Nerves are important for sending signals from your brain to your body and vice versa. Neuropathy, or damage or dysfunction to the nerves, can lead to a number of complications such as numbness, weakness, pain, or a tingling sensation in the affected areas. Here are a few things that you can do to prevent or delay nerve damage.
Check for signs of nerve damage
Look out for signs of nerve damage, such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, especially in your hands and feet. Damage to motor nerves can cause muscle weakness or paralysis. If you find difficulty in moving a part of your body, it might be a sign of neuropathy.
Other signs include twitching, sweating too much or too little, more frequent visits to the bathroom, and stumbling and falling a lot more than usual. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it might be a good time to visit a neuropathy clinic in Los Angeles. If that isn’t possible, your family doctor can be a good option, too. It’s important to treat these complications as early as possible to prevent further damage.
Manage your blood sugar levels
Diabetes is the leading cause of neuropathy. Monitor your blood sugar levels and keep them in your optimal range by exercising, minimizing your carb intake, drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep, and maintaining an ideal weight. Maintaining normal blood sugar is one of the most effective ways to counter diabetes-related nerve pain.
Exercise regularly
Exercising, such as walking or jogging, can prevent nerve damage by improving the circulation of the blood that supplies the nerves. Moreover, regular exercise can improve muscle strength and coordination. It also helps your body produce endorphins, which are natural painkillers that alleviate the pain that comes with nerve damage. It can also improve your mood. Tai chi, yoga, and other gentle routines are also helpful in maintaining good circulation.
Take good care of your feet
Legs and feet are commonly affected by nerve damage, so it’s crucial to ensure that the nerves in your feet get proper circulation. Wear comfortably loose socks and padded shoes, keep them warm, and walk regularly. Additionally, if the sensations in your feet are already dull, check them regularly for blisters, swelling, and other injuries to prevent aggravating the damage.
Lay off drinking alcoholic drinks
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause and worsen nerve damage. Too much alcohol can be damaging not only to your nerves but also to other vital organs, so it’s important to skip happy hour and cut back on drinking.
Make sure that you’re getting enough vitamins
Nerve damage can also be caused by malnutrition, so it’s important to have a proper, balanced diet and vitamin intake. Vitamins E, B1, B6, B12, and niacin are especially important in nerve health. Adding fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and lean proteins in your diet can help you keep your nerves healthy.
Get tested
Nerve damage can be caused by other underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, infectious diseases, tumors, among others. Early detection of these conditions can help prevent further complications.
As with any disease, it is important to focus on prevention rather than cures. The nervous system is so complex and intricate, so much so that any damage to it may be irreversible. Ensure that you take care of it well.
