Home | Health | 6 Foods To Avoid While Managing Neuropathy

6 foods to avoid while managing neuropathy

6 foods to avoid while managing neuropathy

Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, is not a single health condition. Rather, the term refers to various issues affecting the nerves outside the spinal cord and brain (peripheral nervous system) and their associated symptoms. Generally, the conditions can affect the hands and feet, causing tingling, pain, and numbness. Just like some of the other health conditions affecting the human body, neuropathy can be managed by making lifestyle modifications and meeting one’s nutritional requirements.

Managing neuropathy – 6 foods to avoid
On the one hand, some foods can help deal with the symptoms, while others are best avoided as they can aggravate the signs of neuropathy. So, to aid patients in the process, here are the foods to be avoided.

Pizza
Although fast foods are convenient, one must not ignore their effects on the body. Typically, pizza and other types of takeaway foods lack nutritional benefits. Moreover, in the case of pizza, the crust is a source of gluten, which can trigger nerve issues and pain in some patients.

Additionally, gluten can be found in seemingly unexpected sources such as soy. If neuropathy patients consume gluten-containing foods, chances are their bodies may not be able to digest them properly. Instead, it can aggravate issues like nerve inflammation. So, patients are suggested to read the labels carefully and opt for “gluten-free” choices.

Besides these, it’s considered best to avoid foods like crackers, white bread, and pasta for better management of neuropathy.

Candy
According to researchers, most adults eat approximately 7.5 pounds of candy every year. Even though these sugar-rich foods can make one feel good momentarily, regular intake can lead to chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Diabetic patients consuming foods with added sugars and artificial sweeteners can be more at risk of developing neuropathy, causing nerve damage in the hands and feet. Hence, healthcare professionals suggest patients cut out foods containing these ingredients. Alternatively, one can try consuming natural whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Along with that, it’s advised to maintain daily activities to remain healthy.

White rice
Although white rice consumption can seem harmless, it is a type of refined grain that has a high glycemic index. This means it can increase blood sugar levels and lead to diabetes and neuropathy. In such cases, it’s considered best to take steps to control blood sugar to manage the symptoms associated with the condition.

One of the best ways to get this done is to replace refined grains with whole ones. So, one can include oatmeal, buckwheat, and quinoa in their meals whenever possible. If one is unsure about what food substitutes to eat, it’s recommended to consult a nutritionist for expert advice. The doctors can help with a listed chart that can benefit the patients to maintain optimum health.

Potato chips
Snacks such as potato chips contain high levels of sodium. This can prove problematic for neuropathy patients as high sodium levels can cause restricted flow of blood. This can pave the way for flare-ups and cause the onset of symptoms such as numbness and tingling.

Therefore, doctors suggest steering clear of foods that contain high levels of sodium. This includes potato chips, sandwiches, processed cheese, salami, and more. Additionally, one is advised to keep away from canned and processed foods. Alternatively, one can opt for fresh, all-natural, healthier snacks and food options like apples, blueberries, and bananas.

Cheese
A most-loved dairy product often used in many foods, cheese is a source of saturated fats that can trigger inflammation and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. These health issues can lead to significant nerve damage and even worsen nerve pain. Some of the other sources of saturated fats include lamb, beef, pork, butter, whole milk, among others. To manage or lower the risk of neuropathy, it’s suggested that patients consume foods low in saturated fat, such as sardines, salmon, walnuts, and kidney beans.

Coffee
The main ingredient found in this beloved beverage is caffeine. While moderate caffeine intake, can boost energy levels, it can also adversely affect the body. This means that regularly consuming high amounts of caffeine can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels, especially those near the brain. This irritation can trigger symptoms, and may even worsen them, leading to an increase in nerve pain.

Therefore, it’s considered best to avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages like tea and hot cocoa completely. It one’s unable to avoid, patients can start by limiting their caffeine intake throughout the day and instead opt for healthy options such as tart cherry juice for at least two weeks to notice improvements.

Further, it’s important to note that peripheral neuropathy can have different types of symptoms. This means the symptoms can differ depending on the nerves affected. For some, it can affect a single nerve; for others, neuropathy can impact either a group of related nerves or multiple nerves situated in different body parts. Therefore, the symptoms of neuropathy can be divided into three categories:

  • Motor
    Paralysis, muscle weakness, muscle movements (uncontrolled), and muscle atrophy
  • Sensory and pain
    Numbness, tingling, pain, imbalance, and clumsiness
  • Autonomic
    Changes in blood pressure, profuse or inadequate sweating, bladder and bowel-related issues, and blurred vision

Finally, in addition to avoiding the above-mentioned foods for managing neuropathy, one can opt for treatment for the health issue. Some treatment alternatives that can be considered by healthcare professionals post-diagnosis are physical therapy, acupuncture, surgery, and the usage of support devices like canes, walkers, braces, and more. However, treatment of peripheral neuropathy can differ depending upon the cause. So, if any symptoms are noticed, one must seek immediate expert attention.

Recent Topics

9 Simple Steps to Create a Lush Green Lawn

9 Simple Steps to Create a Lush Green Lawn

The grass can be greener where you want it to be! Learning to take care of your lawn appropriately and maintaining it can help you create a lusher, greener yard for hosting cookouts, picnics, barbecues, or a relaxing yard for you and your loved ones. You can take some quick, easy steps to avoid faded or dead patches and create the lawn of your dreams. Check out nine ways to maintain a green lawn. Test the soil To create a vibrant green yard, you must start by caring for the most critical factor – the soil. Since grass needs nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to thrive, it is important to ensure your soil is enriched with them. To ensure the best grass growth, it is also important to have a soil pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. Using a home soil test kit or hiring an agency can help you take the guesswork out of soil profiling. These tests usually cost around $20 and are the foundation of a beautiful, well-nourished lawn. Aerate the lawn If your lawn is used to a lot of walking and trundling by your children or pets, it may be wise to aerate it before planting any grass.
12 Smoothies to Manage Arthritis and Relieve Joint Pain

12 Smoothies to Manage Arthritis and Relieve Joint Pain

Arthritis is characterized by swelling or tenderness of the joints. It affects over 50 million people in the country. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which tend to worsen with age. It may be inherited or caused by immune problems or metabolic conditions like gout. Making changes in daily meal plans can help manage arthritis symptoms. One of the easiest ways to introduce inflammation-relieving foods into one’s life is with delicious smoothies. Try these twelve arthritis-friendly smoothies at home to alleviate joint pain. Pineapple and turmeric smoothie Blend a quarter of a pineapple with water, orange, turmeric, lemon zest, mango, ginger, carrot, and salt. This delicious yellow smoothie is rich in antioxidants from pineapple, orange, and turmeric, which can reduce oxidative stress in the body. The main active component of turmeric, curcumin, inhibits COX-2, the enzyme that causes joint pain and inflammation, helping reduce symptoms of arthritis. The pineapple, orange, and mango add vitamin C to the smoothie, which also helps fight inflammation. Pineapple also contains the enzyme bromelain, which can help reduce arthritic pain. Kiwi and kale green smoothie Blend two kiwis with a bunch of kale, one mango, one orange, and some water to create a quick and easy green smoothie.
10 types of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis

10 types of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes damage to the myelin sheath, which is a covering that protects the nerve fibers, and leads to several debilitating symptoms. It is a complex health disorder without any cure and its exact cause is unknown. However, lifestyle changes such as eating mindfully may help manage the condition. Certain types of foods worsen the symptoms and should be avoided. Saturated fats Saturated fats are mostly found in animal-based products and by-products. Additionally, they are present in certain types of oils. Saturated fats increase inflammation levels in the body as these raise the level of LDL or bad cholesterol. This increases the risk of heart disorders, which most people with multiple sclerosis are highly prone to have. So, it is best to avoid foods with saturated fats, such as: Red meat Full-fat dairy Butter Processed snacks, such as cakes, cookies, and chips Palm oil Coconut oil Trans fats Another group of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis is those containing trans fats. Just like saturated fats, trans fats also increase the level of inflammation in the body. Trans fats are known to increase inflammation levels within blood vessels.
7 early and noticeable signs of Parkinsons disease

7 early and noticeable signs of Parkinsons disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting the nerves communicating signals from the brain. An intricate network of nerves runs throughout the body carrying electrical impulses and signals to control a specific part or function. Parkinson’s disrupts these communication channels, making it difficult to control automatic reflexes and movements. It is only possible to manage Parkinson’s with early diagnosis as the disease has no cure. Tremors One of the first signs of developing Parkinson’s is tremors. People might experience different intensities of this motor function, but often, resting tremors are the first indicators of the neurological disorder. Resting tremors develop when the body is active and subside when the body is at rest. For example, one might not notice the tremors while using the hand actively. But when the hand is in a rested position, these tremors develop abruptly and are more noticeable while walking or sitting. Tremors that get worse with time start to interfere with regular activities like writing or shaving, among other actions that require fine gross motor skills. The uncontrolled shaking starts with just the thumb or one of the fingers, usually affecting one hand. However, the intensity of these tremors varies depending on how quickly the condition progresses.

Most Popular

Overactive Bladder – Management Options, Prevention, and Causes
01

Overactive Bladder – Management Options, Prevention, and Causes

An overactive bladder (OAB) results in frequent, unexpected urges to urinate. When one is dealing with an overactive bladder, they can experience frequent urges during the day and at night, along with incontinence. However, simple changes, such as better food choices, timed voiding, and bladder-holding techniques utilizing the pelvic floor muscles, can help one manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Here are a few things one should know when affected by OAB: Signs One may experience the following symptoms: Sudden and frequent urge to urinate Accidental urination right after experiencing an urge to urinate (urgency incontinence) Frequent urination, typically two or more times every few hours Need to go to the washroom more than two times every night (nocturia) Even if one can urinate normally when dealing with an overactive bladder, symptoms like unexpected frequent urination and nighttime urination can disrupt daily routine and cause discomfort. Doctors may refer the patient to a urologist, who focuses on illnesses and conditions of the reproductive system and urinary tract. One should consult a doctor as soon as they notice any of the signs. Overactive bladder is common in older adults, but some women can develop the issue at about 45. Ways to manage an overactive bladder People with overactive bladder may respond to a variety of therapies.
Read More

© 2024 EntryNotes.com. All Rights Reserved.