Foods to Eat while Managing Multiple Sclerosis

Foods to Eat while Managing Multiple Sclerosis

For multiple sclerosis patients, the immune system attacks the central nervous system. This causes symptoms like fatigue, problems with movement and vision, and bladder and bowel dysfunctions. One must have a strict diet and exercise regime to relieve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The foods to eat for multiple sclerosis must provide one with more energy, improve the condition of the bones, teeth, gums, and skin, regulate bladder and bowel movements, and make one stronger and more flexible.

To make things  simpler, here are three essential foods to eat for multiple sclerosis patients.

Fiber-rich Foods
Fiber is an important part of the diet for people with multiple sclerosis as it helps in dealing with problems of the bowels. It is an important component of plant-based foods like legumes, fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and brown rice. Not only do fiber-rich foods help in regulating your bowel movements but they also help in providing nutrition to the bacteria in your digestive tract. Fiber-rich foods also help in managing cholesterol levels by maintaining the health of the heart and keeping blood pressure in check. Since multiple sclerosis is a major risk factor for some types of heart diseases, it is important to maintain a fiber-rich diet to keep the risks under control. Fiber-rich foods also help in preventing weight gain, as it ensures that one does not frequently feel hungry.

Turmeric
This fragrant, yellow spice is a useful component in the treatment of multiple sclerosis owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is usually available as a powder. The curcumin molecules found in turmeric have several benefits for patients who have multiple sclerosis. Research shows that curcumin may have a positive impact on the cells in your immune system so that the symptoms of autoimmune diseases are alleviated and the pain is reduced. Curcumin works as an effective anti-inflammatory agent for patients with multiple sclerosis because it can block the activation of the molecules that trigger inflammation in the body.

Foods with Vitamins B and D
These foods are important for people who have multiple sclerosis, especially those who suffer from a progressive form of the disease, wherein the symptoms get worse with time. Sunflower seeds, spinach, almonds, broccoli, and whole-wheat bread are good sources of biotin. Also, adequate consumption of Vitamin D ensures better bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D is usually found in foods like fortified cereals and orange juice.

Research conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society suggests that this condition cannot be cured by a single diet. Since its symptoms appear and disappear on their own, it is difficult to ascertain whether a certain diet has been instrumental in treating multiple sclerosis. However, for people with the disease, doctors often suggest foods to eat for multiple sclerosis to alleviate the symptoms and reduce discomfort.