What foods should you avoid with FND?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a brain network disorder affecting how the brain sends and receives signals, leading to varied symptoms. For some, diet can play a significant role in managing this complex condition, making it crucial to understand what foods should you avoid with FND to mitigate potential triggers.

Quick Summary

This article explores common dietary triggers for Functional Neurological Disorder, including processed foods, refined sugars, and stimulants. It discusses the gut-brain connection and offers strategies for identifying and avoiding foods that can exacerbate neurological symptoms.

Key Points

Avoid Highly Processed Foods: Limit items high in refined sugars and artificial additives, which can increase inflammation and exacerbate FND symptoms.
Reduce Caffeine and Stimulants: Caffeinated beverages and other stimulants can overexcite the nervous system and trigger or worsen FND-related movement symptoms.
Limit Refined and Trans Fats: Found in fried foods and margarine, these fats contribute to inflammation and can negatively impact neurological health.
Track Your Triggers: Use a food and symptom diary to systematically identify which specific foods or ingredients provoke your individual FND symptoms.
Focus on Whole, Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like omega-3s) to support the gut-brain axis and reduce inflammation.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection in FND

The relationship between the gut and the brain is often referred to as the gut-brain axis, a two-way communication system involving the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. In individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), this connection can be particularly sensitive, and what you eat can directly influence your neurological symptoms. Inflammation, a common factor influenced by diet, is believed to play a role in some neurological conditions, and an imbalanced gut microbiome (dysbiosis) can also exacerbate mental health concerns like anxiety, which are often co-occurring issues with FND. Managing gut health through mindful eating is a vital component of a holistic management strategy.

Foods and Ingredients to Limit or Avoid

Managing an FND diet often involves a process of identifying and reducing individual trigger foods. While reactions are highly personal, several food groups and ingredients are commonly identified by people with neurological symptoms as being problematic.

Highly Processed Foods and Refined Sugars

Sugary and processed foods are major culprits for systemic inflammation and blood sugar fluctuations, which can trigger or worsen FND symptoms. This includes items like:

Candies and sweetened desserts
Sugary soft drinks and fruit juices
White bread and refined pasta
Processed snacks (crackers, chips)
Packaged frozen dinners

Caffeine and Other Stimulants

Many people with FND report that stimulants, including caffeine, can worsen symptoms such as tremors, tics, or seizure-like episodes. Caffeine is a known stimulant that can overexcite the nervous system. It is often recommended to reduce or completely eliminate intake of:

Coffee
Energy drinks
Strong teas
Excessive amounts of chocolate

Refined and Trans Fats

Found in many processed and fried foods, these fats can negatively impact essential fatty acid function and promote inflammation. To support brain health, it is best to avoid:

Margarine
Deep-fried foods
Store-bought cakes, cookies, and pastries
Refined cooking oils (e.g., canola, soybean oil)

Artificial Additives and Preservatives

Some individuals find that synthetic additives like MSG, artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame), and various preservatives can interfere with neurological function and should be avoided. Reading ingredient labels is essential for identifying and steering clear of these potential triggers.

Gluten and Dairy

While not universally problematic, some individuals, such as those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, have reported a reduction in neurological symptoms after eliminating gluten. Similarly, certain dairy products, especially cheese, have been cited as potential triggers for some individuals. Personal elimination trials can help determine individual sensitivity.

Strategies for Implementing an FND-Friendly Diet

Adjusting your diet is a personalized journey that requires patience and observation. A systematic approach is often the most effective.

The Food and Symptom Diary

Keeping a detailed record of what you eat and drink, alongside any symptoms that arise, is the most effective way to pinpoint your specific triggers. Note the timing, severity, and nature of your symptoms in relation to your meals. This meticulous tracking provides invaluable data for you and your healthcare team.

Consistent and Balanced Eating

Eating smaller, regular meals rather than large, heavy ones can help prevent blood sugar crashes that might trigger symptoms. A balanced approach focusing on whole foods provides a steady source of energy and nutrients.

Embrace Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet, can help reduce systemic inflammation and support overall brain health. This includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like oily fish, nuts, seeds, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables.

Staying Hydrated

Adequate water intake is critical for overall neurological function. Dehydration can exacerbate cognitive issues and fatigue. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and limit sugary and carbonated drinks.

Comparison: Foods to Avoid vs. Healthier Alternatives

To simplify dietary choices, here is a comparison of common problematic foods and better alternatives for FND management.


Food Category	Avoid/Limit	Healthier Alternative
Carbohydrates	White bread, refined pasta, pastries, cakes	Whole grains (oats, quinoa), whole-wheat bread, brown rice, vegetables
Proteins	Processed meats (sausages, hot dogs), fried meats	Lean proteins (baked chicken, fish, legumes, eggs)
Fats	Margarine, trans fats, refined oils, fried foods	Healthy fats (olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds)
Drinks	Soda, sugary juices, excessive coffee/tea, alcohol	Water, herbal tea, antioxidant-rich smoothies
Snacks	Potato chips, cookies, instant noodles	Fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, yogurt

Conclusion: The Path to Personalized Nutrition for FND

There is no one-size-fits-all diet for Functional Neurological Disorder, as each individual's triggers and sensitivities are unique. However, avoiding common inflammatory and processed foods, along with stimulants, is an excellent starting point for most people. Focusing on a diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidants can support the brain-gut axis and improve overall well-being. Keeping a food diary and working closely with a healthcare team, including a neurologist and dietitian, can help you identify your specific triggers and create a personalized nutrition plan. Remember that progress may be gradual, and finding the right dietary balance is a key part of your broader management strategy.

Visit FND Hope International for more resources and information on managing Functional Neurological Disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for many individuals, diet can significantly influence FND symptoms. The gut-brain axis connects your digestive and nervous systems, and inflammation or imbalances in one can affect the other. Certain foods, particularly those that are highly processed or cause inflammation, may act as triggers.

The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication system between your gut and your brain. In FND, this pathway may be dysregulated. An imbalanced gut microbiome can send inflammatory signals to the brain, which can heighten stress, anxiety, and other neurological symptoms.

Many people with FND find that reducing or eliminating caffeine helps manage symptoms, especially tremors or seizures. However, the response is individual. It is wise to monitor your symptoms while gradually reducing intake to see if it makes a positive difference.

No, gluten is not a trigger for everyone with FND. However, some individuals with an underlying sensitivity or condition like celiac disease have found that removing gluten can improve their neurological symptoms. It is a highly personal matter that requires careful observation.

Begin by keeping a detailed food and symptom diary to establish a baseline. Then, consider eliminating one potential trigger food group at a time (e.g., dairy or gluten) for a few weeks while observing any changes in your symptoms. Reintroduce the food slowly and note any symptom return. It's best to do this with medical supervision.

Instead of sugary snacks, opt for whole, unprocessed alternatives. Good choices include fresh fruits, a handful of unsalted nuts, seeds, or a small pot of unsweetened yogurt.

Yes, staying properly hydrated is crucial for neurological function. Dehydration can impair cognitive performance and worsen fatigue, which are common issues for individuals with FND. Drinking plenty of water is recommended.