Carpal tunnel syndrome is a debilitating condition that affects the hands and wrists. It is caused by the compression of the median nerve which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This leads to numbness, tingling and pain in the hand and fingers. While there are many treatment options available including physio and chiropractic care one area that is often overlooked is diet. Certain foods can exacerbate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and should be avoided if possible. A dietitian or naturopathic doctor would be able to guide you in the right direction of food choices to help with CTS. In this blog post, we will explore the foods that should be avoided if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, and why.
Processed Foods:
Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, all of which can cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation can exacerbate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by increasing pressure on the median nerve. To reduce inflammation in the body, it is best to avoid processed foods and stick to whole, natural foods that are high in nutrients.
Fried Foods:
Fried foods are another food group to avoid if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats, which can contribute to inflammation in the body. In addition, the high heat used in frying can create harmful compounds in the food that can cause oxidative stress and further damage to the nerves and tissues in the hand and wrist.
Caffeine:
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase tension in the muscles and aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Consuming too much caffeine can also interfere with sleep, which is important for recovery and healing. If you are a heavy coffee drinker, it may be beneficial to limit your intake or switch to decaf.
Alcohol:
Alcohol is another substance to avoid if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Alcohol can interfere with sleep and cause dehydration, which can exacerbate symptoms. In addition, alcohol can interfere with muscle function and cause numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers.
While diet is just one aspect of managing carpal tunnel syndrome, it is an important one. Avoiding certain foods can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. By sticking to whole, natural foods that are high in nutrients, you can support your body’s natural healing process and reduce the severity of your symptoms. Combined with physiotherapy and chiropractic care, a healthy diet can help you to get back to your daily activities with less pain and more function. Consult with your registered dietitian or naturopath to discuss the best dietary plan for your individual needs.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Bhavin Mistry, BASc, MAN, RD, or another Kitchener dietitian at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
