How Does Nutrition Play a Role in Neuropathy Treatment?

Your nerves are a critical part of how your body functions. Poor nerve health makes you more likely to develop conditions like peripheral neuropathy. One of the keystones of nerve health is proper nutrition, as with all other health aspects. When you have poor dietary habits, your nerves usually lack essential nutrients for proper functioning. 

If you already have neuropathy, diet should be a crucial part of your treatment and management. Some foods have toxin levels that can make your situation worse. In contrast, other foods have essential nutrients that can make the condition more bearable. 

How Does Nutrition Affect Nerve Health?

As mentioned above, diet is vital in the functionality of the different parts of your body, including your nervous system. Some foods contain nutrients that are key to good nerve health, like vitamin B12. Others can help reduce the pain in neuropathy, such as avocados, zucchini, and sweet potatoes. 

According to doctors, eating low-inflammatory foods work best to help manage neuropathy. The best diet for a patient dealing with chronic nerve pain is plant-based. To most people, this means eating out less often and making food at home. The best thing about this direction is that you control your food choices. 

What Role Does It Play in the Treatment of Neuropathy?

Low Vitamin Intake

A critical part of good nutrition for your nerves is vitamins. A high-vitamin diet is crucial in managing and stopping the progress of neuropathy. A common deficiency of vitamin B12, prevalent in patients over 60 years, has been linked with the development of neuropathy.

Vitamin deficiency damages the myelin sheaths that protect your nerves. When this protection is lacking, the functionality of your nerves is severely compromised.

Sugars

One of the most common neuropathy causes is diabetes, a condition related to high blood glucose levels. When you have neuropathy comorbid with diabetes, you should maintain a strict diet with low sugar. Most doctors recommend avoiding sweets, high-starch foods, carbohydrates, and sweet beverages. 

They will often direct you to a diet rich in whole grains, high-fiber, fruits, vegetables, and low fat. They may also recommend lean protein sources like turkey, fish, and boneless and skinless chicken. 

High Vitamin Intake

While low vitamin intake can lead to nerve damage, taking too much vitamin B6 can also lead to developing neuropathy. Doctors recommend a daily intake of two milligrams of vitamin B6 per day. However, most supplements contain about or over 100 milligrams. Once you cross the 200-milligram threshold, your nerves will start to deteriorate, leading to neuropathy. It may also lead to tiredness, vomiting, and issues with breathing and movement. 

Toxins

Toxins in foods can lead to nerve damage if you take them in large amounts. Some foods seem healthy, but they may lead to developing neuropathy. One common food source that can lead to such results is seafood. It is unusually high in mercury, a toxin linked to the development of neuropathy.

For more about nutrition in neuropathy treatment, visit Pleasant Life Health in Charleston, South Carolina. Call (843) 428-7900 to book an appointment today.