NEURALGIA
FOODS THAT HARM
FOODS THAT HEAL
WHO’S AFFECTED
Neuralgia is any type of throbbing pain that extends along the course of one or more of the peripheral nerves
In some cases, doctors can’t find a cause; in others, the cause is an infection or underlying disease, such as arthritis, diabetes, or syphilis
Tumors, both cancerous and benign, can cause neuralgia, as do structural problems in which nerves become compressed or pinched
Sciatica, the throbbing pain that can extend from the lower back and buttocks to the feet, is one of the most common examples
Various medications, as well as arsenic and other toxins, can also produce neuralgia
Nutrition Connection
Maintain vitamin B12 levelsA deficiency of vitamin B12, found in all animal products such as poultry and beef, can lead to degeneration of the spinal cord and widespread neuralgia as well as pernicious anemia
Keep up vitamin B6
The long-term use of hydralazine (a powerful antihypertensive medication) or isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis) can result in vitamin B6 deficiency, manifested by sensory loss and neuralgia
Anyone taking these drugs should follow a diet that provides extra B6
Good sources include lean meat, poultry, fish, spinach, sweet and white potatoes, watermelon, bananas, and prunes
A doctor may prescribe B6 supplements
Self-treating with high doses, however, can also damage sensory nerves
Pump up vitamin E
In rare cases, malabsorption problems resulting in low vitamin E levels can cause a type of neuralgia
Good dietary sources include nuts, seeds, wheat germ, vegetable oils, fortified and enriched cereals, eggs, poultry, and seafood
Doctors may also give supplements of 30 to 100 mg a day
Decrease alcohol consumption
Deficiencies of the B-complex vitamins can result in neuralgia involving numerous nerves throughout the body, a condition known as polyneuralgia or polyneuropathy
This condition often occurs in alcoholics, whose diets are generally poor
Beyond the Diet
Medicate to ease painVarious medications can be used to control the pain associated with neuralgia
Investigate other treatments
Other treatments may include physical therapy, nerve ablation, or local injections of pain-relieving medications
Importance of well balance diet
