People who suffer from diabetes are likely to experience nerve damage through a disease known as neuropathy. This is mostly because of the continuous exposure of high blood glucose levels. Fibers in nerves are delicate hence easily destroyed when the glucose level is high that interferes with the transmission of the nerve signal.
Oxygen and nutrients cannot be supplied sufficiently by blood vessels when someone suffers from diabetic neuropathy. How the body responds to reflexes such as temperature, pain and many more are affected by damaged nerves messages being sent from the spinal cord and the brain ends up being interrupted.
Alcohol
Pain and numbness which are symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can be worsened by intake of alcohol. It is not easy to control blood sugar levels if you drink too much alcohol. Alcohol in the blood system can also cause a nutrient deficiency.
Gluten
Rye, barley, and wheat have a storage protein called gluten. Avoid food such as bread, pastries, cakes, pasta cookies, cereals, crackers and all food that contain white including wheat itself as they contain gluten.
When people allergic to gluten consume it, their nerves are usually triggered that can lead to diabetic neuropathy and worsen the symptoms eventually. Numbness and tingling sensation is usually increased by the intake of gluten in the body system.
Some foods that can be consumed as substitutes to gluten include; potatoes, bread that is label gluten-free, rice, corn or rice based-based cereals and many more.
Added Sugar
Honey, corn syrup, sugar cane are examples of added sugars that only provide few nutrients despite the fact that they make food sweetened. Blood sugar level controlled is interfered with because they are high in glycemic.
An alternative to the added sugar can be eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits that have natural sugars and taking nutritious foods can lead to a healthy lifestyle. Added sugars are always related to poor nutrient intake. Avoid regular soft drinks such as sodas, milk chocolates, and candies.
Refined Grains
Just like in added sugars, refined grains are high in glycemic which affect the blood sugar levels too. The most common cause of diabetic neuropathy according to the Neuropathy Association is glycemic control. It is the leading strategy for preventing the progression of diabetic neuropathy.
It is with intake of healthy foods such as brown rice, whole grains, oats, air-popped popcorn and quinoa that can control blood sugar levels in the body. Visit the Neuropathy Relief Guide’s website for more information.
Saturated Fats
These are bad fats and can be found in foods like; fatty red meat, fries, and dairy which causes inflammation that worsens diabetics because they damage the nerves. A diet with a low saturated fat is recommended by the University of Virginia, Health System.
Lean alternatives can replace fatty protein, sources and they include; vegetable oils, seeds, and nuts which have moderate amounts of fats. Fish, lentils and soy are also healthy foods that are not only nutritious but also contain natural fats in minimal amounts.