It is very important to eat healthy and nutritious food to control the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system causing symptoms such as chronic fatigue, balance problems, tingling or numbness, and other symptoms. So, what are the foods for multiple sclerosis that are good and not to be consumed? Check out the full review below.
Is there a special type of diet for people with multiple sclerosis?
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), so far there is no strong evidence that any particular diet can help prevent, treat, or cure multiple sclerosis. The reason is, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis can come at any time so it is difficult to know what the right diet is.
Some special diets are even reported to be harmful to people with multiple sclerosis because they contain too many vitamins which can actually be toxic to sufferers.
In general, the recommended diet for multiple sclerosis is a balanced diet, low in fat, and high in fiber. These types of food are generally the same as those recommended for normal people. So, basically there is no significant difference between the types of food for multiple sclerosis with other normal people.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that can cause inflammation. This is why, you are advised to avoid foods that can cause allergies or inflammation, thereby preventing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis from getting worse. Therefore, for those of you who have multiple sclerosis, you must maintain the best possible diet so that the symptoms you feel do not get worse.
Recommended foods for multiple sclerosis
To reduce the chance of recurrence of symptoms, here are good multiple sclerosis foods:
According To NationalMSSociety Diet & Nutrition in MS
1. Food sources of vitamin D
Not only does it increase bone strength, but vitamin D also has an important effect on helping regulate cell growth and development. This is very useful for maintaining the immunity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
A study proved that vitamin D can increase the effect of interferon-beta which makes the number of antibodies in people with multiple sclerosis increase. Therefore, you can eat various foods rich in vitamin D such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, cod liver oil, milk, and others.
However, you should still consume normal amounts of vitamin D, which is 15 micrograms per day (600 IU) for ages 1 to 64 years and 20 micrograms per day (800 IU) for ages over 64 years.
2. Biotin
Biotin is a vitamin that belongs to the vitamin B complex group. Sometimes, biotin is also referred to as vitamin H or B7. You can find biotin in a variety of foods, such as eggs, yeast, liver, and kidneys.
Recent research has shown that high-dose biotin supplements are beneficial for some people with multiple sclerosis. However, more research is needed to confirm the benefits for people with multiple sclerosis.
3. Probiotics
According to a study published in Nature Communications, the presence of good bacteria or probiotics in the gut can strengthen the immune system of people with multiple sclerosis. The reason is, probiotics can help optimize the beneficial bacteria in the intestines so that the patient’s immune system increases.
Probiotic bacteria are available in supplements and a variety of fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and fermented teas.
4. Prebiotics
Apart from filling your gut with good bacteria, you should also provide it with foods known as prebiotics. Well, foods that contain good levels of prebiotics include garlic, leeks, onions, and asparagus.
This prebiotic not only nourishes the good bacteria in the gut but also fulfills your fiber needs. Meet your prebiotic needs through the consumption of fiber-rich foods as much as 5 to 7 grams per day.
5. Fiber
Fiber can be easily found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. These fiber-rich foods can help improve the health of people with multiple sclerosis by feeding probiotics in the gut. In addition, fiber-rich foods can also facilitate the digestive system and keep the heart-healthy.
6. Polyunsaturated fatty acids
The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in food is known to help control inflammation in the body. PUFAs are useful for improving various body functions, from thinking ability to heart health, especially in people with multiple sclerosis.
Several studies have shown that a diet low in saturated fat supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis by inhibiting the inflammatory response. As a result, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis become easier to control.
Good sources of fat consumed by people with multiple sclerosis include salmon, tuna, mackerel, and some vegetable oils such as olive oil, candidate oil, soybean oil, and flaxseed oil.
Foods that must be avoided by people with multiple sclerosis
There are several types of food that are feared to make the symptoms of multiple sclerosis that you suffer from worse. Here are the foods you should limit or avoid:
1. Saturated fat and processed foods
Since you are encouraged to maintain a healthy digestive system, it is important to avoid various foods that are bad for your digestion. This is because this is useful for maintaining the growth of probiotics in the intestine so that it continues to be optimal so that inflammation can be prevented.
People with multiple sclerosis are advised to avoid a variety of processed foods, especially those containing high levels of saturated fat and hydrogenated oils. Limit your daily intake of saturated fat to 15 grams a day to maintain your health.
2. Foods high in salt
Research has found that the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are more likely to recur when a person eats a high-sodium diet. Too much sodium intake can increase the risk of developing new wounds and inflammation in the body.
In addition to limiting foods high in salt, people with multiple sclerosis are also advised to avoid sugary drinks, red meat, fried foods, and low-fiber foods.