Nutrition and Neuropathy: How They Work Together?

Nutrition and Neuropathy: How They Work Together?
March 7, 2022

In view of March being National Nutrition Awareness Month, Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management urges you to battle chronic neuropathy with informed food choices and sound eating habits.

What is Metabolic Neuropathy?

Metabolic Neuropathy is the collective term given to nerve disorders that occur with diseases that disturb the chemical processes of the body.

Metabolic neuropathy can be caused by:

  • Nutritional deficiency, which hampers the body’s inability to use energy

  • Toxin build-up in the body

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

  • Porphyria (disorders caused by a buildup of porphyrin-producing chemicals in the body)

  • Alcoholism

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Vitamin deficiencies

Etc.

Symptoms of Metabolic Neuropathy

As Neuropathy affects the brain’s ability to receive neural signals, the common symptoms of metabolic neuropathy include:

  • Lack of feeling in any area throughout the body

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Difficulty using limbs

  • Shooting pain or burning in any area of the body

  • Weakness in facial muscles, arm and leg muscles, or anywhere in the body

Most patients complain of the symptoms starting in the toes and feet, moving up the legs, and eventually spreading to hands and arms. It is suggested to opt for neuropathy treatment as soon as these symptoms are triggered.

Diet and its Impact on Metabolic Neuropathy

  • Blood Sugar and Diabetic Neuropathy

A diet that fairly moderates glucose levels in the blood is a good way to keep diabetic neuropathy at bay.

Avoid sweets, drinks with added sugar, and starchy carbohydrate-rich food. Lean towards a protein-controlled high-fiber diet consisting of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and meat like chicken breast, fish, and turkey.

  • Stay Wary Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency –

Prevalent in almost 10-15 % of the population over 60, vitamin B12 deficiency is strongly connected to neuropathy. This causes damage to the myelin sheath, which results in damaged and dysfunctional nerves. Fish, meat, poultry, and milk are good sources of vitamin B12. In some cases, you might also be prescribed oral or injectable doses of vitamin B12.

Regular use of the drug Metformin, used to cure type 2 diabetes, is linked to vitamin B12 deficiency.

  • Control Your Intake of Vitamin B6 –

Vitamin B6, when present in excess quantities, can be toxic to the nerves. The body only requires 2 mg of vitamin B6 per day but many of the B6 supplements contain more than 100 mg per dose. Vitamin B6 is also present in packaged food.

  • Avoid Food Likely To Contain Toxins Like Mercury And Arsenic

Fish and seafood contain some amount of mercury which, if consumed regularly and in large amounts, can lead to the accumulation of methylmercury in the body.

Mercury poisoning is associated with paresthesia (a common symptom of neuropathy where patients feel burning and prickling sensations throughout the body). Mercury exposure is also linked to neurological damage in fetuses and young children.

Arsenic is another toxin doctors warn us against. Usually, all varieties of rice contain some level of arsenic, but brown rice is known for the highest levels.

  • Avoid Gluten in Case Of Neuropathy Caused By Celiac Disease –

This disease causes damage to the small intestine due to extreme intolerance to gluten which can result in malabsorption of vital nutrients, causing nerve damage. If you find yourself unable to identify the cause of your neuropathy even after multiple visits to the doctor, you might want to get screened for Celiac’s disease.

Seek Neuropathy Treatment in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management offers holistic pain management practices that effectively evaluate the pain generators in your body. This is then used to craft a customized care plan to address your exact requirements.

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.

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