What foods should be avoided with postherpetic neuralgia?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three people will develop shingles, which can sometimes lead to the chronic nerve pain of postherpetic neuralgia. For those affected, knowing what foods should be avoided with postherpetic neuralgia can play a significant role in managing symptoms and reducing nerve-related inflammation.

Quick Summary

Chronic nerve pain from postherpetic neuralgia can be influenced by diet. Certain foods, particularly those high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and arginine, should be limited to help manage inflammation and support nerve health.

Key Points

Avoid Sugars & Refined Carbs: Limit intake of high-sugar foods and refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastries to reduce inflammation and blood sugar spikes.
Minimize Processed & Fried Foods: Heavily processed meals, snacks, and deep-fried items are high in unhealthy fats and sodium, which can increase systemic inflammation.
Limit Arginine-Rich Foods: To potentially inhibit viral activity, consider reducing consumption of foods high in arginine, such as nuts, seeds, and chocolate.
Steer Clear of Excessive Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation, which is counterproductive for managing nerve pain.
Choose Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats (like omega-3s from fish), and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to support nerve health.

Managing the chronic and often debilitating pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) involves a multifaceted approach, and dietary choices are an important, though often overlooked, component. While no single diet can cure PHN, avoiding certain foods that can trigger inflammation or potentially affect viral activity may help mitigate symptoms and improve overall well-being. This guide explores the key foods and dietary patterns to limit or avoid when dealing with PHN.

Foods to Avoid Due to Inflammation

Many of the dietary recommendations for PHN revolve around reducing systemic inflammation, a known contributor to nerve pain. Chronic inflammation can exacerbate the already heightened sensitivity of nerves damaged by the herpes zoster virus. Therefore, removing highly inflammatory foods from your diet is a crucial step in managing symptoms.

Added Sugars and Refined Carbohydrates

Foods with high amounts of added sugar and refined carbohydrates can trigger rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, which promotes inflammation and oxidative stress. These spikes can stress the body and potentially aggravate nerve damage. Examples of these foods include:

Candies, cookies, cakes, and other sugary desserts.
Sugary drinks, sodas, and sweetened fruit juices.
White bread, white rice, and refined pasta, which lack the fiber of their whole-grain counterparts.
Sugary breakfast cereals and pastries.

Processed and Fried Foods

Processed foods are often laden with unhealthy fats, sodium, and preservatives, which are all known to increase inflammation. Similarly, deep-fried foods can promote systemic inflammation. This category includes:

Packaged snacks like chips, crackers, and cookies.
Pre-made frozen meals and processed meats like bacon and deli slices.
Deep-fried items such as french fries and fried chicken.

Unhealthy Fats

Trans fats and high levels of omega-6 fatty acids can contribute to inflammation. While some omega-6 fats are necessary, an overabundance from sources like processed vegetable oils (e.g., canola oil, soybean oil) can throw off the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, promoting an inflammatory state. It is best to avoid or limit:

Margarine and hydrogenated oils.
Excessively fatty cuts of red and processed meats.
Baked goods made with processed vegetable oils.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can suppress the immune system and negatively impact nerve health. For individuals with PHN, limiting or avoiding alcohol is often recommended to reduce inflammation and support the body's healing process.

The Arginine and Lysine Balance

Some research suggests that the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles and PHN, may rely on the amino acid arginine to replicate. Another amino acid, lysine, is thought to potentially inhibit this process. While the evidence regarding this dietary approach for PHN specifically is not conclusive, some individuals with herpes-family viruses choose to limit high-arginine foods while consuming lysine-rich options.

High-Arginine Foods to Consider Limiting

Nuts and Seeds: Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, and pumpkin seeds are significantly richer in arginine than lysine.
Chocolate: A favorite for many, chocolate is another high-arginine food to consider limiting.
Gelatin: This protein source has a higher arginine content.
Whole Grains: Certain whole grains, such as oats and whole wheat, contain more arginine.

High-Lysine Foods to Prioritize (often low in arginine)

Dairy: Yogurt, milk, and cheese are typically high in lysine and low in arginine.
Fish: Salmon, tuna, and cod offer good sources of lysine.
Poultry: Chicken and turkey are excellent choices for a high-lysine, low-arginine profile.

Comparison Table: PHN Food Choices


Food Category	Focus on Avoiding/Limiting	Prioritize
Carbohydrates	White bread, sugary cereals, cakes, pastries	Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat), fruits with lower glycemic index
Proteins/Fats	Processed meats, red meats, fried foods, trans fats	Lean proteins (chicken, fish), healthy fats (avocado, nuts)
Amino Acids	High-arginine foods (nuts, seeds, chocolate)	High-lysine foods (dairy, fish, poultry)
Beverages	Sugary sodas, excessive alcohol	Water, herbal teas, anti-inflammatory juices (e.g., tart cherry)
Other	Excessive salt, processed foods	Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables

Creating a PHN-Friendly Diet

Making dietary changes does not have to be an all-or-nothing approach. A good strategy is to focus on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that emphasizes whole foods and minimizes processed items. Here are some actionable steps:

Read Labels Carefully: Be aware of hidden sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated oils often found in processed foods.
Cook at Home More Often: Preparing your own meals gives you control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and fresh, whole foods.
Explore Omega-3 Rich Foods: Incorporating fatty fish like salmon and sardines into your diet provides anti-inflammatory benefits that can help reduce nerve pain.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and can help with nerve function.
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a food diary to help identify any specific foods that may trigger or worsen your nerve pain. This is a personalized way to discover what works best for you.

Conclusion

While medication is the primary treatment for postherpetic neuralgia, a supportive diet can significantly complement a pain management strategy. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and avoiding known inflammatory triggers like high sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, you can help manage nerve pain. Additionally, considering the lysine-arginine balance by limiting high-arginine foods may be beneficial for some individuals, though it should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Always consult a doctor or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, especially when managing a chronic condition like PHN.

A Note on Professional Medical Advice

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary regimen or treatment for postherpetic neuralgia or any other medical condition. What works for one person may not work for another, and personalized guidance is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, excessive sugar intake can worsen postherpetic neuralgia. High-sugar foods and drinks cause rapid blood sugar spikes that increase inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can aggravate nerve pain.

Nuts and seeds are often high in the amino acid arginine, which some believe can promote viral replication. It may be beneficial to limit high-arginine nuts like peanuts and walnuts, especially if you find they trigger symptoms, while prioritizing high-lysine foods.

Yes, excessive alcohol can negatively impact nerve pain. It can suppress the immune system, increase inflammation, and interfere with medications, making it harder for your body to manage symptoms effectively.

While fruits are generally healthy, some, like citrus fruits, can be acidic and may aggravate symptoms in some individuals. Additionally, some fruits like grapes and blueberries have an unfavorable lysine-arginine ratio for those following that dietary theory. Focus on low-glycemic, antioxidant-rich fruits instead.

Processed foods are often packed with unhealthy fats, excess sodium, refined carbohydrates, and artificial ingredients that promote systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can exacerbate nerve pain and hinder nerve healing.

Some research suggests a link between gluten sensitivity and nerve pain, particularly in individuals with celiac disease or gastrointestinal issues. If you have a known sensitivity, avoiding gluten-containing foods like white flour and pasta may be helpful.

The amino acid arginine may aid in the replication of herpes-family viruses, while lysine may inhibit this process. Some people with PHN try to balance their diet by consuming more high-lysine foods (e.g., dairy, fish, poultry) and limiting high-arginine foods (e.g., nuts, seeds, chocolate).