Hi, have posted several times before but I don't think I've asked about diet and neuropathy. I have small fiber neuropathy and am trying to gather as much information as I can from those who suffer from this disease.

My question this time is: Has anyone tried getting off sugar or simple carbs and have found a reduction in pain? I cannot prove it but am beginning to think that sugar and simple carbs trigger my pain. Perhaps a lesson on what creates inflamation in the body is in order, too, but that's another subject, I guess. Also, any input on caffeine would be helpful. Two Neuros have told me that caffeine has little to no affect on SFN. I've tried caffeine and decaff and notice little difference in the way I feel. Still lousy.

I realize that we all metabolize food and meds differently. But if anyone has good results from getting off either sugar or simple carbs or both, please let us all know. I am all for finding things that help that are not medicinal, but in addition to meds, can help us all with pain.

Thank you. It's so great to be able to share information on this site.

I don't have SFN, nor am I diabetic, but yes, eliminating sugar, carbs, & white starches definitely reduces my PN symptoms & pain, as well as pain from other sources.

I've found no connection with caffeine either, but my limit is 2 cups coffe per day.

Perhaps, because they're very much the same subject!

sugar carbs inflammation

Doc

Hi Mrs. Redman, We alll do what e do for our own reasons. I had to fight diabetes, plus try to reduce the pain from the waist down. I was amazed at how badly I was eating. Everything that I held dear as a food was bad for me. I cannot prove beyond a shadow of doubt, but I am feeling less pain now.
It may be the passage of time or it could be that I have given up potatoes, alcohol,most of the breads that I love. I lost 60 lbs then fell in love with French Baggets and some pastries and gained 20 lbs in three months.I now recognize what I am doing wrong and am able to fight what I term creep. The frocess of going back to the tastes that I love but know are wrong.
This site has been instumental in my quest for knowing more about nutrition, medications, helpful hints and people who give of themselves to help others. I wish you well, Ken in Texas

Sugar increases the pain for me too, as well as the night shade vegetables. There are a number of posts on this subject if you click on the "Search" button. You must have already discovered that potatoes affect your pain level, as they do mine. It's hard to give up the things you've enjoyed for so long, but the end result (less pain) makes it worth it.

Also watch for monosodium glutamate! This can really ramp up the NMDA pain receptors and flare you up. It is often hidden in many foods and is typically common in restaurant fare.

Thanks to all who replied so far about diet and SFN. I have been wondering whether I could also have fibro with the SFN. Have an appt. with my specialist on Tuesday and will speak with her about that possibility. But having said all that, in researching fibro a while ago, many of the foods mentioned in the previous threads are foods that also bring on fibro attacks. Nightshade foods are often triggers, as is sugar and sugared products and many others. Some drs are considering that fibro might be a nerve disease as opposed to a muscle disease. And if that is true, then the foods that affect people with fibro, might also affect people with SFN/neuropathies. So I find it very interesting that all the foods mentioned here also affect people with fibro.

I am beginning to understand that if I am to do everything I can for myself to help alleviate my pain outside of, but still including meds, then I must take my diet more seriously. I love my half and half with coffee and sugar and adore carbs. I also know there are ways to eliminate these things, and others, from my diet without much suffering (maybe a few tears). So, I am encouraged by everything you all have said. I now need the gumption to get started. It would be great if some of you who have not tried eliminating some of the worst foods first, will give it a go...at least for a week or so...and then report back to see how we have all done. thanks again.

When we made dietary changes years ago I did it over several weeks. It is difficult to do suddenly....gradually is easier.
This however does not work with going gluten free. That you have to be more aggressive about.

Since going on an elimination diet for silent migraines (after discontinuing an SSRI), my wife's Fibro pain has been significantly improved as well.

I s'pect there's a connection between all these pain conditions/syndromes & similar dietary triggers. Those of us who've felt the difference don't care as long as the pain stops/is lessened.

Doc

you might be interested in something called "wahls protocol" or "wahls paleo diet" It is designed for MS but can be used across a spectrum of chronic, neurologic-related disorders/diseases. There's a book on it and a TedX talk called "mind your mitochondria". Hope that helps!

Yes, that book by Dr. Wahls is very good. I have had it a while. There are some good books and diets to help mitochondria and health.