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5 foods that can help manage multiple sclerosis

5 foods that can help manage multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting mind-body coordination. While no nutrition plan can cure MS, studies show that certain foods like turmeric and avocadoes can help manage the symptoms. Most of these foods have anti-inflammatory properties, and researchers say that reducing inflammation in the body can help. Here are five foods that MS patients must eat, along with a few pills for relapsing MS.

Salmon
Salmon is one of the best foods for people with MS. It is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats that help fight inflammation and potentially help improve MS symptoms. Moreover, salmon is rich in vitamin D, a nutrient that many MS patients lack.

Turmeric
Turmeric is a fragrant, yellow spice that has long been used for treating various ailments. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which can help protect nerve cells and boost the immune system. Curcumin also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can fight inflammation that contributes to MS.

Avocado
Avocados are loaded with various nutrients that can combat inflammation, such as monounsaturated fats, lutein, glutathione, vitamin E, and phenolic antioxidants. Plus, it contains phytosterols, or plant sterols, that help stave off inflammation. Patients can eat raw avocados every day or enjoy guacamole, an avocado-based dip.

Whole grains
Whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, quinoa, are packed with fiber and other nutrients. Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health and relieving constipation, a common symptom of MS. Whole grains also help stabilize blood sugar and reduce fatigue in MS patients.

Walnuts
Walnuts may benefit people with MS because they are full of plant-based omega-3s and other healthy unsaturated fats. They also contain lots of other nutrients that can regulate inflammation. Moreover, studies have found that walnuts can reduce specific inflammatory markers in the body.

One should be aware about another illness that is quite similar to MS. It is known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Both these conditions may have similar symptoms, including scarring of the nerve cells, muscle weakness, among others. However, both of them are quite different. In addition to changing one’s food habits, one should visit a healthcare expert for a suitable treatment plan.

Besides these foods, MS patients may need certain medications to control the symptoms, such as those mentioned here:

GILENYA® (fingolimod)
GILENYA® is an oral pill that contains a medication called fingolimod. It is a pill for relapsing MS (also known as RRMS), where the disease keeps reoccurring after intervals of recovery.

AUBAGIO® (teriflunomide)
Teriflunomide, commonly sold under the brand name AUBAGIO®, is a once-daily pill for relapsing MS.

TECFIDERA ® (dimethyl fumarate)
Marketed as TECFIDERA ® , dimethyl fumarate is yet another pill for treating relapsing forms of MS. It should be used two times a day as per the doctor’s instructions.

OCREVUS® (ocrelizumab)
Classified as a monoclonal antibody, OCREVUS® is used in the treatment of primary progressive MS and relapsing forms of the condition. It is a type of infusion treatment, and can be administered through IV for up to three times during a patient’s first year depending on the symptoms’ severity. OCREVUS® can cause serious side effects. Hence, it is crucial to consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

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