Small Fiber Neuropathy: Is there a special diet I should be on?

Welcome @kfrenc04. I moved your message to the Neuropathy group so you can connect with other members talking about small fiber neuropathy like @dck @simina1234 @notgivingup17 @total99 @jinxedroot93 @dbeshears1 @retired123 and many others.

You may also be interested in these related discussions:
- Small Fiber Neuropathy: What helps? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/small-fiber-neuropathy/
— Neuropathy & Exercise: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-exercise/
— Water Exercise for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/water-exercise-for-peripheral-neuropathy/
— Peripheral Neuropathy – Stretching and Exercise: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-neuropathy-stretching-and-exercise/

Kfrenc, do you find that certain foods will make your symptoms worse? Do you have neuropathic pain, numbness or both?

Hello @kfrenc04, I would like to add my welcome along with @colleenyoung and other members. I have small fiber PN and when I was told there's nothing that will help my numbess symptoms I started looking at nutrition. What really got me interested was running across the story of Dr. Terry Wahls and how she reversed her MS symptoms through cellular nutrition. Here's her story - https://terrywahls.com/about/about-terry-wahls/. I posted my story and what helps me in another discussion here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has some good information on diet and nutrition for neuropathy patients here -- https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/nutrition/

I can say that diet and exercise have both played a major part in slowing if not stopping the progression of my neuropathy. I don't think it's the total answer but it really helps. From your previous posts it sounds like your feet being cold all the time and hurting is the symptom that bothers you the most. You mentioned wearing Ugg boots all of the time helps. A few years ago I was diagnosed with lymphedema after have a cardiologist look at swelling issues I was having in my legs. As a result I was prescribed some compression socks which have controlled the swelling. My feet are always cold also. A lot of times I will wear some wool socks over the top of my compression socks which are quite thin.

Do you think it might be related to blood circulation in your feet and legs?

Even though you do not mention having diabetes, try their diet. Stay away from sugar! The doctors here in NV are of no help either!! Not even the neurologists. Standard is "take this gaba pill and go home and deal with it".

I am 63 years old, have neuropathy. Due to many sports injuries, my exercise option is swimming. The chlorine dries my skin on my feet so severely, that I have had to get 2 toes amputated so far. This obviously cannot continue, and my podiatrist, dermato?ogist, and cardiologist day there is nothing to be done preventably.... But rather monitor feet daily for cuts, dryness, and address appropriately. I can no longer do much of anything with shoes on, without suffering damage to some part of my feet, in some way. I'm hoping to find some info on how to be able to swim for exercise, without the fear of losing another part of my body. Thank you

Thank you for the link to the The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy for diet suggestions. I noticed that it did not say to avoid nightshades. In other posts, nightshades are said to be detrimental. Thoughts, anyone?

I've read the same thing but I think it's a case of "it depends...". Here's some information from Cleveland Clinic on nightshades that I thought provides a good prospective.

What's the Deal With Nightshade Vegetables?: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-the-deal-with-nightshade-vegetables/