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

The holidays are the perfect time to unwind and spend some much-needed time with friends and family, but they also happen to be loaded with sugar. From homemade baking to treats at the office, it is easy to overindulge. Thankfully, the new year is a perfect opportunity to start fresh and take a break from the sugar rush!

While the occasional holiday treat is fine, consistently overdoing it on sugar can have negative impacts on your overall health. Especially our gut and immune health! Studies have found that high-sugar diets can lead to poor gut health and lower the immune system (roughly 70% of your immune cells are found in the gut!)

Now is the time to become more mindful of what you consume and how it makes you feel. Treat this month as a fresh start with our top tips for entering the new year sugar-free. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Should You Avoid Sugar?

Insulin Overproduction: Consuming sugar increases your blood sugar levels, which in turn causes your body to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps your body use sugar for energy. But what happens if you don’t end up using that sugar as fuel? It gets stored as fat so your body can use it later! Over time, repeatedly high blood sugar & insulin levels can have profound negative impacts on your health. Eventually, your body enters a vicious cycle of over-producing insulin and then storing everything as fat, potentially leading to chronic conditions such as obesity, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease.

Mood Disruptions: If you are active and have good metabolic health, your body can handle a blood-sugar spike every so often. But, you will likely still experience the “hangry” crash that follows. This abrupt drop in blood sugar levels after a spike can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to mood swings and irritability.

Hormone Imbalances: For women, a diet high in sugar can impact their hormones negatively. High levels of sugar can exacerbate uncomfortable menstrual symptoms like cramps, mood swings, fatigue, and bloating. High-sugar diets are also associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by chronically high insulin levels, blood sugar dysfunction, and disrupted menstrual cycles.

5 Tips For A Sugar Cleanse

1 – Check ingredient labels and get creative in the kitchen

Avoiding the obvious culprits – cookies, and candies – is not always enough to prevent a major blood-sugar spike. Often, what we find on the shelves is full of hidden sugars and preservatives that don’t support our health. Added sugars are everywhere, from salad dressings and pasta sauces to yogurt.

We suggest reading ingredient labels carefully and making your own versions of grocery-store staples whenever possible. Homemade granola is super easy to make, as is homemade oatmeal with fruit, cinnamon, and a bit of natural sweetener (see below for some options). There are also plenty of recipes online for healthy, homemade salad dressings and pasta sauces that are made from whole food ingredients and limit sugar.

2 – Avoid drinking sugar

Speaking of hidden sugars, liquid sugar can subtly creep into our diets without much awareness. Flavored coffees and teas purchased from cafes or stores may contain added syrups or sweeteners. Bottled smoothies can surprisingly harbor high levels of added sugars or fruit concentrates. Sports drinks, despite being marketed for hydration and energy replenishment, can contain notable amounts of added sugars, at times rivaling the sugar content in sodas. Similarly, flavored waters or vitamin-enhanced drinks might hide considerable sugars to enhance their taste. Alcoholic beverages, particularly cocktails and mixers, can pack a sugary punch.

Consider switching to unsweetened herbal teas and black coffee or coffee with a bit of unsweetened cream or milk. Making homemade smoothies using whole fruits, vegetables, and unsweetened yogurt or milk provides control over sugar content while savoring natural sweetness. Opt for water infused with fresh fruits, herbs, or cucumber for a flavorful, sugar-free alternative.

3 – Stay hydrated

Often, we mistake dehydration for hunger, which can lead to intense sugar cravings. This only creates a vicious cycle though, as high-sugar foods trigger more dehydration.

Aim to drink at least 2-3 L ounces of water per day, and be sure to hydrate before meals to help stave off cravings. Individual hydration needs may differ, so it’s essential to adjust water intake based on personal factors, including activity levels and climate. Staying attuned to your body’s cues for thirst and ensuring regular intake of water throughout the day is key to maintaining proper hydration levels and reducing the likelihood of mistaking dehydration for sugar cravings.

4 – Eat healthy fats & protein at every meal

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day if you are trying to kick sugar – studies show that starting the day with healthy fats and protein helps to curb cravings later on in the day. Swap your usual toast & jam for an avocado and egg toast. And if you love oats, you can mix in a protein powder and some nut butter to keep you satiated for longer.

Be sure to apply this principle of healthy fats and protein to every other meal of the day, limiting simple carbohydrates and filling your plate with plenty of fibrous veggies.

5 – Discover sugar substitutes

Substituting sugar in recipes with natural alternatives offers a healthier approach to sweetness.

Opting for pure maple syrup, agave, honey, or date syrup not only adds sweetness but also introduces additional nutrients and antioxidants, enhancing the nutritional value of your dishes. Mashed fruit or applesauce serve as excellent sugar substitutes, lending natural sweetness while providing fiber and essential vitamins. Stevia and Monk Fruit sweeteners are non-caloric options, ideal for those monitoring their calorie intake or managing blood sugar levels. These alternatives provide sweetness without the glycemic impact of traditional sugar. Additionally, coconut sugar, derived from the sap of coconut blossoms, offers a low glycemic index, making it a favorable substitute for refined sugars while imparting a rich flavor profile to your recipes.

Understandably, each individual’s journey toward a healthier lifestyle is unique. Whether you seek guidance, motivation, or a customized plan, our expertise and commitment are geared toward assisting you in achieving your wellness goals this year. Reach out today – our team is here to help!

Sources

Medical News Today, “Sugar disrupts microbiome and immune function, leading to metabolic disorders.” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sugar-disrupts-microbiome-and-immune-function-leading-to-metabolic-disorders

Wiertsema SP, van Bergenhenegouwen J, Garssen J, Knippels LMJ. The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients. 2021; 13(3):886. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030886

Malik VS, Popkin BM, Bray GA, Després JP, Hu FB. Sugar-sweetened beverages, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease risk. Circulation. 2010 Mar 23;121(11):1356-64. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.876185. PMID: 20308626; PMCID: PMC2862465.

Hashim MS, Obaideen AA, Jahrami HA, Radwan H, Hamad HJ, Owais AA, Alardah LG, Qiblawi S, Al-Yateem N, Faris MAE. Premenstrual Syndrome Is Associated with Dietary and Lifestyle Behaviors among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Sharjah, UAE. Nutrients. 2019 Aug 17;11(8):1939. doi: 10.3390/nu11081939. PMID: 31426498; PMCID: PMC6723319.

Hajivandi, L., Noroozi, M., Mostafavi, F. et al. Food habits in overweight and obese adolescent girls with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a qualitative study in Iran. BMC Pediatr 20, 277 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-020-02173-y

Ma X, Nan F, Liang H, Shu P, Fan X, Song X, Hou Y, Zhang D. Excessive intake of sugar: An accomplice of inflammation. Front Immunol. 2022 Aug 31;13:988481. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988481. PMID: 36119103; PMCID: PMC9471313.

Harvard School of Public Health, “Healthy fats help curb cravings for unhealthy carbs,” https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/food-cravings-carbohydrates/

5 Tips For Breaking Up with Sugar