If you or your loved one is diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), it may be beneficial to focus on your daily diet. Incorporating a healthy, well-balanced diet into your lifestyle could help to reduce the symptoms of CIDP. Though no specific diet plan exists for CIDP, certain foods can help reduce inflammation and support nerve health.
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In this article, we’ve listed food options that may help manage the symptoms associated with CIDP.
But first, let’s briefly discuss what CIDP is and why a healthy diet is helpful for CIDP patients.
What Is Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy?
CIDP is an inflammatory disease in which your immune system mistakenly targets the protective covering of your nerves called the myelin sheath. The inflammation that results from this attack damages the nerves. Consequently, the nerves lose their ability to transmit messages from the brain to various body regions effectively.
Nerve inflammation can result in weakness, numbness, and difficulty moving.
Why Diet for CIDP Patients Matter
Even though diet alone cannot treat CIDP, it may help in managing symptoms. Since CIDP is an inflammatory condition, certain foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the severity of inflammation in the body.
A plant-based diet rich in fruits and vegetables can be beneficial as these foods contain certain nutrients that keep the nerves healthy and reduce inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods for CIDP Patients
Some of the anti-inflammatory foods that can reduce inflammation are listed below:
Bone Broth or Meat Stock
Bone broth and meat stock both have high nutrient content and may benefit patients with CIDP. They can provide support for overall health, including nerve health, because of their high content of minerals, collagen, gelatin, and amino acids.
Though meat stock and bone broth are rich in healthy nutrients, there isn’t much research on how they directly affect CIDP conditions in patients. These foods may be comforting for certain people, but their effects on treating CIDP symptoms may vary from person to person.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables have natural anti-inflammatory properties and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins like Vitamin C and E are powerful antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging your nerve cells. Fruits (such as citrus fruits, apples, pineapples, and berries) and vegetables (such as spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, beets, and kale) are loaded with these antioxidants that can potentially ease CIDP symptoms.
Similarly, the overall health of your nerves is also supported by minerals like potassium and magnesium. In addition to supporting nerve function, these minerals also facilitate nerve transmission.
Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin B12
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 are good for CIDP patients as these nutrients nourish and maintain nerve health and function. For instance, Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the health of nerves and the protective myelin sheath. Consumption of vitamin B12-rich foods, such as fish and lean meat, can support nerve function in individuals with CIDP.
Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, may help lessen the inflammation in the nerves affected by CIDP. You can find high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in avocados, fish (such as mackerel, herring, salmon, and tuna), fish oils, olive oils, flaxseeds, and certain nuts like almonds and walnuts.
Green Tea
Freshly brewed green tea made from fresh leaves or tea bags can also help reduce inflammation. Green tea maximizes the level of antioxidants and other compounds that fight off inflammation in your body.
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Diet for CIDP: Foods To Avoid
Foods made from unhealthy fats such as trans-fats and saturated fats can have inflammatory effects. These foods promote inflammation that can further worsen the CIDP condition. Foods high in unhealthy fats include:
- Highly processed foods, including fast foods, processed meats, frozen foods, and soups
- Sodium-rich foods
- Foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, which may trigger inflammation in some people
- Red meat, butter, cheese, or ice cream
It is important to consult your healthcare provider and dietitians before making any big changes to your daily diet.
Conclusion
CIDP is an inflammatory condition, and a healthy, well-balanced diet can be beneficial for CIDP patients. Certain foods like bone broth, meat stock, fruits, vegetables, green tea, and foods with omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and support nerve health. Conversely, consuming highly processed foods like fast foods, sugary and sodium-rich foods, processed meats, red meats, and butter can promote inflammation in the body, which may further worsen the symptoms of CIDP.
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REFERENCES:
- Brun, S., De Sèze, J., & Muller, S. (2022). CIDP: Current Treatments and Identification of Targets for Future Specific Therapeutic Intervention. Immuno, 2(1), 118-131. https://doi.org/10.3390/immuno2010009
- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy. (2023, February 6). Nutrition | The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy. https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/nutrition/
- Healthy eating tips to ease Chronic inflammation. (2021, November 15). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/healthy-eating-tips-to-ease-chronic-inflammation
- Doneddu, P. E., Bianchi, E., Cocito, D., Manganelli, F., Fazio, R., Filosto, M., Mazzeo, A., Cosentino, G., Cortese, A., Jann, S., Clerici, A. M., Antonini, G., Siciliano, G., Luigetti, M., Marfia, G. A., Briani, C., Lauria, G., Rosso, T., Cavaletti, G., . . . Nobile-Orazio, E. (2019). Risk factors for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP): Antecedent events, lifestyle and dietary habits. Data from the Italian CIDP Database. European Journal of Neurology, 27(1), 136-143. https://doi.org/10.1111/ene.14044
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Dr. Christine Leduc, PharmD, was born and raised in Irvine, CA. She attended college at Midwestern University, where she graduated cum laude. The most rewarding part of her job is suggesting lifestyle changes, educating patients on how their medication works, and precepting future pharmacists. Her areas of expertise are customer service and knowledge of specialty medication. Having worked in the service industry in the past, she has gained the customer service skills necessary to understand the needs of her patients. Dr. Leduc is currently precepting students from Marshall B. Ketchum University, University of Kansas, and Midwestern University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and gardening.