Helping Your Body Heal: The Vizuri Way

Part 01 / Nerve Health

Burning, Tingling, or Numb Feet? What Your Nerves May Be Telling You

Maybe your toes feel as though they have fallen asleep, even when you have been moving around. Perhaps your feet burn when you settle into bed, or you find yourself watching the ground more carefully because you do not feel quite as steady as you used to.

These changes can be easy to explain away. A long day. Uncomfortable shoes. Getting older.

At Vizuri Health Center, we encourage you to pay attention when something feels different. Persistent numbness, tingling, burning, or changes in balance deserve a closer look. Understanding what is happening is the first step toward making informed decisions about your care.

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Your peripheral nerves connect your brain and spinal cord with the rest of your body. Some help you feel touch, temperature, and pressure. Others help your muscles move. When peripheral nerves become damaged or stop working properly, the resulting condition is called peripheral neuropathy.¹

That term describes a problem with nerve function; it does not, by itself, tell us why the problem developed. This distinction matters. Two people can both describe burning feet and need very different care.

We believe a helpful conversation begins with more than naming the symptom. We also need to consider its pattern, its effect on your daily life, and the possible conditions behind it.

Neuropathy does not always feel like pain

Burning and electrical sensations often get people's attention. Reduced sensation can be quieter. You may feel as though you are walking on padding, notice that your socks seem bunched up when they are not, or struggle to tell exactly where your feet are positioned.

Symptoms can include tingling, numbness, unusual sensitivity to light touch, weakness, and difficulty with balance. The combination depends on which nerves are affected.¹ Something that feels strange rather than painful can still be worth evaluating.

Think about how these changes influence your choices. Are you avoiding uneven trails? Holding the railing more tightly? Cutting a shopping trip short? Those details help communicate the real impact of your symptoms, even when a pain score does not capture it.

Why finding the cause matters

Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral nerve damage, but neuropathy also occurs in people who do not have diabetes. Possible contributors include certain vitamin deficiencies, medication effects, heavy alcohol use, autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, and injuries or pressure affecting nerves. Sometimes, a cause remains unknown despite investigation.²

This is why we do not recommend choosing a treatment based on a symptom checklist alone. A person with a nutritional deficiency needs that deficiency addressed. Someone with a medication-related problem needs a discussion with the prescribing clinician. Other findings may call for specialist evaluation.

At Vizuri, our interest in whole-person health means taking the broader story seriously. We want to understand what may be contributing and where our care can fit within the support you need.

Could the problem be coming from somewhere else?

Tingling does not automatically mean a widespread neuropathy. A compressed nerve near the spine can also cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness. For example, cervical radiculopathy involves a nerve root in the neck and may produce symptoms into an arm or hand.³

The location and distribution of symptoms provide clues, but they do not establish a diagnosis on their own. Whether symptoms affect one side or both, follow a particular path, or change with position can help guide the examination.

Bring a simple description to your visit: where symptoms begin, when they occur, how long they last, and what makes them better or worse. You do not need perfect medical language. Your observations are useful.

What an evaluation can help clarify

An assessment typically includes a health history and examination. Depending on the findings, additional testing or referral may be appropriate. Blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and other investigations answer different questions; no single test explains every case.^{1, 2}

We also encourage you to bring a medication and supplement list, along with any previous test results. Tell us about changes in walking, sleep, work, and the activities you enjoy. Together, these pieces help build a clearer picture.

A meaningful next step should leave you understanding what is known, what still needs clarification, and what options make sense for you.

When to act sooner

Sudden one-sided numbness or weakness, especially with facial drooping or trouble speaking, calls for dialing 911 immediately.⁵ Rapidly worsening weakness also needs urgent medical attention. If you have reduced feeling in your feet, a new wound or signs of infection should be assessed promptly.^{2, 4}

For ongoing symptoms, you do not need to wait until they become severe to start the conversation.

Start with understanding

At Vizuri Health Center in Williston, we offer a neuropathy program and believe education is an essential part of care. We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and clear about your next steps.

If burning, tingling, or numbness is changing how you live, contact our team to schedule an evaluation. We can help you explore whether our neuropathy services are appropriate or whether another type of evaluation should come first.

In the next article, we will look at the question many people ask next: Can damaged nerves heal, and what should a thoughtful treatment plan include?

Sources & further reading

National Library of Medicine. Peripheral Nerve Disorders. Read source
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Peripheral Neuropathy. Read source
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve). Read source
NIDDK. Diabetes & Foot Problems. Read source
CDC. Signs and Symptoms of Stroke. Read source

Up to five million women in the U.S. have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), but this condition remains frustratingly difficult to diagnose and treat. One study found that 70% of women with PCOS haven’t been diagnosed, so they continue to experience debilitating symptoms.

With a wide range of symptoms, PCOS can have a profound influence on a woman’s life. In fact, studies have found a high incidence of anxiety and depression among women with PCOS.

The health of our gut microbiome– the trillions of living organisms found in the intestine– plays a large role in overall health. This is especially true for women dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Conventional treatments often fall short in treating PCOS and any treatment plan for PCOS must take into consideration gut health among many other hormone-balancing solutions.

Let’s take a look at the connection between PCOS and gut health and ways to manage and treat this condition naturally to get back to feeling your best.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a complicated hormonal condition that affects women’s ovaries, causing them to produce an excess of androgens, or male hormones. This can lead to a variety of symptoms such as:

Cysts in the ovaries
Irregular menstrual cycles
Infertility
Acne
Insulin resistance
Thinning hair on the scalp
Excess face & body hair
Chronic inflammation
Obesity & weight gain

PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women. It can also lead to numerous serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Traditional treatment usually involves starting hormonal birth control to “balance” hormonal levels. However, this tends only to mask the condition and overlooks the crucial importance of gut health. As soon as women stop taking the pill, symptoms can reappear worse than before.

Studies have found that women with PCOS have a different gut microbiome composition than those without the condition. Making changes to improve your gut health can therefore have a huge impact on PCOS symptoms and your physical and mental well-being.

What Causes PCOS?

There is no clear cut answer as to why some women develop PCOS. Many factors can contribute – including your genetics and your environment. One of the leading theories is that PCOS can be caused by an imbalance in the gut microbiome.

What is the gut microbiome?

There are many types of bacteria living in our gut. Most are beneficial strains of bacteria that help produce essential vitamins, regulate our immune system, impact metabolism, alter hormone levels, muscle strength and even regulate our mood.

A diverse gut microbiome with the proper balance of good and bad bacteria is optimal for health. However, when there is an imbalance of good and bad bacteria, this is referred to as dysbiosis.

How is gut dysbiosis linked to PCOS?

Women with PCOS are shown to have higher rates of dysbiosis and less diversity in the gut microbiome than those without the condition. They present higher levels of harmful bacteria which contribute to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

An excess of bad bacteria leads to inflammation in the body, which can then increase insulin levels in the blood. Excess insulin then triggers an increase in androgen production from the cells of the ovaries.

Restoring The Gut Microbiome To Treat Symptoms Of PCOS

Now that we have explored the link between gut imbalance and PCOS, it is time to focus on some of the ways you can promote gut health. The good news is that small tweaks to your diet and lifestyle can improve the functioning of your gut in as little as 24 hours. Some simple steps include:

1 – Eat more fiber

A diet rich in fiber is highly beneficial for supporting the good bacteria in the gut. The recommended amount of fiber for women is 25 grams per day, which can be found in plant foods like beans, lentils, vegetables, and whole grains.

2 – Increase prebiotics + probiotics in the diet

Prebiotics are non-digestible, fermentable components of foods that help kick start digestion and promote beneficial gut bacteria. They have also been shown to help reduce insulin resistance and lower androgens. They are found in foods like garlic, onion, bananas, and apples.

Probiotics are found in fermented foods. They contain live bacterias that help your gut microbiome flourish. They can be found in foods like tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt, and are also available in supplement form. There are many different kinds of probiotic supplements, with varying degrees of effectiveness, so it’s important to work with a practitioner to determine the best one for you.

3 – Avoid artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are known to have a harmful effect on the gut microbiome and can worsen insulin resistance. Opt for natural forms of sweeteners such as raw honey, maple, or date syrup.

4 – Sleep more

Lack of sleep causes a great deal of stress to the body, which can in turn promote inflammation and gut dysregulation. Sleep also factors in how our body is able to handle blood sugars by altering insulin levels. You should aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night. This might mean adjusting your sleep hygiene, by avoiding caffeine and limiting screen time before bed.

5 – Manage stress

Researchers have found a link between psychological stress and dysbiosis. While reducing stress in your life can feel sometimes like an impossible task, develop ways to manage it. For example, you could take a close look at the stressors surrounding you, and work to create boundaries to protect your peace of mind. Relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, and walks in nature also help.

6 – Exercise regularly

Exercise helps with sleep and stress, and studies show it can actually improve the state of your microbiome. Moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and improve biodiversity in your gut. However, it’s important not to overtax your body, which can lead to harmful cortisol production. Steady state cardio, strength training, and mobility training can be the foundations to a good routine, but don’t hesitate to get some guidance if you’re not sure where to start.

Many areas of health, including your hormonal health, begin in the gut. For women with PCOS, maintaining gut health is especially important and can help alleviate unwanted symptoms and prevent serious health issues.

Eating a variety of whole foods, avoiding artificial sweeteners, and prioritizing sleep are a few simple steps women with PCOS can take to optimize the diversity of their gut microbiome and overall health. If you have any questions on the best treatments for PCOS, please give us a call!

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “PCOS and Diabetes” https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html

Balikci A, Erdem M, Keskin U, Bozkurt Zincir S, Gülsün M, Özçelik F, Akgül EÖ, Akarsu S, Öztosun M, Ergün A. Depression, Anxiety, and Anger in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2014 Dec;51(4):328-333. doi: 10.5152/npa.2014.6898. Epub 2014 Dec 1. PMID: 28360650; PMCID: PMC5353166.

Guo Y, Qi Y, Yang X, Zhao L, Wen S, Liu Y, Tang L. Association between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Gut Microbiota. PLoS One. 2016 Apr 19;11(4):e0153196. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153196. PMID: 27093642; PMCID: PMC4836746.

References:

González F. Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: underpinning of insulin resistance and ovarian dysfunction. Steroids. 2012 Mar 10;77(4):300-5. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2011.12.003. Epub 2011 Dec 8. PMID: 22178787; PMCID: PMC3309040.

Ojo O, Feng QQ, Ojo OO, Wang XH. The Role of Dietary Fiber in Modulating Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2020 Oct 23;12(11):3239. doi: 10.3390/nu12113239. PMID: 33113929; PMCID: PMC7690692.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/should-i-be-eating-more-fiber-2019022115927

Harvard Health, Should I be eating more fiber? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/should-i-be-eating-more-fiber-2019022115927

Dana Withrow, Samuel J. Bowers, Christopher M. Depner, Antonio González, Amy C. Reynolds, Kenneth P. Wright, Sleep and circadian disruption and the gut microbiome-possible links to dysregulated metabolism, Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Volume 17, 2021 Pages 26-37, ISSN 2451-9650,

Qin HY, Cheng CW, Tang XD, Bian ZX. Impact of psychological stress on irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Oct 21;20(39):14126-31. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14126. PMID: 25339801; PMCID: PMC4202343.

Clauss M, Gérard P, Mosca A, Leclerc M. Interplay Between Exercise and Gut Microbiome in the Context of Human Health and Performance. Front Nutr. 2021 Jun 10;8:637010. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.637010. PMID: 34179053; PMCID: PMC8222532.

PCOS + Gut Health: What You Need To Know