Multiple Sclerosis – Foods to Eat and Avoid
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the nerve functioning and causes problems related to the vision, muscle control, and other body functions. The adversity of the disease varies from person to person. While some people might not need treatment at all, some go through a lot of hindrances in their daily activities as well. Due to the disease, the brain cannot send signals through your body. As a result, you might experience symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty in walking, tingling and numbness, double vision, depression or trouble in focusing. However, proper multiple sclerosis diets can help a lot in dealing with the condition.
A good diet can help you to cope better with multiple sclerosis disorder. It can help in maintaining regular bowel functions and can improve the health of your skin, teeth, heart, gums, and flexibility. With a healthy diet, you can also avoid weight gain and heart diseases in general. If you have MS, then you should consult your doctor before following a certain type of diet. Here are the foods that you should eat and those you need to avoid when you have MS.
Foods to eat when having MS
A balanced diet 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.
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
If you are planning on following multiple sclerosis diets, then avoiding saturated fats are a great way of keeping healthy. Saturated fats are those derived out of animal foods and people with MS should ideally avoid it. You should also avoid alcohol in case you have multiple sclerosis. Some people have reported that their symptoms got worse by consuming alcohol. They experienced a lack of coordination as well as an imbalance. 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.
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 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.
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.
You should also avoid gluten in your diet. It has been reported that people with MS tend to be affected due to gluten-rich food. It is always preferred to consume a gluten-free diet.
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.