Neuropathy is damage to the nerves that can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness. Researchers and doctors have long held the connection between neuropathy and diet, in that a healthy diet can prevent or slow down the progression of neuropathy.
Neuropathy is most often associated with diabetes, but it can also be due to metabolic conditions, infections, and exposure to toxins. Nerves need nutrients for their continued health, which is why treatment plans for neuropathy almost always include dietary changes and a partnership with a nutritionist or dietitian.
Let’s talk about how certain foods can help mitigate your neuropathy, and where you can go for a physical assessment and noninvasive treatment and relief of your neuropathy symptoms.
What Is the Ideal Neuropathy Diet?
The following seven foods can help fight neuropathy and improve the symptoms that you feel in your arms and legs:
- Fruits. Fruits contain antioxidants that help fight nerve damage and control inflammation. Try to have a serving of fruit daily. Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, cherries, grapes, and oranges are all beneficial to the nerves. Not only do they help prevent nerve damage, but they can also facilitate healing of nerve damage – especially grapes and berries, which contain resveratrol, which protects the body against internal damage.
- Vegetables. Just like fruits, vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. 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.
- 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. Avoid refined grains, such as white bread and white rice, since they can trigger peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
- Nuts. Nuts are another rich source of vitamin B. Almonds, cashews, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are also rich in fiber, which keeps you full longer and prevents overeating – which should be avoided by neuropathy patients.
- Legumes. Magnesium is necessary for restoring nerve function, and it aids in nerve regeneration. Legumes such as black beans, lima beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, fava beans, and lentils naturally contain magnesium.
- Omega-3–rich foods. Fish oil has been found to restore the condition of damaged nerves due to the omega-3 found in it. Omega-3 foods such as salmon, tuna, cod, herring, sardines, mackerel, flaxseeds, and chia seeds help improve blood sugar regulation and control inflammation. Omega-3 contains resolvins, which are protective molecules that improve symptoms of neuropathy.
- Lean proteins. 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.
Noninvasive Neuropathy Treatment that Works
If you want to start using diet as a way to improve your neuropathy symptoms and overall health, our healthcare providers at NIVA Health are proud to offer our superior neuropathy program. To learn more about NIVA Health’s neuropathy program, schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare providers today by calling our clinic nearest you or by filling out our convenient appointment request form now.
NIVA Health has locations in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. We look forward to helping you live better naturally!
