A Diet For Neuropathy

Following on from yesterday's post; today's article from neuropathytreatment.net (see link below) gives some basic but very useful advice as to the direction you should aim your diet towards. We're all different and have different appetites and tastes in foods and we all know that occasionally (or more often) we stretch the boundaries of what is healthy for our nervous system and what is not. Many dietary articles are didactic in tone and pretty much guaranteed only to bring about negative reactions from the reader. This blog's view is that occasionally we need to be reminded about what's best for us but after that, the choice is yours. Naturally, if you're diabetic, or have conditions like Crohn's disease, you should follow advice more carefully but knowing that your diet can affect your neuropathy, should help you make better choices.
 
Managing A Peripheral Neuropathy Diet
by matthewtbullock / Monday, 27 April 2015 

Peripheral Neuropathy Diet

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which nerve damage triggers a burning, tingling or numb sensation in your hands and feet. The specific cause of this condition can be difficult to pinpoint, but factors that contribute to PN include vitamin deficiencies, traumatic injuries, diabetes, alcoholism, infections, kidney disease, tumors and exposure to poisons. Symptoms that are common include tingling, burning and/or numbness and pain in the hands and feet. A healthy neuropathy diet may help prevent or reduce symptoms of neuropathy for those at greatest risk.
Foods affect people with neuropathy differently. There are certain dietary considerations you should take if you have this condition.

Gluten: If you have a gluten allergy, celiac disease, consuming gluten can trigger and worsen your symptoms. Common sources include all food containing white, wheat, cake or baking flour. Look for products labeled ‘gluten free’.

Added Sugars: Such as cane sugar, corn syrup and honey, add sweet flavor, but few nutrients, to foods. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to neuropathy symptoms. Choose nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Refined Grains: Highly glycemic meaning they have a large impact on your blood sugar. Being able to control your blood sugar is the number one strategy to prevent neuropathy associated with diabetes. To improve the glycemic impact of your diet, replace refined grains with whole grains.

Saturated Fat: Prevalent in fatty meats and dairy products, can cause inflammation and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. To lower your risk for neuropathy replace fatty protein sources with lean alternatives and eat moderate amounts of healthy fat sources, such as nuts seeds, and vegetable oils.


Good nutrition is often the first line of defense to avoid many diseases, including peripheral neuropathy. The best way to prevent peripheral neuropathy is to carefully manage any medical condition that puts you at risk. That means controlling your blood sugar level if you have diabetes or talking to your doctor about safe and effective treatments if you think you may have a problem with alcohol. Whether or not you have a medical condition, it is important to eat a healthy neuropathy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. It may also be helpful to keep a food diary so you are aware of what you’re eating and to make sure you get all the nutrients you need each day to stay as healthy as possible.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide a valuable assortment of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidants. These nutrients are known to support a healthy immune system and prevent infections and disease. A neuropathy diet rich in nutritious fruits and vegetables for those who experience neuropathy, is essential. Fruits and vegetables may lower blood sugar as well, which is particularly helpful for those who have or who are at risk for diabetes. Include a variety of fresh, colorful vegetables and fruits into your diet on a regular basis for best results. Fruits and vegetables that are most likely to support a healthy immune system are those richest in antioxidants. Examples of these include berries, cherries, oranges, kiwi, red grapes, grapefruit, watermelon, tomatoes, spinach, kale, broccoli, onions, brussels sprouts and bell peppers. 

Lean Protein

Protein allows the body to build lean muscle tissue and contributes to tissue repair. Lean-protein foods, such as poultry and low-fat dairy products, are important aspects of a healthy diet for those who suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meat, whole milk, butter, cheeses and deep-fried or highly processed foods, may increase risk for heart disease, diabetes and other conditions and should be avoided. Instead, include a variety of lean protein sources such as skinless white-meat poultry, legumes, low-fat milk, yogurt, tofu and fish. When you do consume high-fat foods, you should limit your portion size and do your best to consume these foods occasionally. 

Supplements

B vitamins are necessary for healthy nerve function and may help those who develop neuropathy that’s unassociated with a particular disease, such as diabetes. B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins that assist in the breakdown of foods during the digestion process. One common cause of PN is deficiency of B vitamins, particularly B-12. And, if a B-12 deficiency isn’t treated in a timely manner, the nerve damage can be permanent. Valuable food sources of vitamin B-12 include meats, poultry, fish, potatoes, peanuts, eggs, low-fat dairy foods and fortified cereals.

http://neuropathytreatment.net/managing-a-peripheral-neuropathy-diet/