Nerve pain occurs when you nerves are damaged as a result of infections, injuries, exposure to toxins or vitamin deficiencies, according to Anthony Amato and Richard Barohn, authors of the book "Neuromuscular and Peripheral Nerve Disorders." When you have nerve pain, you may experience numbness in various parts of your body and lose your ability to control your muscles. You may also have a tingling or burning sensation in the affected area, muscle cramps, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting or dizziness. Treatment generally consists of pain medication, physical therapy and vitamin therapy. A healthy diet may relieve nerve pain and help your body heal from nerve damage.
Fruits and Vegetables
Increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables can help alleviate nerve pain. According to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified," fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, broccoli, strawberries, oranges, grapefruits, blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, kale and spinach are loaded with vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system, eases nerve pain, repairs damaged nerves, lowers your risk of developing autoimmune diseases and slows the aging process.
Lean Meats
Consuming limited amounts of lean meats can relieve nerve pain. Lean meats such as lean beef, fish, poultry, lamb and turkey are rich in vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin that improves immune system function, supports red blood cell production, aids in iron absorption, repairs and maintains nerve cells, reduces nerve pain and prevents nerve damage, according to Phyllis Balch, author of the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Other foods rich in B12 include eggs, crab, lobster, cheese and octopus.
Fatty Fish
Consuming 6 oz. of fatty fish two to three times a week can reduce nerve pain. Michael Zimmermann, author of the book "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease," explains that fatty fish such as mackerel, trout, salmon, halibut, cod, herring, tuna and sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats that improve immune system function, decrease inflammation in your body, prevent nerve damage and lessen nerve pain. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans, canola oil and pumpkin seeds.
Water
Drinking approximately 48 oz. to 64 oz. of water daily can help treat nerve pain. Water flushes toxins and impurities out of your body, promotes healing and prevents dehydration. Sadashiva Swami Tirtha, author of the book "Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention and Longevity," explains that when your body does not receive an adequate supply of water it can result in dehydration, inflammation, muscle spasms and nerve pain. Other foods that contain water include oranges, broths, lettuce, herbal teas, peaches and grapes.
References
- "Neuromuscular and Peripheral Nerve Disorders"; Anthony Amato and Richard Barohn; 2008
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 1996
- "Central Nerve Plexus Injury"; Thomas Carlstedt; 2007
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2007
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention and Longevity"; Sadashiva Swami Tirtha; 2007
