Diabetic neuropathy is defined as damage to the nerves that occurs due to long-term, unregulated high blood sugar levels from diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy, the most common form of diabetic neuropathy, is experienced as a loss of sensation, numbness, tingling or burning in the arms and legs. Toes and feet are the most affected areas, and loss of sensation may also be accompanied by deep or stabbing pains in the calves and feet. Neuropathy reduces the natural flow of blood and sweat, resulting in dry skin that cracks easily. The diabetic patient my not notice small wounds caused by stepping on a sharp object or an unattended blister that may become infected. Worst case scenario, the infection may ultimately require surgical amputation of the affected body part.
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to help prevent nerve damage and minimalize existing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Daily care of the calves, feet and toes in the form of footbaths, foot reflexology, gentle massage and use of EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) devices all provide excellent results. The application of topical products containing biologically-active aloe vera (aloe barbadensis) and essential oils of eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus oreucalyptus radiata) and rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) are also highly beneficial. Other essential oils that are helpful to use in topical creams, sprays or gels include cinnamon (cinnamomum zeylanicum,) lemon (citrus limon,) grapefruit (citrus paradisi,) oregano (origanum vulgare ) and white thyme (thymus zygis.)
Why is aloe vera important? New scientific research reveals that substances known as gibberellins (or gibberellic acids) found in aloe very gel have profound pain relieving, wound healing and nerve calming effects. Gibberellins are plant hormones that regulate the growth and development of healthy plant cells. The are used commercially in horticulture to activate seeds from dormancy, stimulate the production of fruit, and speed up fruiting and flowering through their antioxidant mechanisms. Biologically-active organic aloe vera is becoming a popular new ingredient in topical pain products and therapeutic skincare creams, balms and lotions.
A study published in the American Podiatric Medical Association confirms that aloe vera inhibits inflammation and accelerates wound healing. In this study, gibberellin was identified as the active anti-inflammatory compound in aloe vera. Another study conducted at the University Medical Center in Freiburg, Germany followed forty volunteers in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment comparing aloe vera gel with a cream containing 1% hydrocortisone. The authors concluded that the aloe vera gel displayed anti-inflammatory effects far superior to the hydrocortisone cream. An important study undertaken at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico proved that aloe vera inhibited prostaglandin production and transmission of pain (‘substance P’) down the arachidonic pathway via cyclooxygenase (COX-2,) the enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation. In short, aloe vera reduces the transmission of pain signals down the body’s nerve pathways, and acts as a highly effective natural pain reliever.
Aloe vera in its gel or juice form also shows a great affinity for skin, and is rapidly absorbed by the skin when applied and gently massaged. Aloe vera also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, polysaccharides and plant sterols that act synergistically to moisturize and nourish skin, repair damaged cells, balance skin metabolism and regenerate the skin quickly. Eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils in particular work well with aloe vera gel in providing 1,8 cineole, a plant terpenoid with widely documented analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial actions. Like aloe, eucalyptus and rosemary act by reducing pain transmission signaling in the body.
A natural protocol for diabetic neuropathy would also include supplementation of beneficial vitamins and minerals. B-complex vitamin supplementation and high Vitamin C intake are recommended. Magnesium in particular is a vital dietary supplement for the diabetic individual, as it reduces inflammation, lessens muscle cramping and pain, and relaxes muscle tension. Pycnogenol, or French maritime pine bark (picea mariana) is a newly-discovered neuropathy fighter, and is the subject of many European studies, where it has also been shown to reduce wound healing time when applied directly to the wound. Resveratrol, the immune-building substance derived from the skin of red grapes, appears to work in tandem with pycnogenol for best results.
Also recommended are FDA-cleared medical devices such as Revitive, an at-home option for stimulating circulation and alleviating pain in the feet and calves. The Revitive uses electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to bring nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood to the lower extremities. The device can be set from an almost imperceptible sensation to a stronger vibration to help the muscles alternately tense and relax, stimulating blood circulation and reducing swelling, inflammation and pain. The device is easy and comfortable to use, and can provide neuropathy treatment while you are reading, relaxing or watching TV. Used daily for twenty to thirty minutes, the device provides an integral part of treatment to reduce or even eliminate leg and foot pain.
A daily natural protocol for diabetic neuropathy includes daily supplementation, EMS sessions and ongoing care of affected areas with massage with topical products containing aloe vera, eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils. A comprehensive foot exam by a medical doctor or podiatrist every six to twelve months is recommended. By paying attention to symptoms and treating them promptly, diabetic neuropathy can be well managed using natural methods, allowing for a better quality of life and health.
Comments