Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, causing a situation where your nervous system gets blocked. Such a condition interrupts nerve signals and results in symptoms such as numbness, fatigue, movement problems, vision problems, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Eating a healthy, nutritious diet is important to tackle any form of a disease. The same goes for this condition as well.

Maintaining a proper diet is essential for anyone with a chronic disorder like MS. It helps in increasing your energy level and promote good bowel movement. Although multiple sclerosis diets don’t have any particular diet to follow, it is always recommended that a patient of MS should stick to a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Moreover, multiple sclerosis diets should also include vegetables, fruits, and other healthy food items. The priority is to promote and develop the overall health of the patient. A study conducted in 2015 found that a healthy diet helps the patient to maintain a healthier outlook. With generally good health, managing the condition becomes easier even though the diet doesn’t act as a cure.

Foods to eat

Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are the healthiest of all food items not just for an MS patient but everyone in general. A healthy diet will make you feel better and stay positive. Intake of proper food will allow you to restrict your consumption of sugar as sugar should be avoided at all costs in MS. Sugar and calorie-rich food will add weight to your body, triggering your MS-related fatigue.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is good for MS patients as it can have a considerable effect on your immune system. It also helps to regulate cell growth and differentiation. Vitamin D might also contribute to enhancing the effect of interferon beta on MS disease activity. Therefore, try to take Vitamin-D-rich foods like orange juice, cereals, tuna, salmon, and loads of sunlight. Avoid fatty Vitamin-D-rich foods altogether.

Biotin/MD1003
It is considered as a form of Vitamin B, which helps to break down certain substances in our body. It is also known as Vitamin H and can be obtained from foods such as almonds, spinach, mushrooms, sweet potato, and cauliflowers. Again, try to avoid any fat-rich foods. Take biotin supplements if necessary after consulting with your physician.

Foods to avoid

Saturated fat
Animal-based foods like red meat, milk products are rich in saturated fats. It is also found in palm and coconut oils. Saturated fat increases your LDL or the bad cholesterol, making you prone to a heart attack. MS already makes you vulnerable to a stroke, heart attack, heart failure etc; therefore, it is better to cut off saturated fats from your multiple sclerosis diets.

Trans fat
Commercially baked foods like cookies, crackers, pies, and any other packaged products that include trans fats in their product ingredients must be avoided. Trans fats are a major reason for the increase in inflammation inside the blood vessels; thus, it can make you prone to cardiovascular diseases.

Cow’s milk
Apart from the fact that cow’s milk contains saturated fats, including cow’s milk in your multiple sclerosis diet can provide your body with certain detrimental proteins.

Refined sugar
Sugar in multiple sclerosis diets is a complete no. Sugar does nothing but add calories to your body. Calories lead to accumulation of fats and, thus, weight gain. Weight gain makes you immobile gradually and increases your fatigue levels.

Sodium
Sodium is also a dangerous addition to multiple sclerosis diets. In a study published in 2015, it was found that patients with more sodium in their multiple sclerosis diets were likely to relapse and ran the greater risk of developing new lesions. Try to consume no more than 2,400 mg of sodium each day and 1,500 mg if you have heart problems.

Refined grains
White rice, bread, pasta, and cold breakfast cereals should be avoided as they add carbohydrates to your multiple sclerosis diets. Carbohydrates can elevate your blood sugar level, which ultimately will hurt your heart.

Gluten
People suffering from MS are more vulnerable to Celiac disease, which is a severe form of gluten intolerance. Therefore, it is better to avoid gluten altogether to prevent your body from any intestinal damage.

As mentioned before, MS has no miracle diets that can cure you or prevent the disease; however, a good diet can be highly beneficial in leading a relatively normal life with the condition. Prepare a food chart in consultation with your doctor and adhere to the same. Experiment varieties regarding recipes while adhering to the diet plan so that it is not just healthy but also enjoyable.