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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
Neuropathy | Last Active: 7 hours ago | Replies (6025)Comment receiving replies
The one thing that I have found helpful to me regarding decreasing my neuropathy symptoms is diet. Unfortunately there is no magic pill to provide instantaneous gratification here. I am not willing to endure the risks of taking medications. I do not need any more health issues. Just like with everything we decide to do in life, taking medications involves taking risks.
Over a year ago I had decided to try the Keto diet for its positive effects on neurological disorders for which it was originally designed. It was intended to lower the occurrence of seizures in early 1900s before drugs were invented. It was a difficult diet(low carb) to follow because one, I do not follow a meat diet other than the occasional fish and two, I do not enjoy eating fatty foods. I did feel my neuropathy symptoms decreased during the 6 months on the Keto diet. Even a friend told me although he had lost 25 lbs while on the diet, he did notice after stopping, his hand tremors came back.
Rather than going back to that diet I had learned to alter the Keto diet recipes in order to keep the carbohydrate and fat content low. I average about 60 grams of carbs daily. My husband and I enjoy eating pizza and bread once again. He had managed to lose 25 lbs and maintain his weight loss through a low carb diet. Carbohydrates are so addicting. The more you eat the more you want. We don’t realize carbohydrates or sugars are the cause of inflammation in our bodies. Over the Thanksgiving holiday I thought a few more carbs than usual won’t hurt. Well, it did. I noticed that my neuropathy symptoms got significantly worse. I am happier now going back to my normal pattern of eating. Initially it takes a couple of weeks for the body to adjust to the lower intake of carbohydrates but for me the wait was worth it.
I have found taking few supplements is best for me. I make sure to eat a low carb well balanced meal. I do not take a multivitamin anymore because of the bitter taste it had left nor the ALA for the burning in my stomach and esophagus. Both are now completely gone. Glad I don’t have GERD or heartburn. I have discovered many people experience the GI side effects of the ALA. Trying to subside my neuropathy symptoms with supplements caused me to have other symptoms. I am glad they were not permanent. Although the ALA made the neuropathy somewhat better, I know the “heart burn” made me feel miserable all day. The only way to know is by attempting an experience through trial and error and not relying on a “magic pill”. Hope my discoveries help. Toni
Replies to "The one thing that I have found helpful to me regarding decreasing my neuropathy symptoms is..."
Hi Toni, glad you've found a way to help yourself, especially your painful neuropathy Sxs! Thx for sharing.
My persuasion regarding food is that we need to eat a good balanced diet. This was learned the hard way and not until after I harmed my body.
I saw a guy on Dr. Oz who went around the world researching who were the most heart-healthy and fit. I forget the name of the country but believe it is a South American country. Three take aways. 1. They move 90% of the time they are awake. 2. They sleep 9 hours per night. Now sit down! 3. They eat a VERY high carb diet; plantains at every meal whether steamed, fried, boiled, etc.. I'm thinking they also have a lot of fiber. Funny how this came out sometime around when the Keto diet did.
I lost 200# on a very low calorie diet which is the worst thing ever for osteoporosis which I already had severe from daily steroids (3 pelvic and 1 rib Fxs). Unintentionally, and without realizing it, I had no dairy or bread for years except for the occasional binge. No dairy is another "worst thing" for osteoporosis. Guys, I only learned this recently from the bones, muscles and joints Connect blog!! My most recent bone density scan showed I'm significantly worse. It's extremely disconcerting to say the least!
But thanks to the GREAT, caring people here, I have learned the error of my ways and how to make changes to improve my health and /or at least prevent further problems.
Unintentionally, I lost this weight eating low calories. As it turns out, with the choices I made, it turned out that I was not having much fat. More carbs. Now my carbs are 2 or 3 apples every night and blueberries in my yogurt daily.
I wish all of you the best for yourselves and whatever works the best for you it. It's so individualized.
Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower. 😊🌹
"Oh magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together" Psalm 34 :3 🙏
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I would like to include another positive outcome of the Keto diet. Without thinking about it, two months into the diet my taste to foods improved. Prior I had an over sensitivity to the sweet taste in foods. It was so overwhelming I did not enjoy eating. Simple things like vegetables left an awful sweet taste in my mouth. My neurological team of doctors were baffled which I could not understand why when I had later figured it out. A low carbohydrate diet helps to improve the bodily symptoms when the nerves are impaired. Without the nerves, the sensory system of the body does not work as well hence the balance issues or sensitivity to temperature and pain. I continue to have my taste back to where there is no over sensitivity to the sweet taste. I can understand the Keto diet may be sacrificing for some. For me I would rather give a diet a try than be hopeful for a magical fix that may never come or may come many years down the road. At least I get some relief in the meantime. Toni