Peripheral neuropathy is a disease that affects your nerves. Some of the symptoms of nerve pain include pain, numbness, and a tingling and burning sensation in the hands, arms, legs, and feet.
Apart from taking medications and supplements and using creams to alleviate your nerve pain, you also need to change your diet.
If you have neuropathy and it has been caused by diabetes, you do not want to make it worse by eating excessively salty food, which can cause your blood pressure to spike. Some foods you need to avoid eating include:
- Boxed mixes of rice, potatoes, pasta, canned meat, canned vegetables and soups
- Processed and packaged food, such as lunch meat, bacon, sausage, and ham
- Salty snacks such as pretzels and chips
Here is a comprehensive list of the foods that you need to consciously avoid eating, as they can not only aggravate neuropathy, but also make it worse for you:
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1. Alcohol
2. Seafood
3. Brown Rice
4. Gluten
5. Vitamin B6
6. Starches and Carbohydrates
Other Tips
Summary
1. Alcohol

If you are a heavy alcohol drinker and have nerve pain, you need to limit your alcohol intake or avoid it for good. Alcohol depletes your body of the nutrients needed to keep your nerves healthy.
Some symptoms of nerve pain be cause of drinking too much alcohol include tingling and/or burning sensation, nerve pain, muscle weakness, heat intolerance, stomach cramps, and erectile dysfunction in men.
Known asalcoholic neuropathy, a person who drinks alcohol in excess can increase his/her risk for developing nerve pain. Therefore, it is imperative that you stop drinking alcohol. Even though the neuropathy symptoms will not go away, they will not worsen.
If you have not developed nerve pain but know that you do have a drinking problem, which can possibly lead you to develop peripheral neuropathy down the line, make sure to visit your doctor. Discuss your alcohol problems with them so that they can provide you with an effective treatment plan to help you limit and avoid alcohol for good.
If you have developed nerve pain, it is necessary to seek treatment in order to decrease your alcohol intake and eventually, stop drinking it for good.
2. Seafood

If your diet contains eating a lot of seafood, you need to minimize your intake of seafood, as not eating it at all may not be possible, especially if it is one of your favorite cuisines to eat. The reason why seafood makes this list is that it contains large amounts of mercury.
Mercury, a type of toxin, can aggravate your nerves, making the pain worse. Your body contains mercury, but at low levels. Almost all types of fish and seafood contain high levels of mercury. The mercury blood level in most people is normally low, but a high intake of seafood can increase it and result in side effects and symptoms of neuropathy.
In short, consuming a lot of seafood can increase the mercury blood level in your body, resulting in nerve pain. TheUnited States Centers for Disease Control(CDC) released a report in 2009, which stated that people aged 6 and older had 33 micrograms per liter of mercury in their blood. A level of 85 micrograms in the fetal cord can also increase people’s risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.
High levels of mercury in the bloodcan result in mercury poisoning, which can cause nerve pain, such as burning and prickling sensations. It can also lead to problems with the central nervous system. If fetuses and young children are exposed to mercury, the risk of them suffering neurological damage increases.
TheFood and Drug Administration(FDA) suggests that children and women who are expecting or breastfeedingshould not eat large fish, which includes bigeye tuna, marlin, orange roughy, king mackerel, and swordfish. This is because larger fish tend to live longer, which means over time, they collect more mercury in their bodies.
However, it does not mean that you need to leave all types of seafood. You can eat canned light tuna, shrimp, clams, whiting, tilapia, catfish, and shrimp, as they are safer alternatives.
The Food and Drug Administration alsosuggests that women aged 16 to 49should have two to three servings of fish each week from the list of seafood that contains low levels of mercury whereas children who are older than 2 should eat one to two servings.
3. Brown Rice

You should also avoid eating brown rice if you have nerve pain, as they can aggravate your peripheral neuropathy, increasing the severity of the pain. If you have diabetes, but have not developed nerve pain, avoid eating brown rice as it contains high levels of arsenic, which can result in nerve pain.
Arsenic can decrease nerve signals and result in pain or other sensory issues. Regardless of the type of rice you are eating, they all contain arsenic. Arsenic gathers in the outer layers of rice. Brown rice has a high amount of arsenic.
According to the European Union, rice and rice products served to children should not contain 100 parts billion of inorganic arsenic. However, the Food and Drug Administration in 2016 performed a test on 112 rice and rice products and discovered that they contain anaverage of 103 parts per billionof inorganic arsenic.
The FDA recommends that people should not eat anything in excess but work on having a well-balanced diet. If you want to eat brown rice or any other type of rice or rice products, stick to portion control, so that the level of arsenic in your body does not increase and your nerve pain does not worsen. If you have not developed nerve pain, but there is a chance you might get diabetes, you need to limit your intake of rice, especially brown rice.
4. Gluten

If you have neuropathy, your risk for developingceliac disease increases. Therefore, it is important for people with nerve pain to visit their doctor to determine if they are suffering from this autoimmune condition.
If you have this condition, avoid consuming protein gluten. If you do not have this condition but have nerve pain, you should limit your protein gluten intake.
Some of the foods that contain gluten include wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, farina, faro spelt, couscous, cracked wheat, graham flour, barley, rye, oats, chicken broth, certain salad dressings, malt vinegar, and a lot more.
Celiac disease can damage small intestines due to gluten intolerance. Your body will no longer be able to utilize vital nutrients, which you need to prevent peripheral neuropathy. If you havegluten sensitivity, there is a chance that you may develop nerve pain.
If you have nerve pain and want to know the underlying cause, visit a doctor to find out if you have developed intolerance to gluten. If you feel pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet, you may have developed nerve pain, which could be due to celiac disease, which is why you need to visit your doctor to make sure if you have a gluten intolerance.
Even if you are not gluten-intolerant, but have nerve pain, you should cut back or stop eating food containing gluten for a few months to see if it makes any difference in alleviating the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
5. Vitamin B6

Keep an eye on the amount of vitamin B6 you consume in the form of food. A high vitamin B6 intake canincrease your risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin B6, in excess, can be toxic to your nerves, causing nerve damage.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin B6 is 2 milligrams each day, but most vitamin B6 contains more than that. They may contain more than 100 mg of vitamin B6. If you take more than 200 mg of vitamin B6, you can develop nerve pain.
Other symptoms you may develop due to a high intake of vitamin B6 include fatigue, vomiting, walking and breathing issues.
If you decrease your vitamin B6 intake, these symptoms may cease. Moreover, food manufacturers use vitamin B6 as an additive in all types of packaged food.
For this reason, you need to get your blood levels checked to make sure that you do not consume vitamin B6 in excess, especially if you have nerve pain.
6. Starches and Carbohydrates

People with diabetes need to avoid eating food that is high in starches and carbohydrates. Controlling their intake ofcarbohydrates and starchescan decrease their risk of developing diabetic neuropathy, which people may develop due to diabetes.
Instead, they should maintain alean and portion-controlled dietcontaining vegetables, fruits, boneless and skinless chicken breast, turkey, fish, and low or non-fat dairy. By keeping your blood sugar level in check, you can prevent nerve damage from occurring.
If you already suffer from peripheral neuropathy, eating these foods will not reverse the damage, but it can reduce your symptoms preventing them from aggravating further.
Other Tips
Exercise:Diet is extremely important, but without daily exercise, you are missing out on a lot of additional benefits. Adding a simple exercise routine such as stretching, walking, ordoing yogacan help improve flexibility, circulation, and reduce pain.
Nutrition:Diet alone cannot provide all the nutrition your nerves need for optimal function. That's why in addition to a healthy diet, incorporating the correct vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements is crucial. One supplementwe reviewed on this site is Nerve Renew. It has several nutrients proven by studies to support healthy nerves and has a 365 day money back guarantee.
Summary
While it's important to avoid the foods above at all costs, simply avoiding them without being proactive about diet won't do any good. You should also consume mostly fruits and vegetables in your diet from organic sources as often as possible.
FAQs
What foods flare up neuropathy? ›
Foods that are high in sugar – Sugar can aggravate nerve pain and discomfort, so it is best to avoid foods that are high in sugar. This includes sugary snacks, desserts, and processed foods. Fried foods – Fried foods are unhealthy and can worsen neuropathy symptoms.
What are 5 unique foods that reduce nerve damage? ›- Green and leafy vegetables. Broccoli, spinach and asparagus all contain vitamin B, a nutrient important for nerve regeneration and nerve function. ...
- Fruits. Eat at least one fruit daily to help heal damaged nerves. ...
- Zucchini. A type of summer squash, zucchini is actually a fruit. ...
- Sweet potato. ...
- Quinoa. ...
- Avocado.
Whole grains.
For carbohydrates, choose whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and sprouted grain bread. The outer shell of the grain, which is maintained in whole grains, contains important B vitamins that are important for brain and nerve health.
Neuropathy patients can often find themselves with lower levels of B12. It's important to eat foods high in B12, such as eggs, milk or cheese.
What drink is good for neuropathy? ›The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of tart cherry, which have been seen in the treatment of arthritides, appear to be applicable to neuropathic pain as well, providing relief that is at least as good as conventional treatments, with no adverse effects.
What foods help repair nerve damage? ›Antioxidants like CoQ10 and acetyl-l-carnitine can help to prevent or reverse nerve damage, and they help to reduce pain. Antioxidant packed foods include blueberries, fish, beans, walnuts, green veggies, and beans.
What is the best drink for nerve? ›Also a great anti-inflammatory agent, apple cider vinegar can help combat the inflammation caused by nerve pain. To reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar, just mix 2-3 tablespoons of the vinegar in a glass of warm water. You can add a teaspoon of organic honey to help it taste better.
Which vitamin is best for nerve repair? ›At high doses, methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12, accelerated nerve regeneration, increased myelination, and improved motor and functional recovery of injured nerves [80, 83]. Vitamin E is an essential lipid-soluble vitamin with potent antioxidant effects.
Are bananas good for nerve damage? ›Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins, which help calm the nervous system.
What vitamins are good for neuropathy in the feet? ›B Vitamins
Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.
Can you eat oatmeal with neuropathy? ›
It is very important for neuropathy patients to watch their weight and sugar intake; nuts can be a great snack to incorporate. Whole Grains– Brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, whole wheat, or sprouted grain bread are excellent choices because they are high in fiber, which helps with inflammation.
What is the best treatment for neuropathy in your feet and legs? ›Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, can reduce neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.
What is the No 1 medical condition that causes neuropathy? ›Diabetes is the leading cause of polyneuropathy in the U.S. About 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve problems that can cause numb, tingling, or burning feet, one-sided bands or pain, and numbness and weakness on the trunk or pelvis.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub help neuropathy pain? ›Vicks VapoRub also has other popular off-label uses—and these have more support than use of the product on the feet to improve a cough. Vicks is sometimes used on the feet to relieve neuropathy pain, treat toenail fungus, and soften callouses.
What triggers neuropathy in feet? ›One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. is diabetes. The most common type of peripheral neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy, caused by a high sugar level and resulting in nerve fiber damage in your legs and feet.
What kills neuropathy pain? ›Pain, burning, and tingling are treated with over-the-counter and prescription medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including COX-2 inhibitors; topical creams; antidepressants; anticonvulsants; and opioids.
Is chocolate good for neuropathy? ›It has been proposed that cocoa has hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and thus, potentially have a beneficial direct or indirect effect on diabetic neuropathy.
Does apple cider vinegar get rid of neuropathy? ›There isn't enough evidence to categorically assert that soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar (ACV) will help in treating neuropathy. However, there is some evidence verifying the effectiveness of ACV in controlling inflammation and relieving pain generally.
What tea is good for nerve pain? ›Among the best are Chinese skullcap, lemon balm, wood betony, St. John's wort, chamomile, prickly ash and milky oats. These are found in a variety of ways including commercial tea, dried herb so you can make your own tea or compress, tinctures, capsules and so forth.
Is yogurt good for neuropathy? ›Vitamin B12
It's been shown that even high doses of vitamin B12 can potentially repair damaged nerves. Good sources of vitamin B12 are yogurt, fatty fish such as salmon, cod, and sardines.
Does Tylenol help neuropathy? ›
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are often unhelpful in alleviating the type of pain associated with neuropathy. For people with chronic nerve-related pain, a doctor may prescribe topical patches containing lidocaine or an anti-epileptic or antidepressant medication.
What kills nerve pain naturally? ›Nutritional support with high levels of vitamin B12, B6, and inositol are also important in diabetic nerve pain as are many other nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, magnesium, antioxidants and bioflavonoids (all in the Energy Revitalization System).
What calms the nerve? ›Spend a few minutes stretching out your neck, shoulders, arms and lower back. This is also a great way to refocus your mind and relieve mental stress. Walking: You can walk for 30 minutes or an hour for exercise, but even a brisk 10-minute walk can naturally calm your nerves. Try to take your walks in nature.
How long does it take for B12 to help neuropathy? ›a. Add on oral vitamin B combination (B1, B6, and B12) to standard treatment in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy is more effective in reducing pain and neuropathic symptoms in 8 weeks of treatment compared with standard treatment, b.
What are the 7 vitamins repair nerve damage? ›- Acetyl-l-carnitine. Also known as ALC, Acetyl-l-carnitine is naturally produced by the liver and kidneys and can often be supplemented to treat a variety of symptoms. ...
- B-Complex Vitamins. ...
- Alpha-lipoic acid. ...
- Magnesium. ...
- Calcium. ...
- Glutamine. ...
- Glutathione. ...
- N-acetyl cysteine.
The required doses of Vitamin B12 for neuropathy in adults are: 1000mcg daily over five days. 1000mcg weekly over five weeks.
Does turmeric help neuropathy? ›Yes! Turmeric will help address peripheral neuropathy because it contains curcumin, a strong antioxidant. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. These combine to relieve peripheral neuropathy symptoms (numbness and tingling) in the hands and feet and prevent chronic pain.
Is popcorn bad for neuropathy? ›Refined grains
These include white rice, white bread, instant rice, and low-fiber cereal, among others. Instead, you can eat oats, barley, brown rice, whole wheat bread, quinoa, and popcorn; these have good energy, but they don't cause your glycemic index to spike like refined grains do.
...
Some examples of common stretches include:
- Seated calf stretching.
- Seated hamstring stretching.
- Seated heel and toe raises.
Citrus Fruits and Strawberries Contain Vitamin C, Which Help Fight Stress. Some studies have found that high levels of vitamin C may help ease stress levels.
What vitamins stop tingling in feet? ›
The B vitamins — vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 — are the most common ones. Deficiencies in copper, calcium, and magnesium can also lead to tingling in your hands and feet. Most of the time, correcting the deficiency can help reverse the symptoms.
What helps neuropathy in feet naturally? ›- Vitamins and Supplements. Many cases of peripheral neuropathy can be related to deficiencies of certain vitamins. ...
- Cayenne Pepper. ...
- Warm Baths. ...
- Quit Smoking. ...
- Essential Oils. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Meditation. ...
- Acupuncture.
If you have nerve damage in your feet, avoid repetitive, weight-bearing exercises, such as jogging, prolonged walking, and step aerobics. Repeated stress on feet that are affected by neuropathy can lead to ulcers, fractures, and joint problems. Choose exercises that do not put stress on your feet, such as: Swimming.
What are the do's and don'ts of neuropathy? ›DOs and DON'Ts in Managing Peripheral Neuropathy:
Exercise, eat healthy meals, lose weight, and quit smoking. DO avoid repetitive movements, cramped positions, toxic chemicals, and too much alcohol—things that cause nerve damage.
In conclusion, six-week honey treatment helped in reducing dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. Honey given along with insulin for six-weeks improved sensory nerve conduction velocity in experimental diabetic neuropathy Wistar rats.
Are compression socks good for neuropathy? ›Compression socks improve nerve sensitivity if you suffer from nerve damage or neuropathy. Because compression socks help hinder excess swelling and inflammation, utilizing them can decrease swelling and, therefore, lessen the risk of infection.
How do you sleep with neuropathy in legs and feet? ›Some recommended sleeping positions include sleeping in a recliner, sleeping on the back with a pillow underneath the legs, and sleeping on one side of the body with a pillow between the thighs.
What is the newest treatment for neuropathy? ›PRESS RELEASES. ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its Proclaim™ XR spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system to treat painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a debilitating complication of diabetes.
What is the life expectancy with neuropathy? ›Results: Bilateral lower extremity neurological deficits were common, reaching 54% in those 85 and older. PN was strongly associated with earlier mortality. Mean survival time for those with PN was 10.8 years, compared with 13.9 years for subjects without PN.
What is the most painful neuropathy? ›Proximal neuropathy
This type of nerve damage is usually only on one side of the body and can affect the hip, buttock, or thigh. Proximal neuropathy can cause severe pain and difficulty with movement, as well as weight and muscle loss.
What is the best doctor to see for neuropathy? ›
If your doctor suspects you may have a form of peripheral neuropathy, they may refer you to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the nerves.
Should I use heat or ice for neuropathy? ›One or both may be helpful. Sometimes switching between heat and ice may work the best for you: Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the sore area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time. Put moist heat on the sore area for up to 30 minutes to relieve pain.
Is heat or ice better for neuropathy pain? ›Nerve Pain
It's best to use cold when the pain is still sharp and move on to heat once that sharpness has subsided. The heat will increase blood flow and help tissues heal faster.
Try relaxation techniques:
Use the power of your mind: imagine lying down, gently falling asleep, staying asleep during the night, and feeling rested in the morning. Try 10 minutes of meditation before bed. Soak your feet and hands in a warm bath to relax your nerves at night. Make sure the water isn't too hot though.
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may lessen or go away over time, but in some cases they never go away.
Is there really a cure for neuropathy in feet? ›There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy but proper treatment will slow progression and address your symptoms. If the cause of the foot neuropathy is known, then treatment of the underlying cause may provide relief.
What makes neuropathy worse? ›Cooler temperatures: With peripheral neuropathy, according to Loma Linda University Health, your feet will be far more sensitive to cooler air. As temperatures drop at night, your peripheral nerves can begin to tingle more, and you'll feel more burning or sharp pains.
How do you calm a neuropathy flare up? ›Neuropathic Pain Treatment. Anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs are often the first line of treatment. Some neuropathic pain studies suggest the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve or Motrin, may ease pain.
How can I get immediate relief from neuropathy? ›- Pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can relieve mild symptoms. ...
- Anti-seizure medications. ...
- Topical treatments. ...
- Antidepressants.
- amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression.
- duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression.
- pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.
What slows the progression of neuropathy? ›
Other important ways to help slow or prevent neuropathy from getting worse include keeping your blood pressure under control, maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity.
Is Vicks VapoRub good for neuropathy feet? ›Vicks VapoRub also has other popular off-label uses—and these have more support than use of the product on the feet to improve a cough. Vicks is sometimes used on the feet to relieve neuropathy pain, treat toenail fungus, and soften callouses.
Does walking help heal neuropathy? ›While the general benefits of aerobic and flexibility exercises are well-known, increasing movement and heart-rate are particularly important for people suffering with peripheral neuropathy. Physical activity can improve blood circulation, which strengthens nerve tissues by increasing the flow of oxygen.
What vitamin is good for nerve pain? ›Vitamin B1 (thiamine) provides your nerves with energy to function, while vitamin B6 relieves nerve pain and transmits nerve impulses correctly. Vitamin B12 regenerates the nerves, protecting them from damage. A deficiency in vitamins B12 or B1 may be partly responsible for your nerve pain.
What cream is good for nerve pain? ›Capsaicin is used to help relieve a certain type of pain known as neuralgia (shooting or burning pain in the nerves). Capsaicin is also used to help relieve minor pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis or muscle sprains and strains.
Is there an over-the-counter substitute for gabapentin? ›Is there an over-the-counter equivalent to gabapentin? No. Gabapentin is a controlled substance and there are no over-the-counter equivalents. All gabapentin alternatives are prescription medications.
What is the home remedy for nerve pain in the foot? ›- Soak in Warm Water and Epsom Salt. Soaking in Epsom salt can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with nerve pain. ...
- Compression Socks/Neuropathy Socks. ...
- Rest. ...
- Ice the Pain. ...
- Check Feet Daily. ...
- Avoid Alcohol. ...
- Anesthetic Lidocaine. ...
- Massage Your Feet.
Stage Four: Constant Numbness
It indicates that the nerves are dying. While the relief may be nice, it also shows that much of the small nerve fibers have disintegrated. The larger fibers are now beginning to become permanently damaged, too.
Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6 are the best-known vitamin-related causes.
Do compression socks help neuropathy? ›Compression socks improve nerve sensitivity if you suffer from nerve damage or neuropathy. Because compression socks help hinder excess swelling and inflammation, utilizing them can decrease swelling and, therefore, lessen the risk of infection.