Certain kinds of foods indeed promote a healthy you, while some have an adverse effect on our health. People who have multiple sclerosis (MS) need to be extra careful. The problem is that certain food items cause inflammation and fatigue and affect bladder and bowel functions. Hence, it is pertinent to be extra cautious when choosing ingredients for a meal. Here’s a list of foods that should be avoided to help manage the autoimmune condition better:

Sodium/Salt

This is one mineral that is inadvisable in higher amounts for even healthy people. Even if one is a patient of MS, one must keep sodium a bit out of sight. This is because it can flare up the symptoms. Not just that, it can affect blood pressure levels and the cardiovascular system. Increased water retention with a high salt intake can make the person uncomfortable, bloated, etc.

According to the American Heart Association, the ideal salt consumption for MS patients should be limited to 2,300 mg daily. If someone has heart-related issues, it should be further decreased to about 1,500 mg per day.

Gluten

Gluten is a protein that is commonly and naturally found in wheat, rye, and barley. Some people have gluten intolerance, and they should avoid the intake of foods containing gluten. People suffering from MS need to speak to a doctor about their gluten tolerance capabilities. Overall, it has been seen that saying goodbye to gluten helps keep a person’s health better.

There is yet no proof that suggests that staying away from gluten is good for people suffering from MS. However, it is a good idea to have a gluten-free nutritional regime to keep the gut healthy.

Sugar

Sugar is not just bad news for people with multiple sclerosis but even for healthy people. Consuming excess sugar can affect one’s energy levels. With MS, a person is prone to getting tired faster. That is why it is best to avoid processed sugars that can affect blood sugar levels and make a person feel tired all day for no apparent reason.

Processed carbohydrates

To keep the heart pepped up and healthy, it is a good idea to steer clear of food items that contain higher amounts of refined carbs. These are foods like white bread and rice. Consuming such food items can spike up blood sugar levels and take a toll on the heart.

There are safer alternatives to most of these processed carb-rich foods. For example, substitute white rice with brown rice. Or go in for whole-grain bread instead of white bread. Similarly, whole-grain pasta, barley, etc., are highly advisable. Several studies have also proved that people with MS are better off health – wise when they consume foods like whole grains. Such food items also contain higher amounts of fiber that help deal with issues like constipation.

Saturated and trans fats

Food items like coconut oil, full-fat dairy products, palm oil, etc., are high in saturated fats. Consuming such food items can lead to an increase in bad cholesterol or LDL, making the person prone to heart-related issues, including stroke and heart attack.

People who have multiple sclerosis have a higher risk of developing heart issues. Health conditions like hypertension or cardiovascular issues can worsen MS, making it tough to handle the symptoms and mortality issues.

The other food items that should be surely avoided are pies, baked cookies, etc., that are high in trans fats. These fat types also lead to the inflammation of blood vessels, increasing the chances of cardiovascular issues.

MS is an autoimmune condition affecting the nervous system. Patients with MS should understand that there are no magic foods that can provide them relief from multiple sclerosis. But tweaking eating habits and avoiding the foods mentioned in this post can help deal with their condition better. It is essential that they speak with their doctor before making any changes in their eating habits.