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IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO HEAL THE VAGUS NERVE EVEN IF BLOOD SUGARS ARE NOTArticles - Dr. Bernstein Shares His Insights Richard K. Bernstein, M.D., F.A.C.E., F.A.C.N., FCCWS has done a lot of research on the impact the VAGUS NERVE on diabetes control. This week he gives some solid information on how you may be able to heal this.Diabetes Solution Revised and Updated 2007 Chapter 22 Part 11 IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO HEAL THE VAGUS NERVE EVEN IF BLOOD SUGARS ARE NOT– Part 11
Remember the insulin-mimetic antioxidants alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and evening primrose oil (EPO)? Well, studies in the United States and Germany have shown them to heal the nerves involved in painful diabetic neuropathy of the feet. These studies achieved their results in a matter of months, without any attempt to control blood sugars. Morerecent brief studies have actually brought about partial healing of the vagus nerve. The studies that I read, however, utilized very high doses of one of these agents (25,000 mg of alpha lipoic acid), administered intravenously. A few naturopathic physicians in the United States and many in Europe administer such treatment. I’m not set up to do this, but I do ask my patients to take large oral doses of alpha lipoic acid and EPO, as listed in Chapter 15.As indicated in that chapter, I suggest biotin supplementation whenever alpha lipoic acid is used. The problem here is that at the doses listed on page 241 (1,800 mg ALA daily), the users must take 9–12 daily pills over and above whatever other medications or supplements they may be taking. Nevertheless, I continue to prescribe these supplements for those who can afford them in the hope that vagal healing can be accelerated, but I don’t really expect a miracle. As mentioned earlier in this book, many diabetics have another endocrine disorder, hypothyroidism. Since diminished production of thyroid hormones can cause neuropathy even in nondiabetics, it would be appropriate for diabetics with neuropathy of the vagus nerve (gastroparesis) to be tested for thyroid insufficiency. If this turns out to be present, the treatment is usually 1 pill daily. An easy cure for gastroparesis, if it was not caused by high blood sugars. THOUGH “CURABLE,” GASTROPARESIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESSDon’t hesitate to use combinations of the medications and other treatments for gastroparesis that we have covered in this chapter. The more methods you find that will work for you, the better the likely outcome. There is one exception to this rule—do not use both domperidone and metoclopramide. Use only one or the other, as they both work by the same mechanism and their potential for adverse effects will increase with the combined dosage. The effects upon blood sugar of even asymptomatic (symptomfree) delayed stomach-emptying from any cause can be dramatic. Don’t think that because you have no symptoms you’re free from its effects upon blood sugar. If you’re uncertain, ask your physician to perform an R-R interval study. If you’re following the guidelines of this book and your blood sugars are still unpredictable, suggest that he or she read this chapter. Next feature: Routine Follow-up Visits to Your Physician Gastroparesis – Part 1 Watch for the Next FREE LIVE WEBCAST: with Dr. Richard K. Bernstein, who will answer questions from medical professionals and patients and it is free. Just go to www.diabetes911.net and register and ask a question if you like! To listen to the last 14 webcasts go to http://www.thebernsteinconnection.com
Author’s Note For information on how you can purchase Diabetes Solution, go to www.Diabetes911.net Special for $18.45. Regular $29.95 A savings of 11+ dollars “The Secrets to Normal Blood Sugars” ORDER NOW!! www.diabetes911.net ALSO CHECK OUT Dr. Bernstein’s new site with all of his videos features and teleconference calls.
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We would like to thank the publisher Little Brown and Company and Dr. RichardK. Bernstein, for allowing us to provide excerpts from Diabetes Solution 2007 Edition
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