Multiple sclerosis is a disease that interferes with the communication between your brain and other parts of your body. Its symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, numbness, tremors and mood problems, range from mild to debilitating and may come and go unpredictably. Roughly 350,000 Americans have MS, according to to the University of Maryland Medical Center. And although no known cure exists, medications and an appropriate dietary lifestyle can help manage your symptoms. Before changing your eating habits, seek professional guidance.
Features
A well-balanced, nutritious diet can help you maintain general good health, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which is very important when you have a chronic disorder like MS. Healthcare professionals who specialize in MS recommend the same fiber-rich, low-fat diet suggested for the general population.
Guidelines
A nutritious, fiber-rich diet contains 21 to 25g of fiber per day for women, according to Mayo Clinic, and 30 to 38g per day for men. Emphasizing whole, plant-based foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, can help you meet your fiber needs. Avoiding refined foods, like white flour products and sugary sweets, and eliminating potential food allergies, such as dairy products, wheat, soy and artificial food additives, may help reduce MS symptoms. Limiting unhealthy fats and consuming moderate amounts of unsaturated, essential fats can also help. Ideal protein sources, which promote physical strength and brain function, are low in fat and cholesterol.
Optimum Foods
Foods particularly high in fiber include beans, lentils, peas, artichokes, broccoli, oats, barley and popcorn. One cup of cooked lentils or split-peas provides between 15.5 to 16.5g of fiber. One cup of fresh raspberries supplies 8g. These foods are also naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free. The UMMC recommends emphasizing antioxidant-rich foods, like bell peppers, leafy green vegetables, blueberries, cherries and tomatoes, for reducing MS symptoms. Healthy fat sources include nuts, seeds, canola oil, olive oil, avocados and oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel. The fats in oily fish, known as omega-3 fatty acids, play an important role in brain function and may help reduce inflammation. Lean protein sources include skinless, white-meat poultry, egg whites, low-fat dairy or soy products -- if you are not allergic, beans, lentils and fish.
Foods to Limit
Eating too many low-nutrient, low-fiber foods, like white bread, enriched pasta, instant rice and puffed rice or wheat cereals, leaves little room in your diet for beneficial fare. To limit unhealthy fats, avoid fatty and processed meats, high-fat dairy products, fried foods, stick margarine and commercially-prepared snack foods containing hydrogenated vegetable oil. The UMMC recommends avoiding caffeine, other stimulants and alcohol, which can worsen MS symptoms. Common sources of stimulants include coffee, black tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and energy-boosting diet drinks, bars and supplements. To best determine whether you have food allergies, seek proper testing from your doctor.
