“Is there a treatment in naturopathy for a diabetic foot?”
I have an injury on my foot, which is getting worse because I also have diabetes. What naturopathic treatments should I look into?
15 Answers
Hi, A Diabetic foot is usually caused by poor circulation due to Type two diabetic patients over a long period of time. The elevated blood glucose level is thought to activate many glucose utilizing pathways as well as the formation of Advanced glycation end products, a reaction between sugar and proteins abbreviated AGEs. The formation of these AGES leads to oxidative stress, activation of inflammatory pathways, which then causes nerve damage and reduces blood flow to these very small arteries. Thus, the treatment will be a collaborative approach with conventional medicine as well as Naturopathic. The blood glucose will need to be reduced as this is driving the tissue damage in the foot. We do this using certain dietary approaches that help to fix the resistance of insulin to the cell as this is what causes blood sugars to rise. Special fibers can be used prior to meals to help lower glycemic loads and increase satiety. Strong antioxidants such as Alpha Lipoic acid as well as B vitamins would be needed to help reduce free radicals that contribute to nerve damage. Much would depend on current medications being taken. We would help with blood flow as this is contributing to Diabetic foot. Most often, Fish Oils and overall repair of the endothelial wall of the arteries will be helpful, as this helps to improve nitric oxide production, this helps improve blood flow. The suggestions again would be dependent on the medications being taken. Hydrotherapy would be recommended as this would help improve blood flow, which would allow nutrients to reach the damaged tissue as well as bring back debri from that same tissue. Dietary Adjustments: - Low Glycemic Mediterranean Diet Possible Supplements - Glucomannan Fibers - Fish Oils - Magnesium - Alpha Lipoic Acid - B- Complex including B12 - Cinnamon - Ginger - Curcumin - Berberine Exercise - Progressively increasing intensity over time Adequate Sleep (Helps with repair and diminishes pain) Essential Oils- Help to reduce Neuropathy pain Stress Management- Reduces Blood sugars and improves wound healing All dependent on current medications/Treatment plan
Hello, Thank you for your question. Yes, there are natural treatments for issues related to Diabetes.
Dear Patient, I understand how troublesome ulcers can be. Hopefully, I can shed some light on something that may help you to boost your body's ability to heal itself. Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Diabetic foot ulcers typically develop as a result of poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and reduced immune function. Here are some remedies you may find helpful: Raw Honey: Applied topically, raw honey possesses antibacterial properties and can promote wound healing. Sugar: Surprisingly, granulated sugar can also be used as a topical treatment. Its osmotic effect helps draw out excess moisture from the wound and inhibits bacterial growth. Dietary Changes: Incorporating more whole, unprocessed foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can provide essential nutrients and support overall healing and immunity. Ozonated Olive Oil: This alternative therapy involves infusing olive oil with ozone gas, which exhibits antimicrobial and healing properties. Homeopathic Cell Salts: Certain homeopathic remedies, such as Calc phos and Silicea, promote tissue regeneration and enhance the body's healing ability. Vitamins and Minerals Vitamins and minerals also play a crucial role in overall health and can also contribute to the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. Here is how Vitamins and Minerals can help: Vitamin C: This vitamin is essential for collagen formation, which is crucial for wound healing. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. Zinc: Zinc is involved in various enzymatic reactions that are important for wound healing. Vitamin A: This vitamin plays a role in cell growth and differentiation, making it important for wound healing. Hair Tissue Mineral Test (HTMA) A hair tissue mineral test is a valuable tool that can provide crucial insights into an individual's nutritional deficiencies and assist in determining the right supplements needed to address them. By analyzing the mineral content in the hair, this test can identify any imbalances or deficiencies in essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and others. I've created a webpage that goes into a bit more detail that may be of interest to you. You can find it here: https://www.fxremedies.com/diabetic-foot-ulcers.html. I sincerely hope you find the healing you seek. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. Sincerely, [image: facebook] <https://facebook.com/wellnessbydsign> [image: twitter] <http://twitter.com/wellnessbydsign> [image: linkedin] <http://linkedin.com/in/jennifersmithbhc> [image: instagram] <http://instagram.com/wellnessbydsign> Jennifer Smith, NMP, CHN, FBCC Natural Medicine Practitioner and AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist 941-275-2749 jen@fxremedies.com https://FxRemedies.com <https://fxremedies.com/> Food As Medicine: <https://www.fxremedies.com/free-gifts.html> Pro Metabolic Nutrition eCourse <https://www.fxremedies.com/free-gifts.html> **Information contained in this email is for informational and educational purposes only.
Naturopathic doctors have many different options based on a person’s whole health. Unfortunately, this platform does not allow for enough information!
You need to correct your blood sugar. Is your HA1c below 6? If not, we can help with that. After that, our treatments help with complications of diabetic wounds, neuropathy, etc? www.explorehealthaz.com
I would definitely find a Naturopathic doctor that was educated at an accredited University that is well versed in dealing with diabetes. Injuries to feet in patients with diabetes is not something to mess around with on your own.
You need to increase circulatory stimulants like turmeric, ginger, ruscus (a herb). if the foot is infected you must address that as well. Try tea tree oil on it 3-4 x day. regards carolyn
There are no naturopathic treatment that I can recommend for you to attempt to perform at home by yourself, however, cold laser therapy aids all different types of wound healing. There is also some research on pubMed for a honey treatment, but it should be performed under the care of a physician that is able to debride the wound. I recommend you print the article and take it to your physician.
You don’t mention what type of injury you have or what type of diabetes you have. Also, are you on medication and any supplements to address your type 1 or 2 diabetes Naturopathic physicians will look for effective ways to support your diet and nutrition to address the diabetes. There are medicines and supplements that NDs will consider for diabetes.
This is complicated as I find there are natural substances, however, if a full multidimensional treatment plan isn't laid out they don't work as well. Top shelf natural agents for this though include: Vitamin C, B12, Coq10, Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid.
It is critical to keep the area moisturized and work on improving blood flow. Again this is more complicated and you should work with a physician.
It is critical to keep the area moisturized and work on improving blood flow. Again this is more complicated and you should work with a physician.