A Diet for Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly caused by diabetes, but can have a number of other causes including traumatic injuries, infection and exposure to toxins. Peripheral neuropathy can usually be helped by medical staff over a period of time, especially if the underlying problem can be treated or managed successfully. The common symptoms include pain and numbness in the hands and feet, often described as tingling or burning. The loss of sensation in the hands and feet is often described as feeling like wearing a thin glove or stocking.

Diet Recommendations

A diet recommended by the American Diabetes Association can provide help for those affected by nerve pain by, among other things, controlling glucose intake. Any diet should be embarked upon with the input of a doctor and shaped to fit the needs of the dieter. Where possible, a diet should be followed alongside regular, daily exercise of around 30 minutes for adults and 60 minutes for children. A number of questions to ask yourself before embarking on a change of diet include:

How active are you?
Are you a man or a woman?
Are you trying to lose weight?

Food

Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages, and include green tea and water. Nutrient-dense foods include garlic, green beans, tuna and tofu. Complete lists are available from your doctor or on the Internet.

Eat fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Around half of the grains consumed daily should be whole grains. Whole grains contain antioxidants and lignans, which some researchers believe help reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Whole grains are present in quinoa and oatmeal and cereals such as Total.

Daily food intake should include 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables, lean meats and poultry, and low- or non-fat dairy. Monounsaturated fats should replace saturated and trans-fats. Foods high in monounsaturated fats include peanut butter, olive oil and canola oil. Sodium intake should be limited to less than 2,300 mg per day.

Beverages

Alcohol is another problem for the peripheral neuropathy sufferer. Alcohol should be limited to one drink for women and two for men daily. Other beverages taken during the day should contain very small amounts of added sugars or caloric sweeteners. Examples of acceptable drinks include Sprite Zero and Sierra Mist Free.