Neuritis

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What Is Neuritis

Neuritis is a more serious nerve condition that is characterized by inflammation of a particular nerve or series of nerves in the nervous system. While there can be several types of Neuritis, the most common types are Optic Neuritis and Peripheral Neuritis. The condition is often associated with pain, weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the affected nerve(s).

Signs Of Neuritis

The most common symptom associated with Neuritis is a tingling or stabbing pain in the affected nerves. The pain in the affected area may stem from an infection, sprain, or other violent injury. Common symptoms of Neuritis include:

Tingling in the affected nerves
Burning sensation
Muscle pain
Loss of muscle tone (if motor nerves are involved)
Numbness or paralysis of nearby muscles (in rare cases)
Vision troubles (if it is Optic Neuritis)

What Causes Neuritis

If a nerve or series of nerves is affected by an infection, bacteria, virus, or disease, the function may be impaired to varying degrees. The cause of Neuritis is believed to be chronic acidosis, which is excessive acidity in the blood and other bodily fluids. The body should be alkaline for proper health and reactions, but poor dietary choices can cause acid build-up in bodily tissues, resulting in acidosis. Diseases affecting the blood supply to nerves or deficiency in nutrients can also cause Neuritis. Other causes are listed below.

Chronic Acidosis
Diseases (bacterial or viral infections)
Penetrating injury
Heavy pressure over a nerve trunk
Fractures or broken bones
Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamin deficiency)
Violent muscular activity
Hyperextension of a joint
Advancing in age (55 years and older, and more commonly in women)

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

Barley brew can help alleviate symptoms of Neuritis. Boil 1/4 cup of barley in 1/2 cup of water until the water boils down to about 1/4 cup. You can increase the measurements to yield a bigger batch. Strain the mixture once you've finished brewing it and stir in a little lime juice for the best results.
Taking two to three hot Epsom salt baths a week may help relieve tingling in the affected nerves. It is ideal for the person to remain in the bath for about 25-30 minutes. Additionally, the affected area should be bathed with hot water containing Epsom salts to help with the healing process.
Make sure you drink enough water to stay properly hydrated. Because Neuritis can be caused by chronic acidosis, it is beneficial to alkalize the body, and drinking water is a great way to facilitate that process. A good rule of thumb is to drink eight 8oz glasses of water every day. You can also drink half your body weight in ounces of water to stay hydrated. If you weigh 150lbs, then you should drink 75oz of water per day.
Drinking a combination of fresh carrot and spinach juice can be a beneficial treatment for Neuritis. Neuritis can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, so drinking the carrot-spinach juice once a day can help deliver you those missing nutrients. Do not purchase bottled juices because these are often filled with preservatives or chemicals. Opt to make your own from fresh carrots and spinach.
Keeping an alkaline diet can be very beneficial for those with Neuritis. There are many alkaline foods that can help establish a neutral pH balance in the body. Since acid build-up can cause damage to nerves, helping to establish an alkaline system can help reduce symptoms of Neuritis. Furthermore, you may want to eliminate processed foods, meat, dairy products, genetically modified foods, sugar, and salt to help get on a healthier path. All of those foods can contribute to acidosis and prevent your body from getting nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
Baking soda, which is an alkaline compound, can help establish a neutral pH balance in the blood. You can mix a pinch of baking soda with a glass of water and drink this once a day. Keep drinking this until you feel that your symptoms have decreased or stop altogether.

Things you should eat