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.

Most Popular

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a skin disease that makes the skin reddish, inflamed, and itchy because of specific triggers. It can affect any body part and appear anywhere on the skin. The most common symptoms are dryness, bumps, rashes, redness, and peeling of the skin. Despite being one of the most typical forms of atopic dermatitis, there is no such common definite cause; however, particular triggers cause eczema flareups, including specific kinds of soaps. Soaps and eczema flareups When eczema triggers, most of the time, it makes its appearance in certain typical parts of the body. These include behind the knee areas, hands, and feet. Some of the most common triggers of eczema flareups include household cleaners containing specific chemicals, and, most notably, soaps. However, the experience of eczema won’t be the same for everyone. One of the most typical symptoms is dry skin, where the soap’s role becomes significant. It is a pretty well-known fact that using soaps makes one’s skin dry. This happens because of specific harsh chemicals that swipe off moisture from one’s skin. These chemicals can also trigger severe irritation and reactions, specifically if the skin is too sensitive or if one is suffering from eczema.
3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition. Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient.
9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

For most people, achieving a fashionable look that stands out can be incredibly challenging, especially in a hurry. Celebrities and fashion influencers often turn up to events looking flawless; have you ever wondered how they manage to do so every time? Why by using fashion hacks, of course! To come to your rescue, here are some styling hacks that you can incorporate into your daily outfit-planning routine to look effortlessly stylish. Pick the right accessories It may seem generic, but it is still important to pick the right accessories to ensure your outfits have the best look. Three accessories can effortlessly upgrade any look. The best ones you can try are sunglasses, a belt, and a bag. Match these items with other outfit elements for a seamless flow. You can also go with options that have striking design elements that can elevate simple outfits and attract attention. Match the skirts with boots It is one of the best styling hacks popularized by many fashionistas – matching the boots with dresses or maxi skirts. Typically, dresses or skirts in delicate materials like lace look spectacular with solid, edgy boots. Mixing two opposite styles is one of the most genius ways to look fashionable.
7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

Feeling frequent bouts of hunger is not unusual for kids. In fact, it’s quite normal for children in their developing years to feel hungry frequently. However, extreme hunger can lead children to reach out for processed foods, most of which are filled with artificial ingredients, added sugars, and refined flour. These foods have empty calories and no nutritional value. Here are some nutrition-rich kid snacks you can make for your kid without any hassles: Celery with peanut butter and raisins Also known as “ants on a log,” celery with raisins and peanut butter can prove to be a fun way to make your child have a vegetable. Chop a twig of celery into three or four pieces. Take some peanut butter and spread it evenly inside the hollow part of the celery. After that, put some raisins on the peanut butter. The three foods combined in this recipe can offer an excellent balance of nutrients like protein, fat, and carbs. However, ensure that the peanut butter you use is not loaded with added sugars or vegetable oils. Nuts Nuts are notable for their high-fiber content, along with healthy fats and antioxidants. To support your child’s growth, it is essential to provide them with sufficient dietary fats.
7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

A dog is a man’s best friend. Now you might have heard this a lot of times, and if you have ever had a pet dog, then you know the joy they bring into the lives of others. However, as often happens with family, you must have been tempted to share your food with your pet dog. Unfortunately, not all human foods are pet-safe. Read on to learn about which foods your dog can eat. 7 human foods that are safe for consumption by dogs It is a known fact that dogs and puppies have different digestive systems compared to humans, making some of the foods you eat unhealthy or even toxic for them. Here are some of the human foods that are safe for dogs: Carrots Vegetables and fruits are known to be incredible sources of nutrition. Carrots are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a snack that your puppy can eat at any time of the day. You can either cook it or even feed it as a raw snack, but remember to cut the vegetable into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Watermelon Some fruits can probably make your dog incredibly sick, but watermelon is not one of them.

Popular Articles

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health
health
01

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health

The eyes are complex organs and need a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Many common health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can negatively affect our eyes, which may lead up to a complete loss of vision. While some conditions like moderate astigmatism can be corrected using contact lenses or eye lenses, others can be prevented by consuming a healthy dose of these 4 vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea (outside the covering of the eye). A person with this vitamin deficiency may find their eyes not producing enough moisture to stay lubricated. It is also essential for maintaining the eyes’ light-sensing cells called photoreceptors. A deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. Continued deficiency can lead to the drying up of the eyes and tear ducts, and softening of the cornea, resulting in irreversible blindness. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to eat vitamin-A-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, carrots, dairy products, egg yolks, and liver.
Read More
Avoid these 5 smartphone habits
smartphones
02

Avoid these 5 smartphone habits

For most people, it is next to impossible to get through the day without using smartphones at least a few times. You need to make calls, check updates on the go, and even use smart navigation systems on your phone. But some smartphone habits can severely hamper productivity, affect your health, and may make you overly dependent on the gadget. So, here are five smartphone habits to keep in check: Using an alarm app Using your phone as an alarm clock might seem completely harmless. After all, apps on the phone let you set multiple alarms. But it never stops at hitting the snooze or dismiss button once you wake up. You will be tempted to check your phone for messages and social media, which will delay getting out of bed. Opt for a conventional alarm clock and keep your phone away from you at night to avoid checking anything after getting up. Ignoring software updates Smartphone care is as important as learning how to use the device in moderation. Many people make the mistake of postponing crucial software updates and granting necessary application permissions. These habits make the device extremely vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can access confidential data. Always keep your phone updated to ensure the latest security updates are installed.
Read More
7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis
health
03

7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis

When you have bronchitis, it’s easy to overeat greasy, salty, or sugary foods to relieve the coughing, breathing, and throat pain. Alternatively, you may decide not to consume anything at all. However, you should take care and watch what you eat as refined carbs and saturated fats might impede recovery. Knowing which foods to avoid and which to eat may influence the severity of bronchitis symptoms. Here’s a list of a few items you should avoid. Foods with preservatives and additives Sulfites, a form of preservative, may aggravate bronchitis. Liquor, dried fruits, pickled foods, maraschino cherries, and lime juice all contain sulfites. Processed and quick meals frequently contain chemical additives, flavors, and colorings. Some bronchitis patients may be susceptible to or intolerant to these artificial components. Gas-forming foods Eating large meals or gas-producing foods strains the diaphragm, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. This can cause chest pains and asthma flare-ups. Beans, cabbage, carbonated beverages, onions, and fried dishes are examples of these foods. Sugar and HFCS Do you enjoy drinking sugar-laden colas? Be cautious. They can be dangerous to your health. Avoiding syrups, candies, and other sugary foods will help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, irritation, and discomfort in your lungs.
Read More