6 Beneficial Foods for Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Multiple sclerosis affects a person when their immune system mistakenly begins to attack myelin, the fatty substance that protects the nerve fiber. As a result, the nerves begin losing their ability to send electrical signals from the brain to the body, affecting the spinal cord, brain, and optic nerves. Certain dietary factors can play a vital role in treating multiple sclerosis, and listed below are some of the foods to eat for managing multiple sclerosis:
- Foods rich in vitamin D : Multiple sclerosis is most often diagnosed in people with a deficiency of vitamin D. Although the best source of vitamin D is sunlight, citrus fruits, cereals, yogurt, fatty fish, egg yolks, and orange juice are excellent dietary alternatives. One can also take vitamin D supplements after consulting a doctor to prevent the progression of this disease.
- Whole grains : Whole grains are one of the most effective foods to eat for treating multiple sclerosis. They are great sources of fiber as compared to refined flour, and they help balance blood sugar levels, encourage healthy bowel movement, and increase energy levels. Whole grains also keep the blood cholesterol levels in check, promoting heart health. Brown rice, oats, and quinoa are a few whole grains that one can include in their daily diet to deal with multiple sclerosis.
- Fresh fruit : Constipation is a major problem among people with multiple sclerosis, but fruits help tackle this issue as they are rich in fiber. Also, they provide essential nutrients to the body, so one can replace desserts containing refined sugar with fruits to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and reduce fatigue. Banana is a great choice as it nourishes the gut bacteria and helps relieve constipation as well.
- Vegetables : Spinach and other leafy greens, broccoli, kale, and cabbage are some of the beneficial foods to eat for multiple sclerosis patients. They are rich sources of fiber, keep blood sugar levels in check, and also help relieve constipation. Additionally, vegetables keep one full for longer, lowering the chances of weight gain due to excessive munching on snacks. They also keep cholesterol levels under control and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Turmeric : Multiple sclerosis results in inflammation and damages the neural pathway. However, following a diet with foods that reduce inflammation can prevent the onset of the disease. Turmeric has a compound known as curcumin, which is proven to combat inflammation.
- Probiotics and prebiotics: Changes in gut health can increase the risk of autoimmune disorders. Probiotics and prebiotics are foods that can boost gut health, strengthening the immune system. Probiotic foods that contain a high amount of good bacteria include yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha.
These are some highly recommended foods to eat for people with multiple sclerosis. They can help slow the progression of the disorder and improve one’s overall quality of life.