The Effects of Diet on Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that consists of inflammation and the body attacking the myelin sheaths covering the nerve fibers. As the disease progresses, physical disabilities become more apparent.

Features

• Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include numbness in the extremities, vision difficulties, trouble walking, ataxia, fatigue, bladder and bowel incontinence. Most people with multiple sclerosis only display some of the symptoms.

Nutrition

• Since multiple sclerosis consists of inflammation, including foods that have anti-inflammatory properties is beneficial. Some of these foods include, green tea, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, pineapples, tomatoes, almonds, flaxseed, cayenne, turmeric and thyme.

Diet

• Adding cranberry keeps the urinary tract healthy. Constipation is a common ailment with multiple sclerosis, so including fiber can be useful.

Significance

• Multiple sclerosis is referred to as a young person's illness since it normally strikes between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than men.

Considerations

• No food will cure multiple sclerosis, but including foods known to have anti-inflammatory properties will surely help.

Warning

• A person with multiple sclerosis should not stop taking her medications in lieu of diet changes. Diet can be used to complement current drug therapies.