Natural Health Alternatives

A vitamin B complex plays a very important part in the good functioning of our body. As it is often hard to absorb, vitamin B supplements are very effective in maintaining a proper vitamin B level and keeping us healthy. All B vitamins in a complex play an important role in supporting nerve health - a common concern among people who have diabetes.  I want to let you know about two additional supplements that have been demonstrated to have the same effect with nerves .

Lipoic acid.Called alpha lipoic acid or ALA, it is a vitamin-like antioxidant, referred to as the “universal antioxidant” because it is both fat- and water-soluble. This allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals. Research has shown that when taken in high doses, lipoic acid helps to support peripheral nerve health and nueropathy of diabetic feet . Depending on the amount of support you need, I recommend between 200 mg and 400 mg per day or even twice a day with severe problems.

It can be used for many other things including:

• Sciatica
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Glaucoma
• Multiple
• Cataracts
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Alzheimer’s disease
• HIV
• Liver problems and hepatitis

 Evening primrose oil.Also called EPO, this is the second supplement that  I would recommend for nerve health. Evening primrose is a wildflower native to North America. EPO, which contains the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), has been shown to be very helpful in the support of optimal nerve function. In one double-blind study carried out in seven medical centers, 480 mg of evening primrose oil taken daily for one year proved beneficial to patients’ nerve health. Other studies have used doses of up to 6,000 mg per day with good results. I suggest supplementing with evening primrose oil at a starting dose of 500 mg to 1,500 mg per day. If you’re suffering from neuropathy, natural alternatives help (a painful and common complication of diabetes), give them a try - and take control of your diabetes.