Though there is currently no cure for chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, advances in infusion therapy and anti-inflammatory medications have made it possible for CIDP patients to live healthy, active lifestyles.
Inflammation refers to the body’s immune response to harmful stimuli like injuries or infections; it can be caused by a number of factors.
There’s a growing body of evidence that eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients and low in foods known to cause inflammation reduces overall inflammation in the body. In fact, a 2006 study linked gluten, a combination of proteins found in wheat, barley and rye, to increased instances of neuropathy.
If you have CIDP, you may benefit from reducing your intake of inflammatory foods and consuming more fruits and vegetables—just like this Medpro Rx CIDP patient does. Individual patients will react differently to given foods, so it’s important to find a diet that works for you.
Your diet should always supply a complete range of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Below, you’ll find a list of known inflammatory foods that you may wish to avoid, as well as recommendations for nutrient-rich whole foods.
Avoid These Foods
According to a study in Nutrition Journal, foods high in saturated fats increase bodily inflammation. Some of the worst culprits include:
- Red meat
- Pizza
- Butter
- Cheese
- Ice cream
The Harvard School of Public Health offers a list of the top saturated-fat-containing foods.
Foods high in trans fats are similarly linked to markers of inflammation in the body. Trans fats are created from vegetable oils and converted into solids with the use of hydrogen gas. They are even worse for the body than saturated fats. Processed and fast foods are routinely made with trans fats.
Finally, sugar and refined carbohydrates, such as those found in candy, bread and baked goods, may also trigger the body’s inflammatory response, especially when eaten in excess.
EAT MORE of These Foods
The Cleveland Clinic has found that a diet rich in plant-based, unprocessed foods may help reduce inflammation in the body. For example, vitamin D, which can be found in fatty fish and egg yolks, has known anti-inflammatory properties.
Vegetables and fruits are naturally high in vitamins and minerals; they also include inflammation-fighting antioxidants.
Other foods that can reduce inflammation include:
- Olive oil
- Dark, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and broccoli
- Oily fish, like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines
- Almonds
- Ginger root
- Low-fat yogurt
- Tomatoes
- Beets
- Sweet potatoes
For more foods that fight inflammation—and how they work—browse this list.
Have you tried modifying your diet to reduce inflammation? Tell us if it worked for you.