peripheral neuropathy as well as pre-diabetes.
Fortunately, more and more research studies and evidence on the issue has been published to help enlighten doctors and the public. Although it is essential to maintain fasting glucose levels between 70 to 80 mg/dL, it is equally important to manage a healthy weight, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. All of this can be achieved without the use of medication or bariatric procedures. Natural treatments and holistic care options are also available to help control the symptoms of the disease.
Nerve dysfunction, characterized by symptoms of pain, tingling sensations and numbness are common among individuals with diabetes. However, new research studies have found that nerve injuries can also occur as a result of obesity, where patients are diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
experience moderate to severe nerve injury. The symptoms of neuropathy generally manifest in the legs and feet, gradually manifesting in the arms and hands over time.
