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Neuropathy involves nerve damage in the hands and feet. And, regardless of the cause, there are a few things that can actually make it feel worse. Avoid these 5 things and avoid any unnecessary discomfort.
With neuropathy, cold temperatures tend to make the symptoms worse. It can constrict your blood vessels causing your nerves to receive less blood flow. This will, in turn, cause the symptoms of neuropathy to flare up, leaving you with even more numbness and pain in your hands and feet. It is extremely important to plan your day and activities accordingly. Always be prepared in case you will need to cover up with a sweater or some socks.
Gluten can cause an autoimmune response in the body and can even cause damage to your nerves. It can be found in flour and wheat, but also where you least expect it, such as in soy sauce. When you consume gluten, you risk inflammation – and the inflammation can trigger an immune response. The result? Neuropathic symptoms including severe pain. By removing gluten from your diet, you can minimize your discomfort.
High levels of sodium tend to lead to poor blood flow – and, poor blood flow can cause neuropathy symptoms to flare up. This means when consuming salty foods, you may begin to feel burning or numbing pain neuropathic pain. Foods like lunch meats, chips, sodas, and even canned and frozen foods are high in sodium should be avoided. It’s best to try to focus on eating more vegetables and lean meats.
Many dairy products and meats are high in fat – and are considered unhealthy fats. And these trans and saturated fats can lead to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and inflammation, as well as overwhelm your peripheral neuropathy. Consider switching to a diet that is rich in lean meats, greens, and healthy omega-3 unsaturated fats. Making small changes like these can lead to positive results.
One of the biggest triggers that does not really get enough attention is the lack of self-care. With neuropathy, your body lets you know when it’s hurting or suffering. The problem is that we are always on the go and there is only so much time in a day. So, self-care gets placed on the back burner. Face it – you have undoubtedly heard your body scream STOP at some point during your day – but you kept going. You always do. Though giving your body the rest is needs – even if only for a few minutes – can help to relax the nerves and leave you feeling better. Stop neglecting yourself and start incorporating self-care into your everyday routine.
Learn more about treating your neuropathy and find healing naturally with Dr. Randy Hansbrough and his team. Call the office at (772) 287-7701 to schedule an appointment. Or sign up for a free, 30-minute consultation.
