If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may wonder what you can do to help ease your symptoms. While getting some treatment, your diet is one area that you can focus on to help improve your condition.
Here’s what to remember when planning your meals during your carpal tunnel treatment:
Do Diets Affect Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
No specific diet has been fully proven to help with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is always a good idea. Some people find that certain foods or supplements can help ease their symptoms, but it can be on a case-to-case basis.
What’s Bad for Your Carpal Tunnel?
1. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can cause damage to the nerves in your hands and wrists, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms. Cutting back on alcohol or quitting altogether may help reduce your risk of developing this condition.
2. Gluten
Some evidence suggests that gluten can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Some people are allergic or have an intolerance to gluten, which can cause inflammation and damage to the nerves. Limiting your intake of foods that contain gluten may decrease your probability of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates typically include white bread, pasta, and rice. These foods can notably cause your blood sugar to spike. High blood sugar levels can result in inflammation and damage to the nerves. Reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates may help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are typically found in many animal products, such as meat and dairy. They can also be found in some plant-based oils, such as coconut oil. Saturated fats can destabilize and increase your cholesterol levels and contribute to inflammation. Such consumption should be minimized and regulated properly to help avoid carpal tunnel syndrome.
What’s Good for Your Carpal Tunnel?
1. Fruit
Fruit is good for carpal tunnel because it contains vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation. Vitamin C, for example, is an antioxidant that can help to protect the body against free radicals, while vitamin E has been shown to reduce inflammation. Minerals such as magnesium and potassium can also help to reduce inflammation.
2. Vegetable
Like fruits, vegetables include vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation, making veggies beneficial for carpal tunnel syndrome. As an antioxidant, vitamin C can help the body fight off free radicals, and vitamin E has been found to lessen inflammation. Inflammation can be decreased by consuming minerals like magnesium and potassium.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is not only healthy, but it can also help reduce inflammation. That’s because it contains catechins, which are a type of antioxidant. One study found that people who drank green tea had less pain and stiffness in their joints than those who didn’t drink it. Furthermore, green tea is a fantastic source of vitamin C and E, both anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is good for you in many ways. Not only is it delicious, but it’s packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. These antioxidants are beneficial in many ways, including reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, dark chocolate can improve cognitive function and lower blood pressure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to be mindful of what you eat when undergoing carpal tunnel treatment. Certain foods can help reduce inflammation and pain, while others may worsen symptoms. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding trigger foods are crucial for managing carpal tunnel symptoms.
Seeking carpal tunnel treatment? The North Florida Hand & Wrist Center in Jacksonville is led by Dr. Richard D. Curtis and Dr. Jose Baez, expertly-trained hand and wrist surgeons who are committed to providing patients with the absolute best care possible. Contact us today!
