Neuropathy Prevention - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to your peripheral nerves. Nerve damage can be caused by diabetes (high blood sugar), exposure to toxins including chemotherapy drugs, alcohol and physical injuries. Peripheral neuropathy often has symptoms of weakness, numbness and pain, starting in the hands and feet. When diabetes or toxins cause peripheral neuropathy, the nerve damage can progress over time to affect other areas of your body including your heart.  The best strategy for managing neuropathy is to prevent it from starting in the first place.

Prevention

While some types of peripheral neuropathy might not be avoidable (e.g. chemotherapy neuropathy), many type of neuropathy are avoidable. For example, peripheral neuropathy form diabetes is something that can be prevented. Below are three strategies that can be used to protect your nerves and prevent peripheral neuropathy.

Manage Underlying Conditions

The best way to prevent peripheral neuropathy is to manage medical conditions that put you at risk of developing nerve injury. For people with prediabetes and diabetes, keeping blood sugars within target ranges is the key to reducing the risk of nerve injury. For those working in environments with exposure to toxins, especially neurotoxins, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and monitoring safety is essential.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Healthy lifestyle choices for peripheral neuropathy is something that can be done daily to prevent the risk of this health condition. Choosing a diet that is low in process sugars and other foods avoid for neuropathy. Instead focus on healthy food choices that reduce your overall disease risk. Exercise can prevent peripheral neuropathy risk by keeping nerves active and increasing blood flow. Regular exercise, which includes walking, reduces the risk of peripheral neuropathy by keeping a healthy blood sugar and reducing the risk of diabetes and cancer.

Support Peripheral Nerve Health

To protect nerves from peripheral neuropathy, it is important to keep them healthy and supported. Nerves require specific types of fats to maintain their structure and function. Omega-3 fats EPA, DPA and DHA like those found in Frontline Neuropathy provide all of the pro-nerve fats to support optimal nerve health including the regeneration of damaged nerves.