What foods are good for postherpetic neuralgia?

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

An estimated one million Americans get shingles each year, with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) being its most common and painful complication. While medical treatments are key for managing the condition, a strategic diet focused on anti-inflammatory and nerve-supporting nutrients can significantly aid in recovery and symptom management.

Quick Summary

A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants can help manage postherpetic neuralgia by reducing inflammation and supporting nerve health. Avoiding highly processed foods, excess sugar, and refined carbohydrates is also beneficial for pain management.

Key Points

Omega-3s Reduce Inflammation: Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, along with walnuts and flaxseed, are rich in omega-3s that help reduce nerve inflammation.
B Vitamins Support Nerve Health: B vitamins, particularly B12 found in eggs, lean meats, and fish, are crucial for nerve repair and function.
Antioxidants Combat Nerve Damage: Berries, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants that protect nerve cells from damage.
Limit Inflammatory Foods: It's wise to reduce intake of processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates, which can worsen inflammation and pain.
Balance Lysine and Arginine: For those managing viral outbreaks, focusing on foods with a higher lysine-to-arginine ratio (e.g., dairy, chicken) may be beneficial, though evidence is mixed.

A diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia, the persistent nerve pain that can follow a shingles outbreak, can be challenging. Beyond prescription medications, nutritional choices play a crucial role in reducing nerve inflammation and supporting the nervous system's healing process. By focusing on specific nutrients and avoiding inflammatory triggers, you can proactively influence your body's ability to cope with this chronic condition.

Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouses: Omega-3s and Antioxidants

Inflammation is a key driver of nerve pain in PHN. An anti-inflammatory diet can directly combat this by incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and powerful antioxidants.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA found in fatty fish, have potent anti-inflammatory properties and support the protective myelin sheath around nerves.

Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are excellent sources. Aim for at least two servings per week.
Flaxseed and Walnuts: These plant-based options provide alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body can convert to EPA and DHA.
Avocados: Rich in healthy fats and potassium, they support nerve function.

Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables

Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to nerve damage and inflammation.

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with antioxidants, B vitamins, and magnesium.
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C, which reduce oxidative stress.
Sweet Potatoes: A great source of vitamins A and C, offering antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Nerve-Supporting Vitamins and Minerals

Proper nerve function and repair depend on an adequate intake of specific vitamins and minerals.

B Vitamins

B vitamins, especially B12 and B6, are critical for nerve repair and nerve impulse transmission.

B12: Found in lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy, it supports nerve health and may help ease neuropathic discomfort.
B-Complex: A combination of B vitamins from whole grains like quinoa, oatmeal, and brown rice supports overall nervous system function.

Magnesium and Potassium

These minerals play a crucial role in nerve communication and calming excited nerves.

Magnesium: Found in nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains.
Potassium: Abundant in avocados, bananas, and sweet potatoes.

The Role of Lysine and Arginine

For some individuals, managing the herpes zoster virus (which causes shingles) involves balancing the amino acids lysine and arginine. While not definitively proven to impact PHN pain, some resources suggest a higher lysine-to-arginine ratio could help inhibit viral replication during an outbreak.

Foods with a Favorable Lysine-Arginine Ratio

High Lysine: Fish, chicken, dairy (milk, cheese), fruits (apples, pears).
Low Arginine: Most fruits and vegetables are lower in arginine compared to nuts, seeds, and grains.

What to Limit or Avoid

To support nerve healing and reduce inflammation, it is often recommended to limit or avoid certain food types.

Refined Grains and Added Sugars: These can cause blood sugar spikes and increase inflammation. Examples include white bread, sugary cereals, and pastries.
Highly Processed Foods: Pre-packaged snacks, fried foods, and processed meats are often high in sodium, unhealthy fats (omega-6), and additives that can exacerbate inflammation.
Excessive Alcohol: Chronic alcohol consumption can directly damage nerves and contribute to nutritional deficiencies.
Saturated Fats: Found in fatty meats and some dairy, saturated fats can promote inflammation.

Foods for Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Comparison


Category	Foods to Include	Foods to Limit/Avoid
Fats	Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), avocados, nuts (walnuts, almonds), seeds (flax, chia), olive oil	Saturated fats (fatty red meat, butter, palm oil), trans fats (fried and processed foods)
Protein	Lean chicken and turkey, fish, eggs, beans, tofu	Processed meats (cold cuts, sausage)
Carbohydrates	Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats), sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables	Refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, pastries), sugary cereals, sweets
Vitamins & Minerals	Leafy greens (magnesium, B vitamins), berries (antioxidants), citrus fruits (Vitamin C), nuts/seeds (Vitamin E)	Low-nutrient foods, reliance on supplements over whole foods

Creating a Nerve-Healthy Meal Plan

Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can be simple and delicious.

Breakfast: Start with oatmeal topped with berries and walnuts, or scrambled eggs with spinach.
Lunch: Enjoy a salad with leafy greens, lean chicken, and avocado, dressed with olive oil.
Dinner: A baked salmon fillet with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli makes a great anti-inflammatory meal.
Snacks: A handful of almonds, a serving of berries, or a plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey are excellent choices.

Conclusion

While a tailored diet is not a cure for postherpetic neuralgia, it is a powerful adjunctive tool for managing symptoms and supporting overall nerve health. By prioritizing anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins, you can help your body's healing processes and potentially reduce nerve pain. Just as importantly, limiting processed foods, sugar, and refined carbs can help reduce systemic inflammation that may exacerbate your condition. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice, as nutritional therapy should complement your prescribed medical treatment plan. For more information on dietary management for neuropathy, visit resources like The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent choices due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help with nerve pain.

Yes, B vitamins play a vital role in nerve health. Specifically, B12 has been shown to support nerve repair and may help reduce neuropathic pain associated with conditions like PHN.

You should focus on significantly reducing added sugars and high-glycemic carbohydrates like white bread and sugary snacks. These can increase inflammation and exacerbate nerve pain, so minimizing them is beneficial for management.

Walnuts, almonds, and flaxseeds are particularly beneficial. They provide healthy fats like omega-3s and antioxidants, which protect nerves and aid in repair.

Magnesium and potassium are minerals that help regulate nerve function and electrical conductivity. Magnesium, in particular, can help calm over-excited nerves, which is helpful for PHN.

Some believe that high levels of arginine can promote herpes viral replication. While not directly linked to PHN pain, some choose to favor lysine-rich foods (like chicken and fish) over high-arginine foods (like nuts and chocolate) to minimize viral activity, though research is mixed.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are factors in nerve damage and pain.