What Foods Trigger Neuropathy Pain

Just like with any other health conditions, the symptoms of neuropathy can be worsened or improved by your diet.

In the article below, we’ll look at the food people with neuropathy should avoid if they want their symptoms improved and their pain flares lessened.

What is neuropathy?

To better understand what foods should be avoided, it is important to first understand what neuropathy is.

Neuropathy is damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves that typically results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain in the affected area. Neuropathies frequently start in your hands and feet, but other parts of your body can be affected too.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy symptoms ultimately depend on the underlying cause and the individual, but they can include, according to the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS):

• Temporary or permanent numbness
• Tingling, prickling, or burning sensation
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Pain
• Muscle weakness or wasting
• Paralysis
• Dysfunction in organs or glands
• Impairment to urination and sexual function

It pays to know what foods to avoid. The following is a list of foods that may trigger neuropathy pain. A quick disclaimer, though, make sure to check with your doctor before beginning any diet.

1. Sugar And Artificial Sweeteners

Overdoing sugar encourages inflammation in the body, which can put pressure on any and all nerves, causing neuropathy symptoms. High-starch foods, including white rice and potatoes, should be avoided since the starches convert to sugar.

2. Gluten

Consuming gluten when your body cannot properly digest it can lead to inflammation, which worsens the nerve inflammation seen in peripheral neuropathy patients.

Some of the most common sources of gluten are bread (unless labeled as gluten-free) , baked goods, pasta, cereals, beer, etc.

3. Alcohol

Over consuming alcohol leads to body toxicity, increased inflammation, and vitamin deficiencies directly related to nerve health. It’s okay for healthy individuals to enjoy alcohol in moderation, but if nerve damage is already causing symptoms, alcohol will probably make them worse.

4. Refined Grains

Processed grains have a high glycemic index, meaning they can also increase blood sugar. Controlling your blood sugar is actually the best thing you can do to prevent peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes, so this can be important. Improving the glycemic impact of your diet is an important measure to take. You can achieve this by replacing refined grains with whole grains whenever possible.

Refined grains include white flour, white rice and white bread. Many breads, cereals, crackers, desserts and pastries are made with refined grains. So it’s something to lookout for.

5. Salty Foods

Foods high in sodium, such as potato chips, cold cuts, and frozen prepared meals can be an issue for neuropathy patients because high levels of sodium can lead to restricted blood flow, which may cause a flare up of symptoms.

6. Saturated Fats

Saturated fat can cause inflammation and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. To lower your risk of neuropathy, you should eat a well-balanced diet low in saturated fat.

Some of the foods high in saturated fats are red meat, full-fat dairy products, butter, coconut oil, etc.

Sources:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-neuropathy#:~:text=Neuropathy%20is%20damage%20or%20dysfunction,body%20can%20be%20affected%20too.

• https://www.rebuildermedical.com/stopping-neuropathy-at-home/foods-to-avoid?gclid=Cj0KCQiAu62QBhC7ARIsALXijXRgc82pVaZl3U9kGKlu6RyY81KoDwyJjRlhNgG64g6fYyVUPL-32s0aAiDpEALw_wcB

• https://foxintegratedhealthcare.com/neuropathy/8-foods-that-you-should-avoid-if-you-have-peripheral-neuropathy/

• https://ethoshealthgroup.com/food-people-with-neuropathy-should-avoid/

• https://foxintegratedhealthcare.com/neuropathy/8-foods-that-you-should-avoid-if-you-have-peripheral-neuropathy/

• https://www.advancedreconstruction.com/foods-to-avoid-or-incorporate-when-living-with-neuropathy/