7 Natural Ways to Help Manage Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is when the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord—called peripheral nerves—aren’t working the way they should. These nerves connect to your arms, hands, legs, feet, face, and even your internal organs. When they’re damaged, they can send the wrong signals or none at all. You might feel tingling, burning, numbness, or pain in your feet or hands—even when nothing’s wrong.
While this condition can be frustrating, there are some natural things you can do to ease your symptoms and support your body. Below are seven simple and natural ways that might help you feel better if you’re dealing with peripheral neuropathy.
1. Cut Back on Toxins Around You
Your nerves are sensitive, and too many toxins in your system can make things worse. Smoking is a big one—it lowers blood flow and adds harmful chemicals to your body. But even things like household cleaners or exposure to strong chemicals can add to the problem.
Take a look at your daily environment. Try to switch to gentler cleaning products when you can. And if you smoke, quitting can really help improve your nerve health over time.
2. Get Better Sleep
Neuropathy can mess with your sleep, but poor sleep can also make your symptoms worse. It becomes a cycle that’s hard to break. Getting enough rest helps your body heal and deal with pain better.
Try sticking to a regular bedtime and wake-up time—even on weekends. Avoid caffeine later in the day, and if you’re someone who naps a lot, try cutting back. You can also experiment with sleeping positions—putting a pillow between your knees or under your legs might take pressure off and help you sleep more comfortably.
3. Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check
If you have diabetes or even just struggle with high blood sugar, that can be a major reason for nerve damage. Keeping your blood sugar stable is one of the most important things you can do if you have peripheral neuropathy—or want to avoid getting it.
Drinking plenty of water, cutting back on sugary and highly processed foods, and eating balanced meals can all help. If you’re not sure where to start, try keeping a food journal for a week to see how different foods affect how you feel.
4. Try Essential Oils
Some people find relief using essential oils. These aren’t a magic fix, but they may help take the edge off symptoms like pain or inflammation. Oils like lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, or rosemary can be soothing.
You can try adding a few drops to a warm bath, using a diffuser, or applying a diluted version to the skin (just make sure to do a patch test first). Everyone reacts differently, so find what feels good for you.
5. Quit Smoking (If You Smoke)
If you smoke, it’s worth knowing that it can make neuropathy worse. Smoking reduces blood flow, especially to the smaller blood vessels that serve your nerves. That means your nerves get less oxygen and nutrients, making it harder for them to function or repair themselves.
Quitting isn’t easy, but even small steps in the right direction can help. It’s not just about your nerves—your whole body will thank you.
6. Move More
Staying active is one of the best things you can do. Gentle exercise helps your circulation, keeps your muscles strong, and may even help your body repair nerve damage over time.
You don’t need to hit the gym hard—just walking, stretching, swimming, or doing light workouts at home can make a difference. The key is to keep moving regularly and listen to your body. If something feels off or painful, back off and take it slow.
7. Eat More Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidants are nutrients that help protect your body from stress and damage. They’re especially helpful for people with nerve issues, since they can help calm inflammation and support overall health.
You’ll find antioxidants in foods like:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Spinach and kale
- Nuts and seeds
- Green tea
- Dark chocolate (in moderation)
Try to include a few of these in your meals every day. A diet full of real, whole foods will go a long way toward supporting your nerve health.
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