Foods to Eat
There is no one answer to the question of what foods to eat for neuropathy. However, some general principles can be helpful in choosing foods that are good for your neurological health. Following are some healthy foods shown to improve symptoms in people with peripheral neuropathy. (9)
Fruits
If you are living with peripheral neuropathy, adding certain fruits to your diet may help to improve your symptoms. The following fruits are high in antioxidants, which can help to protect the nerve cells from damage:
- Blueberries – These little berries are packed with antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve nerve function and protect the cells from damage.
- Cherries – Cherries are another fruit that is high in antioxidants, as well as anthocyanins. They may help to reduce inflammation and pain in people with peripheral neuropathy.
- Cranberries – Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, which is beneficial for nerve health. They also contain antioxidants that can help to protect the cells from damage.
Vegetables
A recent study has found that eating vegetables may help to prevent or treat peripheral neuropathy.
The study looked at the effects of three different types of vegetables on peripheral neuropathy. The first group ate green leafy vegetables, the second group ate yellow vegetables, and the third group ate orange vegetables. The results showed that those who ate green leafy vegetables (broccoli, kale, spinach, asparagus) had the best results, followed by those who ate orange vegetables. Those who ate yellow vegetables did not see as much improvement.
The researchers believe that this is because green leafy vegetables are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that are beneficial for the nervous system.
Whole grains
There is some evidence that suggests a link between whole grain consumption and improved symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. One study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that people who ate the most whole grains were less likely to develop the condition than those who ate the fewest. The researchers analyzed data from over 27,000 participants and found that those who ate at least three servings of whole grains per day were 26% less likely to experience pain and numbness due to peripheral neuropathy than those who ate fewer than one serving per day.
Another study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that women who consumed at least two servings of whole grains per day were 23% less likely to develop peripheral neuropathy than those who consumed fewer than one serving per day. While these studies do not prove that eating whole grains prevents peripheral neuropathy, they suggest that there may be a link between the two.
Omega-3 rich foods
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for nerve health. They help keep the nerves healthy and protect them from damage. Adding more omega-3 foods to your diet is a simple way to improve your nerve health and improve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Some rich dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, trout, herring, sardines, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and avocados.