What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a medical condition wherein the immune system attacks the Central Nervous System (CNS) of the body. The myelin sheath that covers the nerve cells comes under the attack. This affects the communication between brain and body parts, resulting in fatigue, pain, vision problems, bowel problems, loss of bladder control, tremors, sexual dysfunctions and other problems.
Although studies are in progress around the world, the exact cause of MS hasn’t been confirmed yet. The researchers and doctors are moving ahead with assumptions that result in this complicated medical condition. Keeping the diet healthy, and eating right, can be helpful in maintaining a stable metabolism and ensuring that the patient is healthy and energetic.
Ayurveda doctors at Ayur Bethaniya have an immense experience in guiding patients affected with Multiple Sclerosis and prescribing dietary regime according to the health condition of the patient and nature of doshas in his body. We have seen promising results by advising the right kind of diet to MS patients. This is also a key aspect of Multiple Sclerosis treatment.
Here we are elaborating the best foods to eat and avoid for Multiple Sclerosis patients.
Foods to Eat for Multiple Sclerosis patients
Everything we consume becomes part of our body. Eating right is a solution for many medical ailments. That is the reason for Ayurveda doctors advising strict dietary control while undergoing ayurvedic medication. It can enhance the efficacy of the treatment. Prescribing the right diet is a part of MS treatment.
The best foods to eat for MS patients include the following:
- Whole-Grain Food Items
Eating whole-grain and fibre rich food is advisable for MS patients. The body can break such food effortlessly and absorb it. Improved metabolism will help in making the body energetic. Moreover, the high insulin level in the grains containing carbohydrate will be apt for maintaining the blood sugar level in the body and initiating chemical reactions that will reduce Multiple Sclerosis problems. The grains including rice, wheat and quinoa are good for the patient.
- Vegetables (mainly leafy ones)
Include leafy vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and similar vegetables in the diet as much as possible. Indigestion, constipation and the improper metabolic process can worsen the condition of the patient. The fibre in vegetables helps in preventing constipation and enables expulsion of toxins or doshas from the body. Leafy vegetables, as much as possible, are included in the diet during MS treatment.
- Fruits
Similar to vegetables, fruits are also an important part of the diet in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The antioxidant properties, rich fibre elements and availability of Magnesium in fruits offer multiple benefits to patients. Eat fresh and healthy fruits to reduce the symptoms of MS.
- Fish
You may avoid consuming fish if you are a vegetarian. However, fish is one of the most healthy and crucial parts of diet not only concerning MS patients but also for several other medical problems. Omega 3 fatty acid in fish will be supportive in controlling the immune system. Fishes including sardine, tuna and mackerel are good for health.
To add with that chicken and turkey are also good for MS patients.
- Oils
It is better to use plant-based oil and avoid butter/ ghee. The oils containing unsaturated fats will be instrumental in reducing inflammation.
Foods to avoid for Multiple Sclerosis patients
Patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis are advised to keep themselves away from some of the food items. Those can affect the person adversely and amplify the symptoms of the disease. Consuming these food items during Multiple Sclerosis treatment can be suicidal.
The food items to avoid for MS patients include:
- Processed Food
Several types of processed food available in the market. Food companies process food to increase the shelf life, exalt the appearance, augment taste and make the appearance elegant. Those taste excellent and tempting you to continue eating. Unaware that you are inadvertently damaging your intestine and digestive system. This leads to irreparable damage to your immune system. Therefore, MS patients are advised to keep away from processed food.
- Animal Saturated Fats
A strict no-no to animal saturated fats. It can result in an increase in cholesterol, consequently causing inflammation.
- Sugar
Consumption of sugar directly must be controlled strictly. The imbalanced condition of sugar in the body will cause an increase in MS symptoms. Thereby, affecting MS treatment.
- Refined Food Grains
As we have seen in the “best foods to eat” section, whole-grain food items are healthy for the body. However, refined food grain is contradictory. It will severely impact the MS patient and cause a rise in the symptoms.
- Ajinomoto (Monosodium Glutamate)
Ajinomoto is the basic ingredient in all the Chinese cuisines. It has already infiltrated into our kitchen and became a part of our food preparation too. Ajinomoto/ Monosodium Glutamate are detrimental to the body. Avoid it.
The Bottom Line
We have elaborated on some of the food items to include and avoid by MS patients. You may note that the list is not conclusive. Discuss with our expert Ayurveda doctors today to know more about Multiple Sclerosis treatment and the dietary controls.
To discuss MS treatment and book an appointment, contact us now.
