Healthy
nerves are essential to enjoying the freedom of mobility and experiencing the
sensations of sight, sound, touch and smell.
While most people are aware that a healthy lifestyle coupled with
regular exercise and a balanced diet is important, many are still unaware that
healthy nerves also play a vital role in our well-being.
In
fact, many complaints people have of pain and discomfort are actually a result
of unhealthy nerves. According to a survey done by Merck
in Klang Valley last year, one in two people, aged 21 and above, showed signs
of nerve damage having felt some form of tingling, pins and needles, numbness
or burning sensations in their limbs. A nerve screening conducted with over
13,000 Malaysians across the nation last year also revealed that 27 per cent of
the people screened are at the borderline of neuropathy diagnosis, while 26 per cent already have nerve
damage.
Most
of those surveyed and screened felt that the pain and discomfort they are
experiencing is a result of lifestyle or work-related stress, however, they had
no idea that they might be suffering from a condition known as neuropathy, which
is nerve damage.
In
a bid to raise the public’s awareness and knowledge about neuropathy, Merck
organised a briefing which shared vital information on the impact of nerve
damage if left untreated and how lifestyle choices and daily activities can
contribute to the condition. Medical practioners at the session shared steps on
how to identify pain possibly caused by nerve damage, as well as available
solutions to relieve neuropathy. They also highlighted healthy habits people
should adopt to prevent or reduce nerve damage.
Professor Dr. Goh Khean Jin a
consultant neurologist from University of Malaya Medical Centre, who gave an
overview of neuropathic pain at the briefing, explained that nerves are like
transmitters that connect the brain to every part of the body.
“They
affect every movement and feeling in our bodies, right down to involuntary
vital functions such as our heartbeat, digestion and breathing. Only with
healthy nerves can a person move about freely. If our nerves become damaged,
our ability to feel sensations and freedom to move can be impaired,” he said.
Neuropathy
affects nerves in our nervous system and is caused by a variety of reasons
including genetic disposition, aging,
metabolic problems, physical trauma, infection, nutritional
imbalance, lifestyle choices and diabetes, which is the most prevalent
cause of nerve damage. Other causes of neuropathy include deficiencies of B vitamins, smoking,
alcohol consumption, exposure to toxins as well as diseases that cause chronic
inflammation involving the nerves.
Symptoms
of nerve damage can range from tingling and numbness in one’s extremities,
resulting in an extreme sensitivity to touch, burning or piercing pain, having
trouble feeling heat or cold, as well as a loss of sensation.
Nerve-wrecking lifestyle choices
Everyone
is susceptible to nerve damage as lifestyle choices and daily activities
increase risk factors.
Many common factors in our day-to-day lifestyle have increased the
chances of nerve damage. Long hours
sitting at work desks or in traffic jams, repetitive activity such a typing and
texting and even cooking can lead to nerve damage. Poor posture, wearing tight
clothing or shoes and even being overweight can put pressure or compress
nerves.
While
diabetics are better aware of nerve damage given the high sugar level in their
blood, which harms nerves, others tend to disregard pain if it does not alter
their lives significantly.
“One
should keep track of the pains they are feeling – tingling, piercing, shooting
or burning. These pains are your body’s way of telling you that something is
wrong and you need to get it checked. Don’t write off pains as unimportant;
talk to your doctor about it, as they will be able to identify if it is related
to nerve damage. Early detection is always best,” said Dr. Mohamed Haniff
Merican, general medical practitioner with the Merican Dispensary, Melaka, who
was also present at the briefing.
“Moderately
exercising, practicing a healthy lifestyle, consuming a balanced diet that
includes foods that are rich in B-vitamins, avoiding long bouts of inactivity
and repetitious activities, as well as regular follow-ups with your doctor if
you are diabetic, are important steps to take for healthy nerves,” added Dr
.Mohamed Haniff.
The importance of B-vitamins
Most
important in nerve health care is the adequate consumption of neurotropic
vitamins, B1, B6 and B12, which contain nutrients that are essential in
maintaining nerve health and work in combination to treat or slow down the
progression of neuropathy.
B-vitamins
nourish and protect nerve cells, helping to improve their function and relieve
pain. Vitamin B1
strengthens and helps to provide energy for nerves, while Vitamin B6 is
necessary for the proper transmission of impulses along the nerves as well as
in relieving pain. Vitamin B12 regenerates nerves, protects nerve cells from
damage and is important for overall nerve health.
“Through
the survey and nerve screenings we conducted, it is clear that many people
suffer from early signs of nerve damage, but as the exposure to neuropathy is
relatively low, most do not associate their symptoms to this disease. The
lifestyles people lead in this fast and busy world today do contribute to some nerve
damage, but the pains are often dismissed as part of life. However, these
symptoms and pains are a sign of a larger health issue,” said Richard Lee,
General Manager of Merck Consumer Health Division, Malaysia.
“We are committed in
continuing our on-site nerve checks around the country and carry out initiatives
that will raise awareness on the importance of healthy nerves, which we hope
will encourage consumers to take the first step in identifying possible nerve
damage and taking action to address their pains,” continued Richard.
By
building awareness about the importance of a quality combination of B1, B6 and
B12 vitamins, Merck is helping Malaysians take their very first step to a
pain-free life.
No comments:
Post a Comment