“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison”
- Ann Wigmore

Neuropathy, a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and sharp pain in the hands and feet. While neuropathy is often associated with type 2 diabetes, our chiropractic clinic in Annapolis MD has seen that many people without diabetes also suffer from this condition due to factors such as vitamin deficiencies, infections, environmental toxins, or genetic predispositions. The role of diet in managing neuropathy symptoms has gained attention in recent years, emphasizing the concept of "food as medicine." By consuming a diet rich in specific nutrients, neuropathy patients may find relief from symptoms and promote nerve healing, regardless of whether or not they have type 2 diabetes.

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Understanding the Role of Inflammation In Annapolis MD

One of the central mechanisms behind neuropathy is inflammation, which can damage nerves and exacerbate symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet, therefore, is essential for managing neuropathy. Foods high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can help reduce nerve damage, alleviate pain, and potentially slow the progression of the condition. For neuropathy patients, focusing on a diet that fights inflammation is a cornerstone of symptom management.

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Nutrients for Nerve Health

Neuropathy patients should aim to include specific nutrients in their diets to support nerve function and repair. Below are some key nutrients and the foods that provide them. For all foods listed, we recommend choosing the cleanest options to limit your exposure to environmental toxins, and that includes organic, cage-free/pastured, wild-caught, grass-fed, gluten-free, where applicable. Please note that not all foods listed will be applicable to everyone, and if you become a patient in our practice, a food plan will be provided based on your unique needs.

• B-VITAMINS
  B-vitamins, especially B1, B6, and B12, are crucial for nerve health. Vitamin B1 supports nerve signaling, while B12 is involved in nerve repair. A deficiency in B-vitamins can lead to or worsen neuropathy symptoms.
  • Foods: Eggs, nuts, seeds, and whole grains provide B-vitamins. For B12, animal products like fish and poultry are the best sources. (Please note that we do not typically recommend grains for type 2 diabetics, as they can raise blood sugar due to the high carbohydrate content.) Here at Living Health Integrative Medicine, our practitioners may recommend one of our many supplements that contain B vitamins, depending on our patients’ unique needs. Active B is a good comprehensive B-complex that includes all of the B vitamins.
• OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
  Omega-3s are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can protect nerves from further damage. They also promote the repair of damaged nerves and are essential for overall nervous system function.
  • Foods: Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3s. For plant-based options, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are good options. We offer Omegemulse and Omega 3 MG for patients who require extra support for inflammation.
• ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID (ALA)
  ALA is an antioxidant that has been shown to improve nerve function and reduce pain in neuropathy patients. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it particularly beneficial for those with diabetic neuropathy.
  • Foods: Spinach, broccoli, and potatoes are good sources of ALA. Supplements are also available. At Living Health, we offer a superior form of ALA: ALA Bio. Our ALA Bio contains biotin, a type of B vitamin. Long term use of ALA can interfere with two important enzymes in the body that need biotin to work. ALA competes with biotin, reducing the effectiveness of these enzymes, which help the body process energy and certain nutrients. So, biotin is added to the supplement to make sure your body has enough of it to keep these enzymes working properly.

We also often recommend ALA Berb to patients with type 2 diabetes, because it has the added benefit of offering blood sugar support. It's best to consult a healthcare provider before using supplements.

• MAGNESIUM
  Magnesium is involved in nerve function and muscle relaxation. It can help alleviate neuropathy symptoms by calming overactive nerves and reducing inflammation.
  • Foods: Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are rich in magnesium. Dark chocolate is also a good source, offering a tasty way to boost your magnesium intake. We offer various types of magnesium in supplement form for patients, depending on their needs.
• VITAMIN D
  Vitamin D plays a role in immune function and may help reduce nerve inflammation. Studies suggest that neuropathy patients often have low vitamin D levels, and supplementation may help improve symptoms.
  • Foods: Fatty fish and mushrooms contain vitamin D. Sunlight exposure is another natural way to boost vitamin D production in the body. Because it’s difficult to obtain enough vitamin D from food and sunlight alone for people who live in the northern hemisphere, we typically recommend D-Emulse or D3-5000, for those with low vitamin D levels.

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Lifestyle Changes for Optimal Results

In addition to a nutrient-rich diet, lifestyle changes can enhance the benefits of using food as medicine. Regular exercise improves circulation, which supports nerve function, while stress management techniques like meditation or yoga can reduce inflammation. It's also important to stay hydrated, as proper hydration aids in nerve function and overall health.

For neuropathy patients, whether diabetic or not, food can serve as a powerful tool in managing symptoms and promoting nerve healing. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, essential nutrients, and healthy fats can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and even repair nerve damage over time. Combining this dietary approach with healthy lifestyle changes offers a holistic strategy for living better with neuropathy.