Home - health - Foods To Avoid When One Has Multiple Sclerosis
Foods to avoid when one has multiple sclerosis

Foods to avoid when one has multiple sclerosis

Adding certain foods to one’s daily meal regime can help one stay healthy. On the contrary, some foods may worsen one’s health. Further, the choice of foods in one’s meal is particularly crucial if one has multiple sclerosis. Poor food choices may trigger inflammatory changes that aggravate the condition. In addition, certain foods may result in worsening multiple sclerosis symptoms, such as bladder and bowel function, cognitive changes, and fatigue.

Damage to the myelin sheath triggers this autoimmune disease’s symptoms. This sheath sends signals between the spinal cord and brain to other body parts. A faulty sheath can cause the nervous system to misfire messages. So, following a nutritious meal plan can be useful when one has multiple sclerosis. Ideally, low-fat, fiber-rich, heart-healthy meals can be beneficial. It is important to learn about the different types of foods to avoid with multiple sclerosis.

Saturated fats

  • Full-fat dairy
  • Palm oil
  • Coconut oil

Why avoid them?
Saturated fats cause inflammation and also also increase the probability of conditions, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases that make multiple sclerosis more challenging. In addition to this, it can also cause high cholesterol that can result in atherosclerosis, which can put one at risk of stroke and heart attack. So, it’s best to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats.

Refined sugar

  • Powdered sugar
  • Table sugar
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Saccharin
  • Sucralose
  • Aspartame

Why avoid it?
Refined sugar is a double dose of nutritional bad news. Foods rich in refined sugar contain too many calories, which can result in fatigue. And for most people with multiple sclerosis, f atigue is a common disabling symptom. Further, too much-processed sugar and simple carbs can result in frequent mood swings, which may aggravate fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients.

Here are some alternatives to refined sugar that people with multiple sclerosis can consider.

  • Dried fruit
  • Date syrup
  • Coconut sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Fruits
  • Honey
  • Stevia

Sodium
Sodium in high quantities can trigger a relapse. While these findings are controversial, sodium is bad for those with multiple sclerosis. Further, multiple sclerosis patients usually intake more sodium than they realize because certain treatment options can cause salt retention in older adults.

Why avoid it?
Sodium can cause water retention, which leads to bloating. It can make one feel puffy and uncomfortable. In addition to this, b loating impairs movement, worsening the problem. It is advisable for one to not take more than 2300 mg of sodium per day. The ideal recommended limit is no more than 1500 mg per day for most adults, especially those with conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Packaged or processed foods

  • Packaged crackers and cookies
  • Pies
  • Processed items filled with hydrogenated fats, shortening, and other trans fats

Packaged foods are part of several individuals’ daily meals. So, it may be impossible to eliminate them from one’s food regime, especially if one has a busy lifestyle. But, it’s best to limit their intake as much as possible.

Why avoid them?
Processed foods contain tans fats, which enhance inflammation in the body. Further, frequently eating such foods can increase the risk of developing vascular diseases, especially among multiple sclerosis patients.

Cow’s milk
It contains saturated fats and also has two proteins, which negatively impact people with multiple sclerosis. So, cow’s milk and the following foods made from it should be avoided when one has multiple sclerosis.

  • Cheese
  • Kefir
  • Butter
  • Yogurt
  • Ice cream

Why avoid it?
Proteins in cow milk stimulate immune cells and cause lesions. These proteins mimic a part of the myelin sheath and trigger autoimmune reactions. Further, if individuals with multiple sclerosis are lactose intolerant, they may also experience inflammation and upset stomach from cow’s milk, aggravating the condition.

Refined carbs

  • Breakfast cereals
  • White bread
  • White rice

Why avoid them?
Processed carbs instantly cause a spike in blood sugar levels. A sudden increase in blood sugar can impact one’s heart health and worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms. One may c onsider healthier alternatives to refined carbs, such as:

  • Barley
  • Whole-wheat pasta
  • Whole-grain breads
  • Brown rice

MSG
Monosodium glutamate or MSG has several negative implications. It is commonly found in s avory snacks as a flavor enhancer.

Why avoid it?
When people with multiple sclerosis have foods with MSG, it can make their immune system respond abnormally to the molecules in MSG. Further, MSG may damage the neurons and its r egular consumption can make multiple sclerosis symptoms worse. So, it is advisable to c heck the labels before buying packaged foods and avoid those that contain MSG.

Caffeine

  • Coffee
  • Cocoa
  • Tea
  • Energy drinks and bars
  • Chocolates

Why avoid it?
Generally, people with multiple sclerosis have an overactive bladder (OAB). Caffeine is known to worsen this condition. So, caffeinated beverages and foods should be avoided to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. Avoiding or limiting caffeine intake can also help prevent bladder irritation and issues.

Spicy foods

  • Foods with red chilies
  • Salsa and hot sauce
  • Spicy curries
  • Marinated foods
  • Foods that contain horseradish
  • Jalapeño peppers

Why avoid them?
As stated earlier, most multiple sclerosis patients may experience OAB. S picy foods irritate the bladder and make OAB worse. Although spicy foods are best avoided when one has multiple sclerosis, n ot everyone with the condition should completely eliminate spicy meals. One can m aintain a food journal to see if spicy foods trigger OAB.

One should consult with their doctor to learn more about foods to eat and avoid when one has multiple sclerosis.

Latest Articles

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms
health

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms

Eczema has many different stages and types. Unfortunately, about 10.1 percent of people in the country have some or the other form of this condition. Such a disease is a combination of conditions that make the skin irritated or inflamed. With proper treatment, one can manage symptoms. Red, dry, cracked, and leathery skin are the common eczema signs. Here are three useful methods that help deal with eczema and manage its symptoms: Getting the right treatment options Here are some treatments associated with eczema. Dupixent Dupixent is prescribed for children six or older and adults; for those who cannot control symptoms with other treatment measures, alternate treatments are not recommended. This monoclonal antibody works on a targeted area in the immune system. Dupixent comes in pre-filled single-dose pens and syringes, given as a subcutaneous injection. One can find this treatment option in two strengths: 300-mg/2-mL and 200 mg/1.14-mL solutions. Cibinqo This once-daily oral treatment helps manage symptoms for adults who have not seen relief with prevailing treatment options. Cibinqo is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Doses that can be taken are either 100 or 200 mg. Alternately, a 50 mg dosage is for patients with moderate renal impairment. Upadacitinib and Eucrisa Upadacitinib is a JAK1 inhibitor and helps adolescents and adults with severe or moderate eczema. However, this FDA-approved treatment can cause side effects like fever, cough, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Typically, one starts with 15 mg, but the doctor may advise a 30 mg dose if that does not work. Eucrisa is also a treatment option for eczema. It is for skin-only treatment, so do not get it in contact with sensitive areas and rinse with water in case of contact. Foods to eat and avoid Eczema needs to be managed with a disciplined nutritional regime.
5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep
health

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature. The only exercise recommended before bedtime is light stretching and simple yoga. These help relieve muscle tension and relax the body and mind, preparing them to drift asleep. You can perform intense exercises in the morning or earlier in the evening. If you have some spare time before sleeping, use it for sitting down and reflecting on the happenings of the day instead of exercising. It will help you fall asleep faster. Making poor food choices A meal with lots of refined carbs and sugar is unsuitable for dinner as it can keep you awake at night.
Migraine – Ways to manage the condition
health

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems. Qulipta works by blocking the CGRP protein. Foods to help manage migraine headaches Certain foods are part of the preventive treatment for migraines. While a preventative treatment may not completely stop migraine headaches, it will help reduce the severity and occurrence of these attacks. Bananas Bananas are rich in magnesium. According to some studies, magnesium is deficient in migraine sufferers, and the mineral stops the chemicals that cause pain. Watermelons Watermelons contain around 92% water, and it is a great way to stay hydrated. Dehydration often triggers headaches in general, which could lead to migraine attacks.