Know Your Triggers: Foods That Trigger Neuropathy

​In recent months, we’ve spent some time discussing the importance of nutrition in supporting neuropathy treatments. You can check our post on boosting nitric oxide levels through healthy eating for more information on this topic. Patients struggling with neuropathy must eat to support their health and well-being. And this means steering them towards nitrate-rich foods and beneficial supplements such as Berkeley Life Professional’s nitric oxide supplement. 

​But your patients must also realize that some foods can exacerbate peripheral neuropathy. What foods are bad for neuropathy? Here’s what your patients need to know. 

​The No-No’s When Eating to Avoid Neuropathy

As with other medical conditions, there are certain no-no’s when it comes to managing the symptoms of neuropathy. Consider proper diet and nutrition essential tools in your patients’ therapeutic arsenal. What foods should patients avoid eating to better manage neuropathy and chronic pain? They include:

• Added sugars
• Alcohol
• Gluten
• Refined grains
• Salty snacks
• Trans and saturated fats
• Heavy metals
• Produce with pesticides

Why are the foods listed above so detrimental to managing neuropathy? Let’s briefly run down what each of these foods and beverages does to the body.

Foods to Avoid and Why

Added sugars can be hard to avoid, but they can lead to significant complications with peripheral neuropathy, especially for those dealing with this issue because of diabetes. Eating food with excess sugars leads to increased blood sugar levels contributing to the damage of nerves and blood vessels. Fortunately, you can have your health and sweet treats, too. Tasty alternatives such as fruit and stevia mean your patients can still enjoy dessert while eating for good health. 

What else should patients avoid?  Alcohol can damage nerves, even in relatively healthy individuals. As a result, imbibing contributes to existing nerve problems. But patients shouldn’t stop there. They also need to avoid gluten, especially if they have allergies and sensitivities. Consuming gluten without being able to properly digest it leads to health problems, exacerbating nerve inflammation. The same goes for refined grains, which can increase blood sugar. Your patients should avoid eating foods that fall at the high end of the glycemic index. 

Patients should also avoid snacks with a high salt content, which can restrict blood flow and contribute to the numbness associated with peripheral neuropathy. That means nixing potato chips, fast food, and cold cuts. Avoiding these notorious foods will also help patients avoid unhealthy fats such as trans and saturated fats. Instead, patients should focus on consuming moderate amounts of heart-healthy, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. Along with all these recommendations, patients should avoid foods with high heavy metal and pesticide content. 

​Foods That Trigger Neuropathy

Effectively treating neuropathy starts with proper eating. Not only does this involve encouraging patients to up their intake of vegetables and fruits. But it also requires making them aware of foods that contribute to inflammation, high blood sugar, and nerve damage. Encourage patients to supplement with high-quality products proven effective. 

Patients should also consider infrared light treatments to improve their health outcomes. Why does this work? Cells absorb this light, which encourages blood flow and cell regeneration. Infrared therapies may also reduce inflammation and discomfort. And your patients will appreciate the non-invasive nature of the treatment. Are you ready to find out more about this effective medical device? Click here to learn more about this personalized, holistic neuropathy treatment strategy.