Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common cranial nerve disorder, often occurring in middle-aged and elderly people. It is characterized by paroxysmal severe pain, and even small daily activities can trigger the pain. Therefore, patients must pay attention to their diet and reduce the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia. Let's take a look at the dietary principles for trigeminal neuralgia patients.
5 dietary taboos for trigeminal neuralgia
1. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods
Spicy foods should be avoided during the treatment process. This is because spicy and stimulating foods can also stimulate the trigeminal nerve, intensifying its impulses and triggering trigeminal neuralgia. Spicy foods include chili sauce, garlic, onions, scallions, ginger, mustard, etc. Therefore, it is important to avoid these foods during the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.
2. Avoid raw and cold foods
Trigeminal neuralgia patients should not eat raw and cold foods, as they can intensify the impulses of the trigeminal nerve and cause trigeminal neuralgia. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid consuming raw and cold foods during the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, such as ice cream, popsicles, chilled watermelon, and iced drinks.
3. Avoid hard nuts
Hard nuts should be avoided during the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Chewing hard nuts can often trigger symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming hard nuts during the treatment process.
4. Avoid greasy foods
During the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, patients should avoid fatty pork, pork, beef fat, fried chicken and duck, and ice cream.
5. Avoid nourishing tonics
It is also necessary to avoid nourishing tonics during the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Examples include cooked Rehmannia root, Ophiopogon japonicus, dwarf lilyturf, Solomon's seal, etc. Patients undergoing treatment for trigeminal neuralgia should be cautious when it comes to consuming these types of tonics to avoid triggering trigeminal neuralgia.
Sugary foods. Sugar, especially refined sugar, not only has no vitamins, but also requires the participation of vitamin B in its metabolism, which further depletes the already deficient vitamin B. Therefore, excessive consumption of sugar should be avoided.
Dietary principles for trigeminal neuralgia
1. Increase carbohydrate intake
The human body cannot be lacking in fat, especially phospholipids and steroids. Phospholipids can enhance the brain's immune system, so trigeminal neuralgia patients need to consume foods that contain a large amount of carbohydrates to maintain energy and protect nerve function. Trigeminal neuralgia patients should eat foods rich in vitamins and have a detoxifying effect. They should consume more fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes, eat less fatty meat, and prefer lean meat, with a light and bland diet.
2. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods
In terms of specific food choices, trigeminal neuralgia patients are not suitable to consume raw onions, raw garlic, leeks, onions, and other irritating foods. In addition to these foods, spicy condiments such as mustard, dried chili, and curry powder should also be avoided. Alcohol must be prohibited. Food should not be too cold or too hot, as both extremes can cause physical or chemical irritation and lead to pain.
3. Eat small, frequent meals
Patients can have five to six meals a day, which will give them a sense of satisfaction. It is recommended to choose liquid foods that are high in protein and sugar, such as milk with lotus root powder. Noodles, dumplings, meat, and rice can also be mashed and provided to patients to maintain a balanced diet.
4. Consume liquid foods
Patients should consume liquid foods and pay attention to small, frequent meals, with five to six meals per day. High-protein and high-sugar liquid foods, such as milk with lotus root powder and milk with beaten egg, should be included to provide a sense of satiety to the patients.
5. Eat foods rich in vitamin B complex
It is advisable to consume foods rich in vitamin B complex, such as B1, B2, B12, on a regular basis. Common foods include coriander, cucumber, pineapple, pear, watermelon, papaya, apple, grapes, etc., which are good for relieving trigeminal neuralgia. Vitamin B can help in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, so it should be supplemented appropriately.
