Foods to Avoid
There are some general dietary guidelines that can help prevent or manage peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Some of the top foods to avoid include; (10)
Gluten
Avoiding gluten may be one of the best things you can do for your neuropathy. It is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease, eating gluten can cause serious health problems. But even for people without celiac disease, gluten may be bad for your health.
Research has shown that gluten can trigger inflammation in the body. This inflammation can damage the nerves in your hands and feet, causing peripheral neuropathy. By avoiding gluten, you can reduce inflammation in your body and potentially improve your symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Alcohol
There are many benefits to avoiding alcohol if you have peripheral neuropathy. First, alcohol can interfere with the medications you are taking for your neuropathy. Second, alcohol can cause or worsen nerve damage. Third, alcohol is a toxin that can damage your liver and other organs. Finally, alcohol can increase your risk of developing other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
Added sugars
Added sugars (a mixture of glucose, sucrose, or fructose) are a main contributor to the development of peripheral neuropathy. This is because added sugars can increase blood sugar levels and glucose intolerance, both of which are risk factors for developing peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, added sugars are often high in calories and can lead to weight gain, which is also a risk factor for peripheral neuropathy. By avoiding added sugars, you can lower your risk of developing this condition.
Refined grains
When you have peripheral neuropathy, your body’s ability to process glucose is impaired. This means that the sugar in the food you eat stays in your bloodstream for a longer period of time, which can damage your nerves. Refined grains are high in sugar, so avoiding them is a good way to protect your nerves and improve your symptoms.
Saturated fats
One common risk factor for peripheral neuropathy is consuming too many saturated fats. These fats are found in animal products such as meat and dairy, as well as in processed foods like chips and cookies. When consumed in excess, these fats can contribute to inflammation and damage to the cells that make up the nervous system. This can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy or worsen any existing nerve damage.
Therefore, avoiding saturated and Trans fats can help reduce nerve inflammation and improve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Salty snacks
Salty snacks are not only bad for your waistline, but they can also be harmful to your nerve health. A recent study has shown that consuming salty snacks can increase the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
The study found that people who ate salty snacks were more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy than those who didn’t consume any salty snacks. The researchers believe that the high sodium content in salty snacks may be responsible for this increased risk.
If you have neuropathy, it’s important to avoid eating salty snacks. Not only can they have the ability to make your symptoms worse, but they can also lead to other health problems.