Multiple Sclerosis Diet: What Foods to Eat and Avoid

Have you recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? Learning to navigate this chronic condition can feel daunting, but it turns out there are simple everyday changes that can improve your prognosis.

One way to have a better quality of life with MS is by changing your diet. Get started by learning what foods you should and should not eat when you have multiple sclerosis.

Foods to Eat

There are certain foods that can help ease multiple sclerosis symptoms and prevent potential flare-ups. Following a healthy diet that is high in natural, plant-derived foods can alleviate MS issues like chronic pain and more. Below are some of the most beneficial foods to eat if you have multiple sclerosis.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber. Both of these nutrients can ease some of the symptoms associated with MS when consumed regularly. For example, carbohydrates provide natural energy that can help with chronic fatigue. Fiber is an essential nutrient that promotes proper digestion, which can resolve constipation.

Fruits and Vegetables

Getting a complete range of vitamins and minerals is vital for everyone, especially people living with multiple sclerosis.

One of the easiest ways to obtain all your essential nutrients is by increasing the fruits and vegetables in your diet. Fruits can increase vitamin C and antioxidants, while vegetables can add magnesium and iron, among other things.

Lean Proteins

Lean proteins like skinless chicken and fish are a great way to increase your protein and iron while living with multiple sclerosis. Many MS patients struggle with chronic lethargy and loss of muscle mass, but consuming a diet high in lean proteins can help negate these issues.

Foods to Avoid

While there are specific foods that can make living with multiple sclerosis easier, there are also foods that can make it worse. Fatty foods and processed foods that are high in sugar can all exacerbate MS symptoms and increase the risk of a flare-up.

Saturated Fats

Saturated fats have been linked to increased inflammation in multiple sclerosis patients. Foods high in saturated fats include dairy products, fried foods, pastries, and cured meats.

Trans Fats

Another type of fat that should be avoided with MS is trans fat. Trans fats are often found in fried food, butter, baked goods, and frozen processed meals. These foods can increase your risk of developing heart disease, which would further complicate your vulnerable condition.

Refined Sugar

Refined sugars are another food that can increase inflammation throughout your body. When someone living with MS has a high sugar intake, they may experience more flare-ups or more severe symptoms when they have a flare-up.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis

Are you living with the effects of multiple sclerosis? Making better dietary choices can help manage some of your symptoms and reduce your flare-ups. Other approaches, like regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, can also help manage symptoms and your quality of life.

This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for multiple sclerosis, also known as stem cell for multiple sclerosis. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.