Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a health condition that primarily impacts a person’s central nervous system. Initially, it may appear that foods hardly play any significant role in worsening the condition or activating the symptoms. However, only after some trial and error do people diagnosed with MS realize that certain foods are prone to trigger their symptoms.
Foods to avoid for managing Multiple Sclerosis
Even though no recommended nutritional regime is exclusively devoted to MS, health professionals usually advise consuming whole foods under such conditions. Besides that, certain food items are to be avoided so that the patients can do away with the perils of the symptoms. Here is a list of foods patients with MS must give up to ease the symptoms.
Saturated Fats
Saturated Fats primarily come from full-fat dairy products and foods containing coconut or palm oil. They are related to inflammation due to their tendency to increase LDL or bad cholesterol. A rise in bad cholesterol, in turn, increases the chances of atherosclerosis, which can lead to strokes or cardiac arrests.
Trans Fats
Patients with Multiple sclerosis are also recommended to avoid trans fats found in crackers, pies, backed cookies, or packaged food items. The reason is the inflammatory properties inherent in trans fats. Most people are aware that trans fats are infamous for causing inflammation within blood vessels. Consequently, the risks of potential heart disease also rise. To avoid the intake of trans fats at all costs, ensure that you go through the food labels while buying items and search for the terms “shortening” and “partially hydrogenated oil.”
Dairy Products
Pasteurized milk and other dairy products not only contain saturated fats but are also rich in proteins which severely affect the health of patients with Multiple Sclerosis. However, some past studies have observed that people with low dairy intake reported less disease activity with lesser chances of MS-related disability. However, recent studies conducted in 2018 showed an intimate relationship between higher dairy intake and lesser risks of MS disability. For MS patients wanting to give up dairy products to ease symptoms, consuming ots of protein, Vitamin D, and calcium from other sources like cashew milk, soy milk, or almond milk is strongly recommended.
Sugar
For patients with Multiple Sclerosis, it is essential to avoid having extra sugar in their food, specifically in the form of desserts. Sugars tend to put on excess weight. Hence, MS patients may find it far more challenging to be active and perform daily activities. Besides, putting on additional weight can increase lethargy, which is a typical symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. Furthermore, high blood sugars are more prone to sudden crashes, increasing the feeling of weariness and also causing brain fog and mood swings.
Sodium
Even though the relation between MS symptoms and sodium is not very apparent, patients with Multiple sclerosis should still watch out for their salt intake. Increased sodium intake raises the risk of high blood pressure and other heart-related problems. This, in turn, has been observed to be decreasing the life expectancy of patients with Multiple Sclerosis. According to experts, the daily sodium intake should be limited to below 2,300 milligrams (mg) for people with no health concerns. However,, the numbers should be kept below 1,500 mg for people with deteriorating heart health.
Refined Carbs
For patients with MS, it is crucial to avoid foods like white bread, cold breakfast cereals, and white rice at all costs. Such processed carbs can quickly raise blood sugar levels, thereby deteriorating heart health. Instead, they can choose healthier alternatives like brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, barley, and whole-grain bread.
Even though avoiding the foods mentioned above can ease MS symptoms considerably, before introducing any changes in nutritional habits, it is recommended to consult an adequately qualified health professional or nutritionist for a customized nutritional regime according to the patient’s needs. One must understand that not all bodies are the same; therefore, the food requirements tend to differ from person to person.
