Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease of the nervous system. It affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves in a person’s central nervous system. The condition leads to the loss of nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain called the white matter.
This damage slowly deteriorates over time and may cause symptoms such as vision loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, or balance problems.
Patients also often experience difficulties speaking or understanding speech due to paralysis on one side of the face or body, known as “hemiplegia.” Fortunately, a few lifestyle changes can help you plan the perfect multiple sclerosis diet to keep you healthier.
1. Switch to a Ketogenic Diet
A ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high-fat diet that helps control seizures in children with epilepsy. It’s also been shown to help with other neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
The benefits of this type of diet as a multiple sclerosis diet are many:
- It helps control your MS symptoms, improves brain function and energy levels,
- Reduces inflammation in the body,
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and
- Improves dental health and overall general health.
2. Consuming High Fiber Containing Foods
For those who are interested in lowering their risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), the following foods should be consumed consistently:
High Fiber-Containing Foods
These can be found in various forms, including whole grains (such as brown rice or quinoa), vegetables (such as broccoli or spinach), or fruits/vegetables that have been processed into juice or food form, such as almond butter.
Nuts and Seeds
This provides healthy fats that help your body stay balanced by providing essential nutrients for brain function like vitamins E & D – these important fatty acids also boost immune system strength! Ground flaxseed powder can also be added to smoothies for added omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation caused by MS symptoms like fatigue & muscle aches.”
3. Plan a Multiple Sclerosis Diet with a High Biotin Intake
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps your body convert food into energy. If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), biotin may help reduce fatigue, improve memory and concentration, and aid coordination.
Biotin is found in various foods like eggs, meat, nuts, and vegetables. It can also be found as a dietary supplement.
Some studies indicate that a high dosage of biotin, between 100 and 600 milligrams per day, could help people with progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
4. Increase Sunlight Exposure to Boost Vitamin D Levels
You can get vitamin D from a pill or supplement, but it is also important to get this essential nutrient from the sun. Vitamin D helps your immune system fight off infections and inflammation, which is why it benefits people with MS.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in MS patients because they spend more time indoors than outdoors when exercising their muscles. The best way to naturally increase your vitamin D levels is by spending time outside in the sun.
Exposing yourself to sunlight through windows during daylight hours (one hour per day) is enough. You’ll also get extra benefits if you take vitamin D supplements. Fish oil supplements and fortified milk products like milk with added calcium or yogurt with added vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) are best.
5. Importance of Weight Management
Weight management is also important for MS patients. Weight loss can help you feel more energetic and may also have other health benefits.
The best way to start losing weight is by reducing your portion size. You should be able to eat the same amount but only have less food on each plate or dish. For example, if you used to eat three servings of pasta one day before, try eating only two. This will help you lose weight without feeling hungry all the time.
6. Avoid Saturated Fats and Processed Foods
To reduce the symptoms of MS, you must eliminate saturated fats and processed foods from your multiple sclerosis diet. These foods can cause inflammation in the body and exacerbate existing disease processes.
Saturated Fats
Dietary fat is made up of saturated fats in animal products such as red meat and dairy products like butter or cheese. Saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Processed Foods
Processed foods contain large amounts of refined carbohydrates (such as white bread) and refined sugars (like soda). The toxins quickly break down into glucose in the bloodstream causing spikes in insulin levels that lead to inflammation throughout the body.
These toxins build up over time due to continuous exposure or if you eat processed foods every day instead of healthy whole food. So if you want to start a diet, it’s best to include lots of vegetables and whole foods in your meals.
7. Reduce Sodium Intake
This is a good multiple sclerosis diet. Reducing sodium intake is one of the best ways to lower your risk of developing MS. Sodium excretion is increased in patients with MS, which can lead to fluid retention and swelling. This is why it’s so important for you to keep an eye on how much salt you’re eating each day!
So what can a person do? If you don’t have any health conditions stay ahead by cutting back on processed foods. These are canned soups and meats from frozen packages (which generally have lots of added salt). You could also try adding more fresh vegetables to your meals, but remember: moderation goes a long way!
8. Include Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics are good bacteria that help with digestion hence why they are a good multiple sclerosis diet. Probiotics are found in yogurt, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods.
Prebiotics are food for probiotics (e.g., bananas). They encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut to eliminate bad ones that cause bloating and gas.
Probiotic supplements are also available if you don’t eat enough dairy products or other foods rich in probiotics daily—but be careful not to overdo it!
You should consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen if you have MS or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Because they can interact negatively with certain medications such as birth control pills or immunosuppressants used during cancer treatment.
9. Consider a Paleolithic Diet
The paleolithic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein diet. It’s based on the idea that humans were more like hunter-gatherers than now. Some studies show that people who eat this way have lower heart disease and cancer rates than those who don’t.
The paleo diet excludes grains (including wheat), legumes (such as beans), and dairy products. It also includes processed foods such as most packaged snacks or canned fruits/vegetables with added sugar. It focuses on lean meats, including poultry; vegetables such as root vegetables like carrots. It also includes nuts & seeds; healthy fats from avocados to olive oil; fruit—all in moderation.
10. Try the Wahls Diet
Wahls diet is a modified Paleo diet that can help you manage your MS symptoms. The Wahls diet is high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation. This eating plan has been used to treat MS patients without success with other diets or medications.
The Wahls protocol consists of three phases: Phase 1 (6 weeks), Phase 2 (12 weeks), and Phase 3 (24 weeks). During each phase, you’ll follow one meal plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; two snacks. Two supplements per day and your regular medications for treating your condition.
11. Make Some Lifestyle Changes
Exercise regularly to help maintain strength and flexibility and support overall health and well-being. Health experts recommend specific kinds of workouts that are best fitted for multiple sclerosis physical exercises.
Stress management gives you a sense of control, which leads to the following:
- enhanced self-esteem,
- decreased anxiety,
- reduced pain, and
- improved quality of life.
Finding the right multiple sclerosis exercise could be worth it for more reasons than general physical fitness.
Sleep well, and get enough rest! It’s important to have good sleep habits to function well during the day. Especially if you have MS symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness in your limbs.
Meditation is another great way to manage stress and relax physically and mentally. It helps reduce anxiety levels by slowing down the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
The SNS works by causing our body systems to respond quickly, physically and emotionally, when faced with stressors like illness or injury. So meditation allows us time away from those things, which can help us remain calm when dealing with daily life situations.
12. Consume Foods High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that prevent or delay the oxidation of other substances. Antioxidants are found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
They can also be found in tea (green tea), which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
Conclusion
Have you tried a multiple sclerosis diet? Health experts recommend them for people with the condition as helpful solutions in managing symptoms. And if you need a personal trainer to help you reach your goals, you can find one at a location near you and access a free 7 day pass for all new subscribers!
Some will likely be more helpful than others, but all are worth considering as an option if you are struggling with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Switching to a multiple sclerosis diet is an important first step to managing your condition, so hopefully, our dietary tips helped!
References:
Tips for a Multiple Sclerosis Diet
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Diet: Foods to Avoid, Eat, and More
Diet tips for multiple sclerosis: Foods to eat and foods to avoid
Healthy Eating Habits for Multiple Sclerosis | Everyday Health