A dietary guide for multiple sclerosis

It is very important to eat healthy and nutritious foods 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 abstain from consumption? 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 a particular diet can help prevent, treat, or cure multiple sclerosis. The reason is, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis can come at any time, making it difficult to know what the right diet is.

Some special diets are even reported to be harmful to multiple sclerosis sufferers because they contain too many vitamins which are toxic to sufferers.

In general, the recommended foods for multiple sclerosis are foods that are balanced, low in fat, and high in fiber. These types of food are generally the same as those recommended for normal people. So, there are basically no significant differences between the types of foods 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, those of you who have multiple sclerosis are obliged to maintain the best possible diet so that the symptoms you feel do not get worse.

Foods for multiple sclerosis are recommended

To reduce the chance of recurrence of symptoms, here are good foods for multiple sclerosis:

1. Food sources of vitamin D.

Not only does it increase bone strength, vitamin D has an important effect to help regulate cell growth and development. This is very useful for maintaining immunity in people with multiple sclerosis.

A study proves that vitamin D can increase the effect interferon beta which makes the number of antibodies in people with multiple sclerosis increase. Because of this, you can eat a variety of foods rich in vitamin D such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, cod liver oil, milk, and others.

However, you should still consume vitamin D in normal amounts, namely 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 B complex group of vitamins. Sometimes, biotin is also referred to as vitamin H or B7. You can find this biotin in various types of food, such as eggs, yeast, liver, and kidneys.

Recent research has shown that giving high doses of biotin supplements is beneficial for some people with multiple sclerosis. However, further research is still 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 body's resistance to multiple sclerosis sufferers. The reason is, probiotics can help optimize beneficial bacteria in the gut so that the patient's immune system increases.

Probiotic bacteria are available in supplements and in various fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and fermented teas.

4. Prebiotics

Apart from filling your intestines with good bacteria, you should also give them foods known as prebiotics. Well, foods that contain good levels of prebiotics include garlic, leeks, shallots, and asparagus.

This prebiotic not only nourishes the good bacteria in the gut, but also fulfills your fiber needs. Fulfill your prebiotic needs by consuming 5 to 7 grams of fiber-rich foods per day.

5. Fiber

Fiber can be easily found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These fiber-rich foods can help improve the health of multiple sclerosis sufferers by feeding probiotics in the gut. In addition, fiber-rich foods can also improve 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 low-saturated fat diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial for multiple sclerosis sufferers by inhibiting the inflammatory response. As a result, multiple sclerosis symptoms become easier to control.

Good sources of fat consumed by multiple sclerosis sufferers include salmon, tuna, mackerel, and several vegetable oils such as olive oil, calona oil, soybean oil, and flaxseed oil.

Foods that must be avoided by multiple sclerosis sufferers

There are several types of foods that are feared can make the symptoms of multiple sclerosis that you suffer worse. Here are foods that you should limit or avoid:

1. Saturated fats 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. 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.

Multiple sclerosis sufferers are advised to avoid a variety of processed foods, especially those containing high levels of saturated fats and hydrogenated oils. Limit your daily saturated fat intake to 15 grams a day to maintain your health.

2. Foods high in salt

Research has found that multiple sclerosis symptoms recur more easily when a person eats a high-sodium diet. Too much sodium intake can increase the risk of developing sores as well as new inflammation in the body.

In addition to limiting high-salt foods, multiple sclerosis sufferers are also advised to avoid sugary drinks, red meat, fried foods, and low-fiber foods.

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