We are what we eat.
Pez.
Bread.
Slices of American cheese over the sink at 3 am.
As a chiropractor for neuropathy in Springfield, Illinois, I know that when we start thinking about food as fuel and not reward for the hard thing we accomplished at work, we give our body the nutrients and energy it needs to make that hard thing at work not so hard anymore.
We’re all exhausted. The past two years have been physically and emotionally exhausting. It must be because we’ve had so many social obligations and work is demanding us to be more productive than ever, not because we’ve been fueling our body with Haribo gummy bears, those sticks of cheese wrapped with prosciutto, and boxed white wine.
Every Mercedes owner knows that regular gas has no place in their S-class sedan. Anything other than premium is just like driving the thing into a waste treatment plant and lighting it on fire. The S-class sedan’s famous torrential torque precisely metered to all four air-suspended wheels and 64-color ambient lighting to match any mood requires the best fuel. No matter how incredible the 429-hp inline-6 turbo is it pales in comparison to the respiratory system. Not to mention the digestive or cardiovascular system. And don’t even get me started on the immune system.
Our body is an incredible living machine, capable of sustaining active, productive life for decades. Giving our body anything other than premium fuel is like walking into a waste treatment facility and lighting ourselves on fire.
For 25% to 30% of Americans that suffer from Neuropathy, filling up on premium and avoiding the lower quality fuel couldn’t be more important. The standard American diet is a poor, pro-inflammatory diet that is covered in sugar and wanting nutrients. Inflammation is the defense mechanism the body uses to protect itself against illness and infection. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, contributes to disease, triggers pain, and increases the risk of serious health issues, like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Needless to say, inflammation is toxic to nerves.
So let’s discuss six foods to add to the shopping list that will reduce inflammation and relieve pain from neuropathy naturally.
7 Foods That Reduce Inflammation
Green and Leafy Vegetables
There might be no more important vitamin to our nerves than B. It is super important in for nerve regeneration and nerve function. Broccoli, spinach, and asparagus all contain vitamin B and are a great side dish for a steak. They also contain a micronutrient called alpha-lipoid acid which prevents nerve damage and improves nerve function.
Fruits
An apple a day keeps the doctor away…sort of. Whether it’s berries, peaches, cherries, grapes, oranges, or watermelon, at least one piece of fruit a day has enough antioxidants to decrease inflammation and heal damaged nerves.
Zucchini
Even though zucchini is also a fruit-
Did I stutter? Like other fruits, it’s rich in antioxidants which makes it a nerve cell’s best friend. It also has a bunch of potassium and magnesium which promotes effective nerve transmission and calms excited nerves.
Sweet Potato
Whether it’s the antioxidant protection for cells, the anti-inflammatory compounds, or the high fiber content, sweet potatoes are a treasure trove of vital nutrients.
Quinoa
This was a staple of the inhabitants of the Andes Mountains and is now a worldwide sensation. Quinoa is a grain-like plant that gets its “superfood” superlative by being a great source of potassium which helps with nerve transmission as well as magnesium, phosphorous, mangoes, folate, protein, fiber, iron, copper, and vitamin B6.
Avocado
Another fruit! Yes, fruit! Anyone who hasn’t seen an avocado or know about its incredible benefits is clearly a psychopath and needs an exorcism stat. Avocados are full of healthy fats along with a healthy dose of potassium, our nerves’ seemingly favorite nutrient. They also increase the body’s ability to absorb antioxidants.
Omega-3s
Salmon, tuna, cod, herring, sardines, mackerel, even flaxseeds and chia seeds, these omega-3 rich foods improve blood sugar regulation, control inflammation, and contain protective molecules to improve symptoms of neuropathy.
Now I know there are people out there who are going to say, “well he didn’t say a mixed bag of Halloween candy was a good thing to eat, but he also didn’t say it was a bad thing to eat…”.
So thanks to those people, I’m including this bonus content:
7 Foods That Cause Inflammation
Fried Foods
This one is hard, but friend foods trigger inflammation. Not to mention cranks up the cholesterol levels, and increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Processed Meat
Processed meat was recently classified as carcinogenic.
Alcohol
Refined Carbohydrates
These carbs were made in a factory. They increase the volatility of our blood sugar levels which drives up inflammation.
Artificial Sweeteners
These guys move in the shadows. They fill up low-calorie foods and diet products to take the place of well-missed sugar, but they disrupt the gut microbiome which plays a critical role in regulating inflammation.
Vegetable Oil
Omega-3s are great, their evil cousin omega-6s are not great. They are inflammation triggers.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
High-fructose corn syrup flows like honey in the U.S. It is the non-apologetic artificial sweetener. It’s just like, “Move over grandpa, that’s my spot on the couch!” It’s also Public Enemy #1 when it comes to inflammation and can have detrimental effects on nearly every aspect of health.
At the Springfield Wellness Center, we don’t just stop at nutrition and supplementation when it comes to fighting neuropathy. It is but a part of a dynamic chiropractic care plan for our patients suffering from any type of neuropathy. We tailor chiropractic treatment to the unique situation of each patient and offer a wide variety of therapies to provide neuropathy pain relief and get life back to normal. Call us or schedule a time to meet with one of our amazing doctors.