One of the treatments for diabetic neuropathy, and diabetes in general is to maintain a healthy diet. Diabetic neuropathy’s main cause is when a person has high blood sugar for a long period of time, so having a healthy diet that keeps the blood sugar down will help with the nerve pain that comes along with diabetic neuropathy. Luckily for people who have diabetes who have already started eating a healthy diet, there is no real difference between the foods you should eat when you have general diabetes, and those you should eat when you have diabetic neuropathy. Having a healthy diet is good for anyone, even if they are not suffering from nerve pain caused by diabetes.
1.) Fish
It is common to hear people tell you to have fish on your menu in order to have the healthiest diet you can. Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are the healthy fats that do not promote weight gain. They also provide a high amount of lean protein. Another benefit of fish is that is high vitamin B12. A lack of vitamin B12 can worsen diabetic neuropathy. If you eat fish in addition to a B12 supplement, this can be extremely beneficial.
2.) Green Vegetables
Your mother has always told you to eat your vegetables, and it has never been more true. These vegetables pack a lot of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, as well as fiber. They also provide B12, which is good news for people with neuropathy. They can also help a person lose weight if they replace some of their unhealthy choices with vegetables, or have a salad at lunch instead of fast food.
3.) Berries
Although berries seem to only come around during the summer, you can still choose a frozen option during the winter. You will want to keep these fruits on hand at all times because they are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. You can try them in smoothies with low fat milk (which is also a good food choice for a diabetic), or with a low fat yogurt. They will provide you with a good amount of sweetness that will not spike your blood sugar, which is the goal with people who have diabetic neuropathy.
4.) Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good carbohydrate, which is amazing news for diabetics, since they are always told to avoid carbs. It is high in soluble fiber, which helps people feel fuller for a longer period of time. Feeling fuller for longer will help people not snack as much, which will help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Oatmeal is slower to digest, and it will not raise the blood sugar level. Instead of buying the sweet kind, try mixing it with berries and cinnamon for a healthier breakfast.
5.) Beans
Whatever kind of bean you want, you should eat it if you have diabetic neuropathy. They are very high in fiber, and they are also good sources of magnesium and potassium. They can also provide as much protein as an once of meat without the saturated fat.