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

Dreaming of hydrated glowing skin but just can’t seem to get there? Before shelling out on a new, expensive skincare routine, you may want to reconsider your diet.

Our overall health and the quality of food that we eat is often reflected on the outside. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it requires proper nutrition to look and function its best. Taking care of yourself on the inside is crucial if you want to look your best on the outside. Keep reading to learn about key nutrients that will help unlock your skin’s radiance.

What Causes Poor Skin?

There are a number of reasons your skin may not be looking its best. Some of these are:

Nutrient Deficiencies: A pale or sallow complexion may indicate an iron, zinc, vitamin B12, or vitamin B6 deficiency. We recommend testing for these deficiencies and working with a practitioner to resolve nutritional shortcomings. Additionally, antioxidants such as zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E, are essential in your diet for fighting off free radicals, which age your skin. If your skin is dry, it may be a sign that you lack protein, which forms the building blocks of our skin and bodies. Fatty acids are also crucial for supporting moisture and skin health.
Poor Diet: Eating too many processed foods or drinking alcohol in excess will affect the texture and appearance of your skin.
Weather: It is common to experience dryness as the weather cools down.
Hormonal Changes. Hormones are often to blame for many skin issues. If you are struggling with oily or acne prone skin, this may be due to an excess of androgen hormones, such as testosterone. This may cause your skin to overproduce oil, creating an environment for bacteria and acne to grow. People who menstruate may also feel skin becomes more sensitive and reactive around the time they get their period. This is due to fluctuations of the hormone estrogen throughout your body. Tracking your cycle can help you prepare for these changes. Stress hormones, like cortisol can cause flare ups in your skin as well. Existing skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis tend to worsen when stress is high.

Top Foods for Healthy Skin

What you eat has a significant impact on the appearance of your skin. Getting the right nutrients is crucial to keeping it strong and youthful.

Foods with high-quality protein, healthy fat, and antioxidants will feed your skin well. Avoiding foods that are highly processed, high in sugar, and limiting alcohol is also key, as these have been associated with increased effects of aging.

Here are some foods to add to your next grocery list for glowing skin:

Salmon contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and high-quality protein — a winning combination for skin health. Since our bodies don’t produce fatty acids naturally, eating them helps to reinforce your skin’s barrier and keep it moisturized. You can also find these fatty acids in fish like mackerel and herring.
Avocados are full of healthy fats that will help you glow on the inside and outside. Studies with over 700 women have found that high consumption of healthy fats, like those found in avocados, is associated with plumper, more youthful skin. Also, avocados contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin C & E, which help your skin build collagen and protect it from oxidative damage.
Sweet Potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which helps protect your skin from sun exposure and prevents dry, wrinkled skin. This nutrient can also be found in spinach and carrots.
Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, & Broccoli are all excellent sources of vitamin C, which is essential for your skin’s production of collagen—a protein that helps keep the skin firm and strong.
Nuts & Seeds are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Think walnuts & sunflower seeds, which contain vitamins and omega-3s that can help reduce inflammation in your body, leading to a more even skin tone.

Supplements for Healthy Skin

Ideally, you want to get most of your skin-healthy nutrients through your diet. However, this may not be realistic for everybody at all times.

These supplements can be a helpful addition to support your skin:

Vitamin E: This antioxidant helps stop the production of free radicals, which age the skin. Supplementing vitamin E daily is recommended, as it can be difficult to find in foods.
Vitamin C: As we know, this vital antioxidant helps our skin with collagen production. It also plays a role in cells that control skin pigmentation (melanocytes), making it a helpful ingredient to address skin discoloration.
Vitamin D: Studies have found that vitamin D is protective against the skin-damaging effects of free radicals, and it also reduces inflammation.
Collagen: As the body’s most abundant protein, supplementing collagen can help the skin’s regeneration process. Collagen supplements come in many forms: powder, liquids, and capsules, and in bone broth.
Probiotics: Also found in fermented foods, probiotics are essential for maintaining immune and gut health. They play a role in mitigating numerous inflammatory conditions, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and premature aging from UV damage:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are found in fish oil, supplements which have been found to help against inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting your skin, such as psoriasis.

Products & Lifestyle for Healthy Skin

It is also important to make conscious choices about what our skin comes in contact with. Many cosmetics and lotions contain skin irritants that can cause issues like acne and dryness.

This database will help you find products with clean ingredients that suit your skin.

If you are suffering with dry, dull, acne prone skin or more, working with a health practitioner who knows your health history can help get to the root cause. Together, we can review your specific lifestyle habits and get proper hormone testing to rule out any imbalances that may be affecting your skin’s health. Request a consultation today.

Reach out to us today and let’s get you back on the path to healthy and vibrant skin!

References

Cao C, Xiao Z, Wu Y, Ge C. Diet and Skin Aging-From the Perspective of Food Nutrition. Nutrients. 2020 Mar 24;12(3):870. doi: 10.3390/nu12030870. PMID: 32213934; PMCID: PMC7146365

Enrico Carmina, Brigitte Dreno, W Anne Lucky, W George Agak, Anuja Dokras, Jin Ju Kim, Rogerio A Lobo, Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani, Daniel Dumesic, Female Adult Acne and Androgen Excess: A Report From the Multidisciplinary Androgen Excess and PCOS Committee, Journal of the Endocrine Society, Volume 6, Issue 3, March 2022, bvac003, https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvac003

Hamilton , V. J. (2020, March). Are skin issues a sign of underlying nutrient deficiencies? Nutritionist Resource. Retrieved from https://www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk/memberarticles/skin-issues-as-a-sign-of-underlying-nutrient-deficiencies

Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ. The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review. J Cutan Med Surg. 2020 Sep/Oct;24(5):481-494. doi: 10.1177/1203475420929925. Epub 2020 May 28. PMID: 32463305.

Köpcke W, Krutmann J. Protection from sunburn with beta-Carotene–a meta-analysis. Photochem Photobiol. 2008 Mar-Apr;84(2):284-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2007.00253.x. Epub 2007 Dec 15. PMID: 18086246.

Nagata, C., Nakamura , K., Wada, K., Oba, S., Hayashi, M., Yasuda, K., & Takeda , N. (2010, May). Association of dietary fat, vegetables and antioxidant micronutrients with skin aging in Japanese women. The British journal of nutrition. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20085665/

Evans JA, Johnson EJ. The role of phytonutrients in skin health. Nutrients. 2010 Aug;2(8):903-28. doi: 10.3390/nu2080903. Epub 2010 Aug 24. PMID: 22254062; PMCID: PMC3257702.

Umar M, Sastry KS, Al Ali F, Al-Khulaifi M, Wang E, Chouchane AI. Vitamin D and the Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2018;31(2):74-86. doi: 10.1159/000485132. Epub 2018 Jan 6. PMID: 29306952.

Mary-Margaret Kober, Whitney P. Bowe, The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging, International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, Volume 1, Issue 2,2015, Pages 85-89, ISSN 2352-6475, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.02.001.

Top Nutrients for Healthy, Vibrant Skin