A tumour or a growth of the nerve tissue is termed as a neuroma. Neuromas are generally benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Many nerve tumours are called by a variety of other names these days. The most common type of neuroma is a Morton’s neuroma.
What To Eat And Avoid When You Have Neuromas?
A neuroma is a swelling or inflammation on the nerves or a development of a lump like structure. There is no particular diet that will stop these lumps or swelling from formation. However, a general diet that will be healthy for the nerves can be followed in order to maintain the health of the nerves.
Good nutrition is often the key to maintain a healthy and disease- free life. Nerve problems are no exception to this. Also, taking care of any underlying problems is equally important when talking about nerves.
If you have a neuroma, a diet that is full of certain nutrients may be of importance to you. Knowing about the nutrients that can improve your neuroma condition, can help in taking care of neuroma symptoms
- Eat a healthy and a balanced diet that comprises of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Your diet should contain whole grains in place of refined grains
- You must also include legumes, cereals and pulses in your diet
- The diet should contain recommended amounts of lean protein
- A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids plays a vital role in the health of your nerves
- Eat at least 5 servings of colorful fruits in one day
- Same goes for vegetables too
Make sure you are getting your recommended dosage of vitamin B. B complex is a big group of many water – soluble vitamins. These are all very important for a healthy nerve functioning
- These colorful fruits and vegetables provide us with essential phytonutrients
- Limit the use of sodium, that is salt in your diet. Using salt at less than 2300 mg per day is extremely important for your nerve health
- Lower the amounts of saturated fats and trans fats by choosing low-fat dairy products. Also choose lean meats and poultry so that you reduce the intake of saturated fats and trans fats
- Avoid greasy, spicy and hot food
- It is better to include monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet, the ones that you get from fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
- Reduce the amount of sugar. High sweet beverages and sweeteners can be extremely harmful for the neuromas.
- Quit smoking or tobacco consumption in any form. It affects the healing process and may worsen your symptoms
- Reduce alcohol consumption as it is one of the worst enemies of neuromas.
- Stop substance abuse if any
- Drink plenty of water and keep your fluid balance maintained throughout the day by drinking recommended amounts of water and other fluids
- If you are suffering from Morton’s neuroma, some important steps to be followed are –
- Wearing a comfortable footwear, which reduces pressure on the affected nerve and gives pain relief
- Using padding cushioning or arch supports and other orthotics to give a proper support to the foot. These can be store bought or may be customized according to your foot
- Not giving unnecessary pressure on the affected foot
- Taking plenty of rest
- Giving an ice compression
- Keeping the affected foot at a raised level, preferably above your heart level
Taking over the counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the pain and inflammation and alleviating your symptoms
If these conservative methods do not provide satisfactory results in a Morton’s neuroma, the doctor may decide to perform a surgery to provide relief from the pain and other symptoms of Morton’s neuroma.
There is no specific diet recommended just for neuroma. However, a generally healthy and a balanced diet that will help in strengthening the nerves will be beneficial in neuromas as well.
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