Peripheral Neuropathy Nutrition

If you have a nerve disorder, a diet rich in certain nutrients can help. The food you eat can improve your nervous system’s functioning. Knowing which nutrients nourish your nervous system can help you lead a healthier life and reduce your chances of nerve-related problems.

• Establish your diet around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, omega-3 rich foods and lean protein sources
• Aim for 5-10 servings of colorful fruits and/or vegetables daily (phytonutrients). 1 serving = 1/2 cup for all other fruits and vegetables
  
  • 1 medium fruit or vegetable, example apple, orange
  • 1/4 cup dried fruit
  • 3/4 cup juice
• Limit/avoid alcohol
  • Toxic effect on nerve tissue
• Be aware of sodium; use <2,300 mg per day
• Lower saturated fats and trans fatty acids by choosing lean meats and poultry, and low-fat or non-fat dairy products
• Choose monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats (from fish, nuts, and vegetable oils) in lieu of saturated and trans fats
• Choose/prepare foods and beverages with little added sugars/caloric sweeteners

Low‐level, chronic inflammation lies so far below the skin’s surface that you can’t see it or feel it. It’s the result of an immune system in overdrive, damaging healthy tissue and leading to chronic illnesses. Follow these tips to help keep inflammation as low as possible:

Increase Omega–3 fatty acids:

• Use 1–2 Tbs. of flaxseed daily (grind the seeds for best effects)
• Eat 3–4 oz. of fatty fish at least 2 times per week. (e.g., wild salmon, halibut, mackerel, tuna)
• 3 oz. walnuts a day

Fiber and Antioxidants:

• Increase anti‐oxidants from fruits and vegetables (at least 5 daily)
• Eat foods that are more slowly absorbed into the blood stream (fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans)

Elevated blood sugar levels contribute to many chronic health conditions, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy. To help you maintain the best blood sugar level and manage your diabetes –

Know Your Carbohydrates!
Bread, cereal, pasta; starchy vegetables, like corn, peas, potatoes; dried beans, lentils, rice; fruits and fruit juices; milk, yogurt and other dairy foods; sweets, like cookies, candy, regular soda, sugar, syrup

Quality:
High fiber/whole grains, fruits, beans/lentils, low-fat dairy

Quantity:
Count your carbohydrates, label reading for serving size AND total carbohydrate
Plate method (1/2 plate veg, ¼ starch, ¼ lean protein)

Timing:
Spread out carbohydrate servings (3 small meals, 2-3 small snacks)

Often the medications and treatments that are used to fight chronic or life-threatening conditions, have a tendency for healthy cells to be affected, too, which may cause side effects. Some side effects may result to eating problems.

Nausea: 6-8 small meals, bland foods
Lack of appetite: Eat every few hours, fluids between meals
Unwanted weight loss: Add healthy fats (olive oil, nuts/seeds, avocado, olive)
Constipation: Increase fiber/fluids, regular meal times
Diarrhea: Limit milk products, small/bland/low-fat meals – easily digestible

Contributing factors to PN include vitamin deficiencies, traumautic injuries, diabetes, alcoholism, and others. Treatment may include managing underlying causes, physical therapy, medications and dietary changes. For best results seek guidance from your doctor.

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’.

Refined grains are highly glycemic meaning they have a dramatic 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 glyceminc impact of your diet, replace refined grains with whole grains.

Added sugars add flavor but few nutrients. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to neuropathy symptoms. Choose nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Saturated fat, prevalent in fatty meats and dairy products, can cause inflammation and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. For enhanced wellness, replace fatty protein sources with lean alternatives and eat moderate amounts of healthy fat sources.

Source: LiveStrong.com

To help you keep track of your food and water intake, plus your activity levels, we have created a food and activity log for you. Download a printable copy of a weekly food diary.

A shopping guide may help you plan your meals and make good selections at the grocery store. Plan ahead and buy only what’s on your list to avoid impulse buying. Download a printable copy of a shopping list.

The first group of vitamins that may help people with peripheral neuropathy are the B group of vitamins. 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. The best food sources of vitamin B-12 are meats, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy foods and fortified cereals. If you’re a strict vegetarian, fortified cereals are a good source of vitamin B-12 for you, but you may also want to talk to your doctor about B-12 supplements.

Another vitamin that may be helpful for PN is vitamin E though a deficiency is uncommon except in cases of intestinal malabsorption or malnutrition.

Click here for a list of other natural supplements that can be beneficial.

Source: Neurology.com