Relieve Nerve Pain Naturally

Healing Your Nerves and Brain with the Right Foods 

Nerve pain and healing can be greatly aided by your diet. I’ve seen firsthand how food choices impact nerve health, especially in clients dealing with nerve impingement, injury, or concussion/head injuries. If you’re in pain, fueling your body with the right foods can give you a better chance at feeling stronger and healthier. 

Foods that Help Your Nerves

Think of these as your brain and nerve’s best friends. They’re full of nutrients that support healing and help your body do what it does best: recover.

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients like Vitamin B and magnesium. These support your nervous system and keep those cells working like a well-oiled machine.

• Fruits: Berries, oranges, and bananas aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with vitamins like Vitamin C and potassium, which help reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells. Plus, they’re great for overall brain health.

• Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, and cashews offer healthy fats that protect nerves and boost brain function. Snack on a handful when you need a little energy, and know you’re helping your nerves at the same time.

• Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, and brown rice are full of fiber and B-vitamins. They help improve circulation, which is key for healing damaged nerves.

• Fish: Salmon and sardines (or other fatty fish) have omega-3 fatty acids, which are like a superfood for your nervous system. They reduce inflammation and encourage cell regeneration.

• Mushrooms? Maybe: There’s also some exciting research emerging around mushrooms and their benefits for brain and nerve health. Certain types, like lion’s mane and reishi, are being studied for their potential to support nerve regeneration and protect the brain from damage. Lion’s mane, in particular, has been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps repair nerve cells and maintain overall cognitive function. While more research is needed, incorporating mushrooms into your diet could be a natural way to boost your healing process.

Lion's Mane          Reishi

Foods to Avoid

Some foods make healing harder for your nerves. If you can, try to cut back on these so your body can heal without unnecessary obstacles.

• Refined Carbs: White bread, pasta, pastries—these are often stripped of nutrients and can lead to inflammation. Not what you want when trying to heal!

• Salty Foods: Too much salt can cause fluid retention, which may put more pressure on already sensitive nerves. Think chips, processed meals, and canned foods.

• Sugary Foods: That sweet tooth might be tempting, but excessive sugar leads to spikes in blood sugar levels, which can trigger inflammation. Sweets, soda, and even certain granola bars can sneak in more sugar than you'd expect.