Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own nerve fibers considering them as invaders. It involves the nerve fibers from the brain and spinal cord and interrupts the smooth flow of nerve impulses. It’s symptoms include numbness, burning sensation, unsteady gait, lack of coordination and many more. This disease is chronic and slow in progression. Diet modification discussed below can help remarkably to control the progress of the disease.
What Should I Eat With Multiple Sclerosis?
The food you should eat with multiple sclerosis:
Food Rich In Vitamin D– it is found in many case studies of multiple sclerosis that patients are deficient in Vitamin D. So, it is recommended to consume foods that are rich in vitamin D such as orange juice or vitamin D supplement. This will assist in slowing down the progress of the disease.
Whole Grains– whole grains are rich in fibers. It includes oats, brown rice, quinoa and all other flour that are not refined or processed. They assist in promoting healthy bowel movements, lowering blood sugar and fatigue felt in MS.
Fresh Fruits– fresh fruits also contain fibers and vitamins and minerals that control constipation by increasing bowel motility and fatigue by lowering blood sugar levels.
Vegetables- vegetables are rich in fiber and low in fat. It helps in maintaining a healthy weight and stabilizing blood sugar with increased bowel movements.
Lean Meats– lean meats are low in fat that can cease the progress of the disease in many patients.
Fatty Fish– fish which is rich in omega -3 fatty acids are good for patients with multiple sclerosis. It includes sardines, salmon, tuna, mackerel or trout. Omega-3 fatty acids can control the over-exaggerated immune system and prevent inflammatory reactions in the body.
Plants Based Oils– plant-based oils such as olive oil, flaxseed oil, etc are unsaturated fats that play an important role in lowering blood cholesterol and inflammatory reactions.
What Should I Avoid With Multiple Sclerosis?
The food you should avoid with multiple sclerosis:
Alcohol– alcohol has adverse effects on the patients of multiple sclerosis. It elevates the neurological symptoms, imbalances and coordination problems in the body soon after one drink. It also interferes with the medications of MS.
Smoking– smoking affects neurological functioning and elevates the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Caffeine– caffeine is known to accelerate urinary bladder problems. It is a common problem in multiple sclerosis patients. So, caffeine should be avoided to reduce bladder-related problems.
Saturated Fats– food items high in saturated fats and trans fats are considered bad for multiple sclerosis as they are high in fat.
Sugary Food Items– sugary items elevate the risk of imbalances in the sugar levels in the blood that may boost up fatigue in the patients of MS. It also increases the risk of weight gain and diabetes.
Refined Grains– refined grains such as white rice, potatoes, refined flour, and others increase the risk of gaining weight by elevating the levels of blood sugar. This may contribute to the disease progression of multiple sclerosis.
Full Fat Dairy Products– as discussed above high fat are not good for MS. So, full-fat dairy products should be avoided to avoid disease progression.
Salt– high salt intake is linked to the acceleration of MS symptoms. So, you should restrict the intake of salt in your diet. Canned food items should be avoided as they are high in sodium.
Conclusion
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease that affects the flow of nerve impulses to the various parts of the body. Diet plays an important role in slowing down the disease progression. Unsaturated fats, vitamin D, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc should be included in the diet and alcohol, saturated fat, caffeine, sugar, and others discussed above should be avoided if you have multiple sclerosis.
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