Intercostal Neuralgia

Although the relationship between food and neuralgia is not direct, it affects patients through various pathways. Alcohol promotes the demyelination of peripheral nerves and interferes with the metabolism of B vitamins (especially B1, B6, and B12) in the liver, depleting nutrients necessary for nerve regeneration. A high-fat, high-sugar diet increases systemic inflammation levels (CRP), exacerbating the inflammatory environment surrounding nerves. Conversely, omega-3 fatty acids support the health of the myelin sheath, while B vitamins and magnesium are essential for maintaining nerve conduction function. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective In Korean medicine, alcohol and greasy foods are major triggers that create sticky heat and dampness within the body and suppress liver and gallbladder functions. When the liver loses its ability to gently release energy, the flow through the passageway in the flank becomes blocked, worsening pain. At Dongjedang, we recommend reducing foods that generate such heat and dampness (alcohol, flour, fried foods, and raw foods) during treatment and following a light diet that supports the liver and gallbladder. Combining herbal medicine treatment with a diet that supports liver detoxification and waste elimination makes a substantial difference in the speed of recovery.