It’s important to know the top 6 foods to avoid with multiple sclerosis. Staying away from the wrong foods can help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms better and prevent bad flare-ups in the future.
6 Foods to Avoid with Multiple Sclerosis
1. Refined Sugar
Refined white sugar is a major inflammatory food so it should be limited by those suffering from MS. Foods high in refined sugar such as cakes, sweets, pies and confectionery also make you gain unwanted weight which can increase MS fatigue and weariness.
Too much sugar can also cause obesity in the long run, not to mention raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. When you’re craving a sugary snack, opt for fresh fruit or berries instead. Consume high fiber fruits like apples that can also ease constipation, another MS symptom.
2. Refined Carbs
Refined carbs can aggravate MS symptoms such as constipation because they contain little to no fiber which promotes healthy bowel movements. They also immediately increase blood sugar levels when consumed, which can lead to insulin sensitivity.
Avoid refined carbs, including white bread, pasta, cookies and cake, among others. Instead, opt for whole carbs including brown bread, whole wheat tortillas, brown rice and whole wheat pasta, among others.
3. Caffeine
Caffeine is also on this list of top foods to avoid with multiple sclerosis. Too much caffeine increases inflammation in the body which is a big no-no for those with MS.
Drinking a lot of coffee, tea, sodas and other caffeinated beverages also dehydrates your body. Too much caffeine consumption can cause high levels acidity in the body, which is a sure breeding ground for aggravated MS symptoms, inflammation and flareups.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol is among the top foods that must be avoided when you are trying to naturally heal or treat an autoimmune disease including multiple sclerosis. Consuming alcohol has a negative effect on the body – it is very harsh on your liver, can cause brain related diseases, ages you faster, increases inflammation in the body and introduces free radicals in the body.
5. Highly Salty Foods
Avoid highly salty foods because they contain too much sodium. A study published in Neurology.org shows that sodium intake is associated with increased disease activity in multiple sclerosis.
The more sodium MS sufferers consumed in their diets, the more likely they were to worsen and develop flareups and new lesions.
Excess sodium also causes high blood pressure which has been linked to decreased life expectancies of people with MS.
Also ensure to drink a lot of water to flush out excess sodium in the body.
6. Saturated Fats
When you have multiple sclerosis, try to avoid saturated fat whenever possible. It is found in red meats, processed foods and full fat dairy. Saturated fat raises the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol, which increases your risks of stroke and heart disease.
Research shows that MS sufferers have a higher chance of heart problems than those who don’t suffer from MS. What’s more is that conditions such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension make MS symptoms worse.
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