Whole grains. For carbohydrates, choose whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and sprouted grain bread. The outer shell of the grain, which is maintained in whole grains, contains important B vitamins that are important for brain and nerve health.
Neuropathy patients can often find themselves with lower levels of B12. It's important to eat foods high in B12, such as eggs, milk or cheese.
Grain products with Gluten – Those with neuropathy should consider avoiding refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastas, pizza, crackers and other snacks. Recent studies have shown a link between gluten sensitivity and nerve pain, so it's best to stick to unrefined carb choices listed above.
Whole Wheat Grain Foods: Whole Wheat Oatmeal.
Vitamin B12
It's been shown that even high doses of vitamin B12 can potentially repair damaged nerves. Good sources of vitamin B12 are yogurt, fatty fish such as salmon, cod, and sardines.
Trans and Saturated Fats
Known as “unhealthy fats,” these can be found in most fatty meats and high-fat dairy products. When consumed in excess, these fats lead to inflammation and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, both of which exacerbate peripheral neuropathy.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins, which help calm the nervous system.
It has been proposed that cocoa has hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and thus, potentially have a beneficial direct or indirect effect on diabetic neuropathy.
Water reduces nerve stress, and it can help to relax muscles. That can mean reduced pain, healthier nerves, and faster recovery from nerve damage. Be sure to drink plenty of water alongside your diet to keep your body and nerves hydrated.
This unique fruit is full of healthy fats. Like quinoa, it has a healthy dose of potassium, which promotes effective nerve conduction. Avocados also help increase your body's absorption of antioxidants.
A 2-wk course of tart cherry juice significantly improved nondiabetic peripheral neuropathy in the majority of patients in the study.
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.
In conclusion, six-week honey treatment helped in reducing dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. Honey given along with insulin for six-weeks improved sensory nerve conduction velocity in experimental diabetic neuropathy Wistar rats.
This includes beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks. It is best to limit your intake of caffeine if you have peripheral neuropathy. Fried foods are high in fat and contain a lot of trans fats, which can worsen the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These include fried chicken, French fries, and onion rings.
Meat products contain vitamin B-12, which is essential for a healthy nervous system, improves the transmission of nerve impulses, and promotes nerve healing. Incorporate poultry, such as chicken and turkey, into your nerve-healthy diet.
Among the best are Chinese skullcap, lemon balm, wood betony, St. John's wort, chamomile, prickly ash and milky oats. These are found in a variety of ways including commercial tea, dried herb so you can make your own tea or compress, tinctures, capsules and so forth.
Here are a few of the benefits water provides to those suffering from neuropathy: Water helps reduce inflammation. This is a big one, as inflammation is a big problem for many who suffer from neuropathy, and reducing inflammation can provide relief.
Neuropathy patients might also experience worsening of preexisting skin conditions. As high levels of blood sugar can contribute to nerve damage in peripheral neuropathy, patients should avoid foods such as candy, ice cream, soft drinks, fruit juices, and pastries.
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.
Get Enough Vitamin B12 and Other Nutrients
The deficiency causes damage to the myelin sheaths that surround and protect nerves. Your nerves won't function properly without this protection. Food sources of vitamin B12 include fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and milk and other types of dairy.