This can lead to nerve damage and worsen the symptoms. Processed meats are high in sodium, which can lead to nerve damage and worsen the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These include meats such as hot dogs, sausages, and bacon.
According to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, vitamin deficiencies and eating too many saturated fats (such as dairy products and red meat) can aggravate peripheral neuropathy symptoms and increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
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.
Lean Protein- lean proteins such as fish and poultry can keep blood cells and nerves healthy because they are high in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 helps support the central and peripheral nervous systems. It also ensures efficient nerve-impulse transmission.
Dishes with gluten (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.)
Processed meats are high in sodium, which can lead to nerve damage and worsen the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. These include meats such as hot dogs, sausages, and bacon. It is best to avoid these foods and opt for healthier options such as lean meats and fish.
Pork. Pork is a very good source of vitamin B – particularly Thiamine, which is absolutely essential for nerve health. Pork is also a good source of potassium, phosphorous and protein.
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.
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.
To lower your risk for neuropathy the University of Virginia Health System recommends a nutritious diet low in saturated fat. Top sources of saturated fat include organ meats, beef, lamb, pork, dark-meat poultry, fried foods, butter, whole milk, heavy cream and full-fat ice cream and cheeses.
It is very important for neuropathy patients to watch their weight and sugar intake; nuts can be a great snack to incorporate. Whole Grains– Brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, whole wheat, or sprouted grain bread are excellent choices because they are high in fiber, which helps with inflammation.
A 2-wk course of tart cherry juice significantly improved nondiabetic peripheral neuropathy in the majority of patients in the study.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and kale contain alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that can prevent nerve damage and improve nerve function. Potatoes and yams contain alpha-lipoic acid and phytonutrients to fight inflammation, so these should also be part of your diet.
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.
Berries, peaches, cherries, red grapes, oranges and watermelon, among others, are loaded with antioxidants, which help to decrease inflammation and reduce nerve damage. Plus, grapes, blueberries and cranberries have been found to be full of a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called resveratrol.
Avocados are full of healthy fats along with a healthy dose of potassium, our nerves' seemingly favorite nutrient. They also increase the body's ability to absorb antioxidants.
Good sources of these vitamins include citrus fruits, berries, dark chocolate and herbal teas such as lavender or chamomile (avoid teas with caffeine). For the B vitamins in particular, choose whole grains and nuts.
Milk is rich in vitamin B12, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and niacin (vitamin B3) which aid the conversion of food into energy. Vitamin B12 is also needed for the formation of red blood cells and the normal functioning of the central nervous system.
Pomegranates. Pomegranate juice has high levels of anti-oxidants which help to prevent free radical damage to your brain cells. There are studies that suggest that pomegranate juice may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. So, try incorporating some of these into your diet and help support your nervous system.
B vitamins are known for their ability to support healthy nervous system function. Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.
Avoid caffeine.
Consuming high amounts of caffeine can cause blood vessels to temporarily narrow, restricting the blood flow to your extremities. This could lead to increased nerve pain.
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.
If you have nerve damage in your feet, avoid repetitive, weight-bearing exercises, such as jogging, prolonged walking, and step aerobics.