Multiple Sclerosis – Foods to Eat and Avoid

Multiple Sclerosis – Foods to Eat and Avoid

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the nerve functioning and causes problems related to the vision, muscle control, and other functions. Its adversity varies among people. While some might not need treatment at all, the others may face difficulties with their daily activities too. MS prevents the brain to send signals through the body. Therefore, one might experience tiredness, difficulty in walking, tingling and numbness, double vision, or depression. However, proper food regime may help manage MS.

Foods to eat when having MS
A balanced food regime is crucial for maintaining good health. Multiple sclerosis diets include fruits and vegetables that provide the required nutrition that the body needs. Your diets should essentially include things that help the body to maintain and grow along with a lot of fluids. You can eat fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, skinless chicken, and meat that is trimmed of visible fat is also a good option. Beans, soy, lentils, and nuts should also be included. Not to mention vegetables and fruits that is a must for a healthy diet.

Probiotics and prebiotics like yogurt and garlic
According to a research study, adjusting gut flora by eating probiotic and prebiotic foods helps in easing the symptoms of MS. These include fermented items like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and prebiotic fibrous products like artichokes, garlic, chicory, onions, and more.

Vitamin D-rich foods like egg yolks
Patients diagnosed with MS have a weak bone density and are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Proper intake of vitamin D can help prevent this. Sunlight is its main source but foods like oily fish, fortified dairy products, beef liver, and egg yolks also contain vitamin D.

It is advised to consume whole grain products of which you can have three to four servings per day while following multiple sclerosis diets. You may also use substitutes of butter and oils from fish, vegetables, and seeds. Opt for hemp oil and olive oil. Oils that are plant-based are really good. They help in lowering the cholesterol as well as in reducing the inflammation.

Scarring is common during multiple sclerosis disorder and you should consume turmeric to help with the inflammation. It can also stop the disease from progressing. You are also advised to have avocados as they possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. They are a great source of unsaturated fats and keep you away from any heart disease. You can have avocados with fish or also with chicken. With that being said, let us have a look at the foods that you should avoid.

Foods to avoid with MS

Saturated fats and processed foods containing high salt and sugar
Foods with saturated fats, trans fats, added salt, and sugar have an adverse effect on people diagnosed with MS. Intaking high-sodium foods can make one likely to develop a new lesion or experience a relapse of symptoms.  Yet another thing you should be avoiding is sugar. Apart from the loss of mobility, eating a lot of sugar-rich food will also lead to weight gain.

A high intake of salt is linked to increasing MS symptoms. You can use black pepper instead of salt to season your food. Canned products, as well as restaurant food, is high in sodium and you should definitely avoid it at all costs. Opt for vegetables that are fresh so that you can eat healthier and home cooked meals.

Gluten-rich foods like wheat and rye products
Since individuals with MS are more likely to develop celiac disease, an illness which prevents the body from tolerating gluten, it may be a good option to avoid it. Limit or avoid wheat products, premade soups and salads, and rye products.  When dealing with MS, it is best to stay away from refined grains. Refined grains can cause the blood sugar level to fluctuate which can increase the risk of diabetes as well as obesity. While choosing the dairy products, always opt for low-fat alternatives. You can also consume fewer dairy products to help with the condition.

A crucial part of multiple sclerosis diets is to avoid caffeine as much as possible. A lot of MS patients have reported urinary bladder issues and consuming caffeine can actually contribute to it. This is why you should either limit your caffeine intake or stop it.

Thus, with the above tips in mind, you can stick to the best diet. While you consume the right foods for better recovery, make sure to avoid the foods that you are not supposed to have. A little precaution goes a long way and you will see the results for yourself. With an improved diet, you are only going to feel better.

Medication for MS

ZEPOSIA® (ozanimod)
ZEPOSIA® treats multiple sclerosis and its relapsing forms including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. It is also used to treat moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.

MAYZENT® (siponimod)
MAYZENT® does not cure MS but helps reduce the frequency of the relapses. This medicine is used only if one has a specific genotype. Moreover, MAYZENT® slows the heart rate so patients with serious heart ailments should not take this medicine.

MAVENCLAD® (cladribine)
Patients with relapsing forms of MS, which include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease may be recommended to take MAVENCLAD ® . This medicine slows the relapses and decreases the progression of physical disability caused by MS.

AUBAGIO (teriflunomide)
AUBAGIO is a daily pill developed to actively block enzymes that promote the growth of harmful immune cells in the body. It also helps reduce the risk of flareups.

KESIMPTA® (ofatumumab)
KESIMPTA® is a prescription medicine for relapsing MS. The medicine is injected into the body to target specific lymph nodes (communication hubs) and help reduce the number of B-cells that can triggers flareups. 

OCREVUS (ocrelizumab)
OCREVUS is a prescription therapeutic monoclonal antibody generally suggested for people with MS who are looking for an alternative course of treatment. It is an infusion that is only done thrice a year to achieve maximum benefits.