At first, when a person has multiple sclerosis (MS), their diet might not seem to play such a big role in the management of the disease. It happens commonly since the condition affects the nervous system. But the truth is that eating and avoiding the right foods can help you manage MS effectively. So, here are foods to eat and avoid to manage multiple sclerosis.

For anyone with the condition, having a diet that contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and vitamins, and minerals is essential. While protein is important for the repairing and growth of the tissue, carbs are important to give the body the necessary energy. Fats are important too since they give the body the essential fatty acids and allows it to absorb the vitamins. As far as fiber is concerned, it is needed for the healthy digestion of food.

Here’s what should be a part of the diet of multiple sclerosis patients:

Probiotics: When the intestinal or the gut flora is not healthy, it can contribute to several immune-related disorders, which include MS. Therefore, any person suffering from the condition must eat foods such as probiotics that can give a boost to the immune system and the intestinal flora. The probiotic bacteria can be found in several fermented foods and also in supplements. To get enough of these bacteria, you can include the following foods in your diet:

• Kimchi
• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Fermented tea or kombucha

Fiber: Fiber must be added to the diet of a person who suffers from MS. This is easily found in plant-based foods that include:

• Brown rice
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Legumes
• Whole grains
• Nuts
• Seeds

Antioxidants: There are several vegetables in which a substance known as polyphenols can be found. This is an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties on the body. There are various sources of getting this antioxidant and these include:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Herbs
• Tea
• Tea
• Cereals
• Legumes

Foods to avoid
Learning about both, the foods to eat and avoid to manage multiple sclerosis is equally important. So, now that you know what you should eat, here’s what you should avoid to manage the condition more efficiently.

Saturated fats: These are usually found in animal products or by-products. These fats can be found in full-fat dairy products and in red meat. In addition to that, they are also found in foods that contain coconut or palm oil.

Sodium: Foods that contain sodium should also be avoided by patients of MS. A 2015 study found out that a diet with higher sodium quantities increased the chances of relapse in MS patients. It also put them at a greater risk of having new lesions.