By Dr. Bussell - March 11, 2020
Doctors tell us the benefits of a healthy diet range from disease prevention, longevity and overall making you feel good. For those of us living with chronic neuropathy, smartnutritionchoices are essential tominimizing nerve pain. March is National Nutrition Awareness month, and we’re taking this opportunity to shed light on metabolic neuropathy and how what you eat affects your pain.
What is metabolic neuropathy?
Metabolic neuropathy is a secondary neuropathy to a disease process that is already occurring in the body. Often metabolic neuropathy appears in those with diabetic neuropathy and idiopathic neuropathy, but can it be intrinsic of most others. Causes can include diabetes, food allergies, high cholesterol and glucose/blood sugar levels.
In our experience, metabolic neuropathy can be latent with no clear symptoms until the patient starts noticescommon signsof neuropathic pain. If you suspect food allergies can be causing your pain, it’s important to discuss it with your physician. He or she may run tests to find the source and create a treatment plan that is best for you.
Why does metabolic neuropathy — or food allergens — cause me pain?
While this is an area that we feel more research is needed, nerve pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to heart, essentially creating little to no circulation in targeted areas such as our hands and feet. Certain foods can cause inflammation or escalatedblood sugarlevels, which then disrupt the circulation of blood flow to the nerves, creating nerve toxicity and more pain.
What foods will cause me the most pain?
Healthy foods are not a one-size-fits-all. Some foods such as fruits can be beneficial to some while for others, such as those withdiabetic neuropathy,too much sugar can still cause inflammation and pain. The key is to know your body and have open communication with your physician. With that in mind, these are the typical foods we see that cause the most pain sensitivities.
- Artificial sweeteners
- Dairy
- Dishes withgluten(cereals, crackers, grains, pasta, salad dressings, etc.)
- High-sugar products (canned fruit, granola, juice, ketchup, soda, protein bars, etc.)
- Trans & saturated fats (commercially baked items, coconut oil, fried foods, margarine, etc.)
Which foods should I eat more of to reduce my pain?
There are several dietary steps you can take to reduce your pain. In the Neuropathic Therapy Center, we recommend considering a plant-based diet. Studies on plant-based diets have shown improved blood sugar levels, higher energy, lower cholesterol, reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, less inflammation — and most important — fewer pain symptoms.
I know cutting out those favorite cheeses, ice-creams and meats seems not only daunting but difficult in practice. However, it can be done! You can find plant-based recipes to try on Loma Linda University Health’s online cooking show “Live It: In the Kitchen.”
Another step you can take is making sure you drinkwaterthroughout the day. I know, it’s easy on a busy day to neglect your water intake and miss the needed eight 8-ounce glass recommendation, but water reduces inflammation, prevents low blood flow and ultimately reduces pain.
Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is essential to leading a pain-free life. Before making any changes or beginning a new diet, talk to your doctor to see what is best for you.
FAQs
Alcohol – Alcohol is a toxin that can damage nerve cells and worsen neuropathy symptoms. It is best to avoid alcohol if you are living with neuropathy. caffeine – Caffeine can irritate the nerves and make neuropathy symptoms worse. It is best to limit or avoid caffeine if you are experiencing nerve pain.
Is peanut butter bad for neuropathy? ›
Replacing those items with foods that contain unsaturated fats, such as fish, peanut butter, avocados, olives, almonds, plant-based oils and seeds, can be beneficial.
Is coffee bad for neuropathy? ›
Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with nerve signals and worsen the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. This includes beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks. It is best to limit your intake of caffeine if you have peripheral neuropathy.
Are eggs bad for neuropathy? ›
Omega-3 oils tend to reduce inflammation, while omega-6 oils make it worse. The following foods have the potential to increase pain in neuropathy: dairy products, wheat, citrus fruits, corn, caffeine, meat of all kinds, nuts and eggs.
What worsens nerve pain? ›
Movement: Activity may close the gates. Physical sensations and certain types of pressure: Pleasant physical sensations, such as a massage or gentle heat, may close the gates. Stress: Anxiety and stress may open the gates and worsen nerve pain.
Do bananas help nerve pain? ›
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is present in foods such as lentils, beans, and bananas. NAC may protect the neurological system from inflammation and damage, which may help prevent or treat neuropathy.
What is the No 1 medical condition that causes neuropathy? ›
One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes. People with peripheral neuropathy usually describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. Sometimes symptoms get better, especially if caused by a condition that can be treated. Medicines can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy.
What drink is good for nerve pain? ›
By incorporating ginger root into your diet, you may experience reduced nerve pain and improved overall nerve health. There are several ways to incorporate ginger root into your daily routine to help alleviate nerve pain: Steeping fresh ginger root in hot water to make ginger tea.
Are tomatoes bad for neuropathy? ›
Certain foods, such as berries, almonds, and tomatoes, have properties that naturally ease the inflammation that's often linked to chronic pain. Whole foods and vegetables are also loaded with essential nutrients that can encourage tissues healing and minimize discomfort from nerve damage.
Is popcorn bad for neuropathy? ›
What is confusing is that we don't recognize many of them as high-sugar foods. To keep your nerves healthy, remove these items from your cart: Cereal, cereal bars, and instant oatmeal. Popcorn, cookies, chips and crackers (including whole grain varieties)
Products rich in saturated fats, like cheese and butter, can fuel inflammation, escalating neuropathy discomfort. Neuropathy patients should consider moderating or even sidestepping dairy to better control their symptoms.
Are bananas good for nerve damage? ›
N-acetyl cysteine. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is present in foods such as lentils, beans, and bananas. NAC may protect the neurological system from inflammation and damage, which may help prevent or treat neuropathy.
What is the best natural remedy for nerve damage? ›
Warm bath. Taking a warm bath can be soothing and can also alleviate pain symptoms from neuropathy. Warm water increases blood circulation throughout the body, decreasing pain symptoms from numbness. In particular, there is research suggesting that taking a warm saltwater bath may be particularly beneficial.
What heals nerves faster? ›
During recovery, exercise is incredibly important not just to help your muscles regain function, but also to increase blood flow throughout your body. This, in turn, speeds nerve healing. Likewise, inactivity slows progress. You don't want to overdo it, but the more you move your muscles, the better.
What juice is good for nerve damage? ›
Pomegranate juice benefits the nerves
Pomegranates contain polyphenols called ellagitannins, which act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation in the body. They protect against inflammation and oxidative stress and give strength to your nerves. Its magnesium is helpful in improving nerves and muscles.
