Nerve damage, or neuropathy, can have various causes, including but not limited to diabetes, toxins, alcohol abuse, injuries and medications. Like every other part of the body, the nerves require specific nutrients to remain healthy and function properly. Making certain changes to your diet and using certain supplements might help restore nerve health to some degree and reduce the pain associated with the damage. You might require larger amounts of some nutrients that you can only get through supplementation, so talk to your doctor about the appropriate dose.
B Vitamins
Many of the B vitamins play key roles in nerve health. A review of studies conducted between 1954 and 2004, published in a 2005 issue of "Acta Neurologica Taiwanica," found that vitamin B-12 was effective in reducing symptoms of diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy -- nerve damage in the hands and feet. Vitamin B-1 and vitamin B-6 may also reduce symptoms in various types of neuropathies. Many foods are rich in at least one of these vitamins; a partial list includes whole grains, soybeans, meat, poultry, nuts, fish, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them potentially useful for reducing pain associated with nerve damage. They might directly contribute to nerve health as well. These fatty acids make up part of myelin sheath, the protective covering around the nerves. Destruction of this sheath contributes to nerve damage and nerve pain. Cold water fish such as salmon are the richest source of these fats. Other sources include flaxseed, hemp seed, walnuts and various other nuts and seeds. Do not use omega-3 supplements without talking to your doctor first, because they can interact with certain medications and cause other potential issues.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, help reduce the oxidative stress that can contribute to nerve damage. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources for most antioxidants -- the greater the color variety, the greater range of antioxidants you will get in your diet. Nuts are also particularly rich sources of vitamin E.
Soy
A study published in a 2001 issue of ‘’Anesthesia and Analgesia’’ tested the effects of a soy-based diet on nerve health in rats with a condition that mirrors neuropathy in humans. The rats that ate soy experienced several improvements, such as a reduced pain response to stimuli not normally associated with causing pain. A study such as this is not enough to determine the true effects of soy in treating neuropathies, but provided you do not have an allergy, it cannot hurt to add soy foods to your diet and see if it makes a difference.
Other Considerations
Along with including certain foods and supplements, you must also consider what not to eat and drink. Eliminate or strictly limit alcohol consumption. Not only can alcohol directly damage the nerves, it can lead to deficiencies of nutrients important for healthy nerves. Chronic high blood sugar causes changes in the body that damage the nerves directly, which explains the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes. If your nerve damage results from this condition, it is imperative to keep glucose levels steady by following a diet low in refined carbohydrates and sugar, and high in healthy carbohydrates such as fiber-rich whole grains and vegetables.
References
- MedlinePlus: Peripheral Neuropathy
- ''Acta Neurologica Taiwanica''; Effectiveness of Vitamin B12 on Diabetic Neuropathy: Systematic Review of Clinical Controlled Trials; Y.Sun,et al.; June 2005
- ''Anesthesia and Analgesia''; Soy-Containing Diet Suppresses Chronic Neuropathic Sensory Disorders in Rats; Y. Shir, et al.; April 2001
- Life Extension Foundation: Neuropathy
