Neuropathy Diet

Neuropathy is a nervous system disorder that is caused by nerve damage. Symptoms typically include tingling and burning pain in the hands and feet, as well as numbness or a general loss of sensation. There is no cure for neuropathy, but its symptoms can be managed with pain relievers, antidepressants and antiseizure medications, and special topical anesthetic patches that deliver pain relief directly to the source. A healthy diet can also help to improve the symptoms of neuropathy.

Manage Neuropathy with a Diet

• A healthy diet that is low in fatty meats, dairy and alcohol and high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can keep neuropathy in check. According to WebMD, following a diabetic diet can be effective in reducing and preventing nerve pain. A diabetic diet should follow the basic food period, with special attention being paid to eating plenty of fruits and vegetables (at least 2 cups of each per day), choosing lean meats and low-fat dairy products, keeping glucose levels in check, and keeping daily sodium consumption under 2,300 mg.

  Try spreading your meals throughout the day. Instead of eating three basic meals, try eating three small meals and three healthy snacks throughout the day. Having smaller meals more frequently can prevent meal skipping and overeating, which can trigger blood sugar lows and highs, which in turn set off nerve pain.

  Avoid alcohol. According to the American Diabetes Association, alcohol is toxic to nerves. Your liver is responsible for converting carbohydrates into usable blood glucose, but it is also responsible for removing toxins from the body. The liver's priority is to keep your body free of toxins, so if you consume alcohol, it will focus on removing it from the system, while leaving the carbohydrate conversion process to wait until later. Neuropathy that is caused by diabetes can be aggravated by alcohol consumption, so reduce how much you consume or stop drinking altogether.