Feed it the wrong stuff and your health will suffer.

When it comes to eating a proper diet, most Americans fail miserably. Recent reports estimate that 68% of the population is either overweight or obese, with 117 million adults suffering with a chronic medical condition linked to their diet.

With so many people suffering the effects of poor eating habits, you may be wondering what part your diet plays in your fight with Peripheral Neuropathy.

According to those who study Neuropathy, you may be surprised at how large a part your diet plays in controlling, or not controlling, your symptoms

When it comes to controlling your symptoms and reversing your Neuropathy altogether, it is vital that you give your body the nutrients it needs to strengthen your nerve fibers and heal nerve damage already experienced.

So what vitamins and minerals are needed to ward off Neuropathy? Here are the most important:

Complex B Vitamins

A deficiency in B vitamins has been directly linked to Peripheral Neuropathy in recent years.

Thiamine (B1) is vital to a healthy nervous system, and while it is uncommon to have a deficiency in thiamine, those who drink alcohol regularly may find absorption of this vitamin difficult.

To ensure that you are getting the proper amounts of thiamine in your diet, be sure to eat plenty of red meat, eggs, and green leafy vegetables

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) helps to convert other B vitamins (like niacin and B6) into forms the body can use. Found in eggs and some meats, it is essential for healthy nerve cell growth.

Niacin (vitamin B3) is needed for nerves to remain strong. It is found in legumes, eggs, and fish.

Vitamin B6 also helps to contribute to a healthy nervous system and can be found in such foods as liver and fish.

When it comes to forming and maintaining a healthy level of Myelin (the protective sheath around nerves), Vitamin B12 is required.

Without healthy Myelin, nerves can become frayed, failing to send the proper messages to the brain. To keep Myelin production up, be sure to eat plenty of liver, meats, egg yolks, and poultry.

Without enough folic acid (B9) in the system, cell growth may be stunted, which can result in nerve damage and Neuropathy. Folic acid is found in these foods: green vegetables.

Omega Fatty Acids

The nerves are especially sensitive to omega fatty acids. When you have a good balance of both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acid in your diet, your nerves are healthy and strong.

In some studies, Omega 3 fatty acid has even been shown to help repair nerve damage. It is also cited as being a preventative against Neuropathy.

The Clinical Journal of Pain reported that treating Neuropathy patients with a high dose of Omega 3 fatty acids helped to reduce their pain and improve their mobility.

To get more Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet, be sure to add more fish to your diet, including things like: salmon, anchovies, blue fish, sardine.

Omega 6 fatty acid should be consumed as linoleic acid to get the best results. This plant-based oil can be found in olive oil, sesame oil, plant nuts, flax, and sunflower seeds.

Some studies have shown that patients who increase their intake of linoleic acid for about six months experienced a dramatic reduction in Neuropathy pain.

Note: While whole grains are excellent sources of important nutrients, remember that when you suffer from Neuropathy, you must avoid gluten laden wheat and rye products.

When eating grains, always opt for gluten-free varieties like sorghum.

Need guidance on how to control and manage your neuropathy? Check out my Neuropathy Revolution program 

The post Can poor nutrition cause peripheral neuropathy? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.