Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting over 2.3 million people worldwide. Since MS affects the central nervous system, its symptoms can target the entire body, causing fatigue, numbness, blurred vision, weakness, memory and concentration problems, and poor coordination.
MS is a complex and unpredictable disease, and each patient experiences a different progression and symptoms. While the cause of MS is still unclear, its development involves immune, genetic and environmental factors.
Additional research on MS and its treatments finds that patients who make specific dietary changes may experience symptom relief and a better quality of life. Here are some of the main foods that patients with MS should avoid.
Saturated and Trans Fats
Saturated fats are typically found in animal products, by-products, and certain oils, like palm and coconut oil. Saturated fats are linked to inflammation, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
Trans fats are often present in pre-packaged baked goods, like cookies, cakes, and crackers. They’re also linked to inflammation in the blood vessels and cardiovascular health concerns.
Patients with MS are at an increased risk of developing heart problems, and managing heart disease and MS makes treatments more challenging. In addition, heart conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease can aggravate MS symptoms.
Avoiding saturated and trans fats can serve as an easy way to reduce your likelihood of developing a heart condition.
Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates include sugars and grains stripped of fiber and nutrients, like pizza dough, pasta, white bread, and pastries. Both excess sugars and refined carbohydrates quickly digest in the body, causing an unhealthy spike in blood sugar levels.
In addition, eating high glycemic index foods, like sugars and refined carbohydrates, can cause mood and energy levels to fluctuate and lead to a buildup of fat, especially in the stomach area.
Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and mood disorders. MS patients may already struggle with heart disease, mood disorders, and fatigue, so a diet high in refined carbohydrates can increase and aggravate symptoms.
Additionally, MS patients need to be especially careful about maintaining a healthy weight, as mobility and staying active may become challenging.
Focus on Whole Foods to Manage Symptoms
Patients with MS can manage their symptoms through their diet by eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds. Meat lovers should prioritize eating lean, fresh meats like beef, chicken, and lamb.
You can mitigate common MS symptoms like constipation, fatigue, bladder dysfunction, and inflammation by shifting your focus to foods high in fiber, nutrients, and fluids.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions. Click here to learn more.