What you eat can affect how you feel and may help you manage your symptoms.
Before you read on for helpful nutrition tips, keep in mind that there are several nutrition theories or diets that claim to treat MS. These include diets low in gluten (a type of protein found in wheat, rye and barley), high in polyunsaturated fats or high in certain vitamins such as vitamins B and C. Other diets assume that every person with MS is allergic to certain types of food. So far, no diet, vitamin, or dietary supplement has been proven to "cure" MS or completely control symptoms. This is because there is no evidence that a nutrition-related factor is involved in the cause of MS.
So what should you do? Stick to the basics of nutritious eating! Here are some nutritious suggestions for people with MS:
- Add plenty of grains, fruits, and vegetables to your diet. Foods from these groups are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and other substances important for your health.
- Whole grains - such as quinoa, whole grain varieties of brown rice, bread, pasta, and oats - add fibre to the carbohydrates in your diet. Try to make whole grains a quarter of your plate for every meal.
- Aim to make vegetables and fruit half of your plate for every meal. Have dark green vegetables every day and orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potato a few times a week. Fresh, frozen or canned vegetables and fruits are all healthy options, but check nutrition labels to select ones with less added sodium or sugar.
- Choose low-fat protein foods. This includes eggs, lean meats, nuts and seeds, lower-fat dairy products, beans, peas and lentils, and tofu or other soy products. Try to make protein foods a quarter of your plate for every meal.
- Foods containing healthy fats should be preferred over those containing mostly saturated fat. Healthy fats can be found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, avocado and fatty fish.
- Limit highly processed foods such as baked goods, desserts like ice cream or chocolate, salty snacks, sauces and condiments, and sugary drinks like juice or sweetened coffee or tea.
- Make water your drink of choice.
Keep in mind that some diets that claim to cure or control MS symptoms may actually deplete your body of necessary vitamins and nutrients. Before considering any special diets, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Some people with MS have other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. These people may require special diets or medications. If you have other health concerns, talk to your health care professional or a registered dietitian about your nutritional needs.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-and-Healthy-Eating