Gluten-Free Diet
A gluten-free diet can halt progression and sometimes reverse symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in individuals with gluten-related neurological disease. This condition, often occurring with or without celiac disease, causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet due to gluten-triggered nerve damage. Early dietary intervention provides the best outcomes, as established nerve damage may be permanent, though symptom stabilization and some improvement can occur even in advanced cases.
View all 280 Gluten-Free Diet recipes
Confidence: Moderate
Key foods: B12-rich foods like wild salmon and eggs, B-vitamin rich quinoa and legumes, antioxidant-rich berries, walnuts rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds
How does Gluten-Free Diet assist with Gluten-Related Peripheral Neuropathy: Gluten triggers an autoimmune or inflammatory response that damages peripheral nerves either through direct antibody-mediated attack on nerve tissue, vasculitis affecting nerve blood supply, or inflammatory cytokines causing nerve damage. Additionally, malabsorption in celiac disease can cause deficiencies in B vitamins critical for nerve health. Eliminating gluten stops the immune attack, reduces inflammation, restores nutrient absorption, and allows nerve tissue to potentially regenerate or at minimum prevents further deterioration.