Neuropathy and Diet--what helps (or hurts)? - Neuropathy Message Board

SarahNina · 09-09-2006, 07:08 PM

I've been noticing that some of us are starting to post some possible connections with food--those that may help our neuropathy or help manage pain and those that may cause flare ups.

I'm really interested to learn more about what is and isn't working dietarily for people.

lon126 · 09-11-2006, 11:43 AM

I have diabetes and neuropathy. I can't walk without a walker and sometime I have to use a scooter. Last week the pain in my legs and arms was so bad that I was on the floor,( I hate to say this because I am a man.) But I was crying I just couldn't take the pain I have been to every doctor I think of, tolal 5 . I am on the the strongest med I can take. I take 5 differenent seizure meds and 2 heart meds. I have epilepsy and heart problems. I have had my sugar under control for a long time. The doctors I don't think really care. All they say is I don't know what to do with you. Of course they don't mine taking my money and my insurance money. Because of all my health problem my insurance is almost at my limit. I AM RUNNING OUT OF MONEY. CAN ANYONE HELP

alamaz · 09-11-2006, 02:49 PM

Hi SarahNina-

I've eliminated 90% of the time all sugar and grains (except brown rice) from my diet to try and help eliminate my neuro. I say the biggest difference is with sugar and artificial ingredients. If i go on a binge (and who can't stay away from m&m's forEVER?!?!) within a few hours i notice my neuro. pain increases and will remain elevated for several days. i have also eliminated all processed foods from my diet. This way I'm not ingesting partially hydrogenated oils and chemicals i can't pronounce. i do a lot of cooking but i feel so much better when i stick to that type of diet. i think the best thing you can try is the sugar. that means no soda's (diet or regular), coffee drinks, lemonade's etc. my main drink is water, unsweetened ice or hot tea, and occasionally pomegranite juice but that has a ton of sugar so it's a treat. and honestly, i don't miss the soda at all. i thought at first i would miss diet coke but i have no craving for sodas of any kind after the first month. i try to follow the diet plan by dr. mercola in his book "total health program".

SarahNina · 09-11-2006, 04:11 PM

Alamaz,

Thanks for responding. I'm glad that you're having good results by limiting your sugar intake. Do you have diabetes? At least a couple of other non0-diabetics on here have also mentioned that they feel better by cutting out a lot of sugar.

My mother is a dietician and says she can't think of any reason why eliminating sugar (you can't eliminate it all of course because plants make sure and it's in everything---including all vegetables etc.) would help a non-diabetic or a non pre-diabetic. I'll look into Dr.Mercola's diet as you mentioned.

What kind of neuropathy do you have and does your neurologist know about your good results with this diet?

Thanks again. I am so grateful to be able to discuss these issues with common sufferers.

alamaz · 09-11-2006, 06:31 PM

i should clarify that i meant processed sugars. candy, chocolate, sugary drinks, brownies - anything made with sugar (why i also avoid preocessed foods as most of them contain high fructose corn syrup etc.). i eat fruit and vegetables still but i try to stick to the low sugar ones (pears, green apples, spinach, asparagus etc.). i am not diabetic, nor am i borderline but some of my bloodtests did reveal that i am gluten sensitive so that is why i avoid grains except for rice.
i have neuropathy in my right arm and hand. i stopped seeing my team of doctors about a year ago when every visit turned into a perscription writing party. i don't want to take daily maintenance drugs that won't cure me but just manage the problem. however, my neuropathy has been managable without the meds. up to this point. so i don't fault those who do take the meds. to get through the day. i am only trying to stay off of them as long as possible. when and if the time comes, my neurologist is a phone call away and knows about the decision i made. i wouldn't recommend doing that until you have a had a full work up and chance to sit down candidly with your neuro. to asses where you stand. fortunately i have a very understanding neuro. who referred me to other alternative options before heading down perscription road. if these options don't work within a year or two, my neuro. and i will reconsider my options. her philosophy is if it works then go with it.