MS Recovery Diet

MS, or multiple sclerosis, is a debilitating disease that affects nerve cells in the brain. Symptoms of MS include muscle weakness and spasms, fatigue and possible problems with vision or speech, among other physical effects. In the book "The MS Recovery Diet," authors Ann Sawyer and Judi Bachrach outline a diet and lifestyle program that may help alleviate or reverse the symptoms of MS.

Five Trigger Foods

• According to "The MS Recovery Diet," five foods are considered "trigger" foods. These are believed to exacerbate MS attacks and worsen the symptoms of the disease. The foods are: wheat and grains containing gluten, all dairy products, eggs, legumes and yeast. MSRecoveryDiet.com reports that eating these foods can "activate the immune cells that start the cascade of events that lead to symptoms. Food doesn't cause the disease as such, but fuels the disease process after it manifests. This can be stopped by not eating those foods which activate the immune system and, as important, by eating foods that help the body repair, restore and recover."

Foods to Eat

• The authors recommend a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, such as lean protein, vegetables and fruits, foods rich in antioxidants, raw foods for enzyme support and probiotics. Lean protein foods including chicken, fish and turkey can form a large part of your diet. Try to buy these meats with as little visible fat as you can. Before preparing, cut off any fat that you see. Nuts are important, as is the use of spices such as cloves, cinnamon and ginger, all high in antioxidants, which help promote general digestive health.

  This recovery diet also promotes medicine-free alternatives to alleviating MS symptoms and lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise. According to MSRecoveryDiet.com, "as time goes on you can reclaim movement, sensations, your cognitive abilities, and full energy."