Pronator Teres Syndrome is a condition that affects the forearm’s median nerve and causes pain, numbness, and weakness. The condition can lead to difficulty in simple tasks such as holding a cup or gripping objects. Apart from physiotherapy and chiropractic care, certain dietary changes can significantly improve the condition and provide relief. In this blog post, we’ll talk about foods you should avoid with pronator teres syndrome according to dietitians and naturopathic doctors.
Processed Foods
Highly processed foods are not beneficial for any health condition, but especially not for those with pronator teres syndrome. Processed foods have excess amounts of inflammatory ingredients like omega-6 fatty acids and refined sugar, which can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms. Therefore, you should avoid or limit your intake of processed snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food.
Gluten
Gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, can potentially trigger inflammation in the body. While gluten sensitivity and intolerance can vary from person to person, it’s usually best to avoid gluten completely if you have pronator teres syndrome. You can still enjoy gluten-free versions of bread, pasta, and cereals.
Nightshades
Nightshades like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants contain alkaloids, natural compounds that can exacerbate inflammation. Though studies investigating the relationship between nightshades and inflammation are lacking, it’s best that you avoid these foods if you experience increased pain and inflammation after consuming them.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Even though some studies show that moderate amounts of alcohol can have anti-inflammatory effects, too much alcohol can lead to overactive immune responses that damage healthy tissues. Both alcohol and caffeine can also lead to dehydration by increasing urine production. Dehydration worsens symptoms of pronator teres syndrome as it can increase inflammation and make muscles more prone to strain.
While changes in your diet alone won’t cure pronator teres syndrome; avoiding certain foods might help alleviate your symptoms. Consult with your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet. They can help design an appropriate plan that meets your dietary and health needs. Remember, a healthy diet generally includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of water. By eating a balanced diet and avoiding certain foods, you can improve your outcomes and help your body heal faster and more effectively.
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 registered dietitian at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
