The Sciatic Nerve & Diet

Your sciatic nerve -- a nerve that originates in the lower spine and travels along the back of each leg -- influences sensation in the soles of your feet and various parts of your legs. The health of this nerve depends on several factors, one of which is your diet. Eat foods high in certain nutrients to keep the sciatic nerve functioning at optimal levels and to aid recovery if you suffer an injury.

FOODS RICH IN B VITAMINS

B vitamins, particularly vitamins B-1 and B-12 are important for the sciatic nerve because they assist nerve recovery. You can find B vitamins in a range of foods, including cereal grains, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, meat and fresh vegetables. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the best intake level of B vitamins for you, but take care to avoid overconsumption of vitamin B-6 as it may trigger sciatic pain.

MAGNESIUM-RICH FOODS

An injury to your sciatic nerve may be helped by magnesium. A study published in the June 2011 issue of the journal "Magnesium Research" indicates that magnesium fed to mice helped regenerate the sciatic nerve; it also keeps inflammation of this nerve under control. More research is needed to confirm this finding in humans. Foods high in magnesium include tofu, whole grains, nuts and seeds, beet greens, bananas, chocolate and potatoes.

FOODS CONTAINING CALCIUM

The calcium in your meal plan influences bone density but it may also help your sciatic nerve. This mineral is critical for nerve health, including the sciatic nerve. Increase the amount of calcium in your meal plan by eating dairy foods such as cheese, milk, yogurt and sour cream. You can also get calcium from molasses, dark leafy greens, salmon, oysters and Brazil nuts.

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FOODS WITH ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Diabetics are at greater risk of sciatic nerve damage than healthy people. Research featured in the July 2006 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition" investigated the effects of essential fatty acids on the sciatic nerve in rats, the result of which suggests that -- pending confirmation studies carried out in adult humans -- supplementing the diet with gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, prevents nerve pain. You can find gamma-linolenic acid in black currants, spirulina and evening primrose.