Diabetic Neuropathy, a nerve disorder caused by diabetes, is characterized by a loss or reduction of sensation in the feet, and in some cases the hands, and pain and weakness in the feet. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary. Numbness and tingling in feet are often the first sign. Some people notice no symptoms, while others are severely disabled. Neuropathy may cause both pain and insensitivity to pain in the same person. Conventional medicine offers little in the prevention or treatment of diabetic neuropathy, yet there is a great deal of information available which shows that the proper usage of dietary supplements can be of significant benefit.

Diabetes is associated with a fatty acid imbalance. In experimental models, essential fatty acid desaturation contributes to reductions in peripheral nerve conduction velocity and blood flow. This fatty acid imbalance may be corrected by dietary supplements that contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), such as borage oil.

Nerve conduction and perfusion deficits in diabetics have been corrected by a combination of antioxidant and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplements.

Deficient and toxic neuropathies can be alleviated by improving lifestyle and dietary factors. The following combinations of nutritional supplements might be particularly effective:

1. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Fish oil concentrate, and Ascorbyl palmitate offer a potential synergistic approach to correcting a fatty acid imbalance by enhancing blood flow to the nerves, and protecting against free radicals.

2. Vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, taken in lozenge form along with folic acid has been shown to correct many neurological diseases, including neuropathy.

3. Protect against free radicals and enhance neuronal energy metabolism by taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), Acetyl-L-Carnitine, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and Vitamin C.

4. Taking a broad-spectrum Multinutrient(Vitamin & Mineral) formula can help suppress free radical injury to the nerves, while supplying supplemental amounts of folic acid and vitamin B12.

All the best for a happy,healthy and a sans neuropathy living.

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