Is There A Good Diet For Neuropathy

Today's post from the ever-reliable neuropathydr.com (see link below) looks at the best dietary options if you have neuropathy. While it doesn't explain the science behind the choices, it does seem to be based on a low gluten food base and as gluten is more and more associated with nerve problems, this may be logical. It also has to be said that this sort of diet is never easy to shop for and there may also be budgetary considerations to bear in mind, however, if we're aiming for the best possible dietary self-care then the ideas here may be useful to you when compiling your shopping lists.

Quick Guide to the Best Neuropathy Diet
Posted by Editor on July 20, 2015

This Guide Describes What to Eat Throughout the Day for a Healthy Diet!

You have no doubt heard that changes to your diet and lifestyle can have a tremendous impact on your health as far as neuropathy and chronic pain is concerned.

But what is a neuropathy diet? Exactly what you should be eating, and what should you avoid?

Here is a breakdown of a typical day’s worth of snacks and meals on the neuropathy diet to give you an idea of what kind of adjustments you should be making on your own.

Of course, you may need to modify this general outline for your own symptoms or pain level under the supervision of your NeuropathyDR Clinician.

First, be sure to have breakfast every morning. Ideally, eat a small amount of protein within a few minutes of waking up, which helps to jump-start your mental state as well as your metabolism.

You could have a protein shake made with vegetable protein powder (dairy-free) and coconut milk or almond milk. Or if you prefer not to drink your breakfast, try granola (gluten-free) or steel cut oats.

Next, you’ll want to have a small low-carb snack about three hours after breakfast. Half an apple or banana would do the trick or a small amount of nuts, such as almonds. Be careful when consuming packaged snacks, such as protein bars, as many of them contain a great deal of sugar.

For lunch, you’ll want more protein and veggies. The easiest way to do this is make a salad featuring your favorite kinds of greens—spinach is great. Add a small amount of chicken, tuna, turkey, or salmon for a lean protein, or use tofu if you’re vegan. Throw in a few walnuts or almonds and a drizzle of olive oil.

Have another snack in mid-afternoon, something small and low-carb like your morning snack.

For dinner, emphasize vegetables like asparagus, beets, squash, sweet potatoes, or cooked spinach. Avoid starchy veggies like white potatoes or rice. For a protein, try locally sourced hormone-free beef or fresh fish.

In the evening, have one more small snack. This time it can be a treat, such as one square of dark chocolate or a SMALL serving of gluten-free low-carb cookies.

You’ll also want to have lots of water throughout the day, and limited amounts of tea or coffee are okay.

You’ll notice that this diet is dairy-free, very low in sugar, and contains no bread products or junk food.

Try making a gradual shift into the NeuropathyDR diet over a period of a few days. You won’t believe how much better it makes you feel!

For more information on the neuropathy diet and other neuropathy basics, see our guide I Beat Neuropathy!

http://neuropathydr.com/best-neuropathy-diet/

Is There A Connection Between Gluten And Neuropathy

Today's post from neuropathydr.com (see link below) discusses the much debated link between neuropathy and gluten intake. It's becoming more and more evident that people with neuropathy who give up or reduce gluten in their diets, find that there is a resulting improvement in their symptoms. That of course, says very little until there is very strong scientific evidence to back up the link. It may be worth doing your own research to build up enough information to make an educated decision about gluten in your own situation. One thing is certain, giving up gluten is no easy task. It's such an integral part of our diet, many people find the alternatives both boring and difficult to maintain. However, if it means that your neuropathic symptoms improve...

Gluten Neuropathy? Are They Connected? 
Posted by Dr John Hayes jr on May 15, 2014

All of us can remember at some point in time, walking into a bakery or kitchen where fresh breads and pastries were being made.

The aroma can be overwhelming and draws us like magnets.

Now once upon a time most especially when human beings were externally physically active, bread was in fact the staff of life. There was no problem consuming massive amounts of carbohydrates as long as it was consumed during physical activity.

Well Flash Forward 300 years and the situation is now, entirely different. Not only are we less active but grains are often heavily processed, grown on nutrient deficient soils, or perhaps even GMO.

Breads and pastries are also sources of extremely high carbohydrate levels. In fact a sandwich can have 40 to 60 grams of carbohydrates!

And this has had an effect on neuropathy and our health in general.

With neuropathy however the stakes are higher. Gluten can and does cause celiac disease.

Sometimes in celiac disease, the only presentation is a gluten neuropathy.

Most of the time however, it’s a simple fact that gluten can aggravate our bellies at the least and yes even our aches and pains including neuropathy.

You see gluten is a gooey protein. That’s what gives bread that wonderful texture.

But most of us who stop eating gluten on regular basis find out quickly how much better we feel.

It appears that this is because even those of us who don’t have celiac disease and even test negative for allergy to gluten, may still be “sensitive”.

In gluten neuropathy as well as in other patients it appears that gluten may actually trigger inflammatory reactions. This ads to pain, stiffness and posibly neuropathy symptoms.

However the evidence is not conclusive, and there are many that would argue this point.

What I can tell you, as a clinician is that many patients feel so much better we feel it’s worth a try.

http://neuropathydr.com/gluten-neuropathy/

Hi there Dr Dave!

Now this is a doctor I'd love to have because although he's promoting his practice here, he explains things in the sort of detail you can understand and shows how thorough they are in investigating the problem. Talks a lot of sense too! How's your diet?