FOODS THAT HEAL
Prune juiceBerriesWhole grain breads and cerealsSplit peasArtichokesNutsPapayaMilkFishCranberry juiceWater
FOODS TO LIMIT
AlcoholSpicy foods
WHO’S AFFECTED
About 300,000 to 425,000 North AmericansWomen are twice as likely as men to get multiple sclerosisWhite people whose family originated in Northern Europe have the highest risk
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that most often strikes people between the ages of 20 and 40
MS is characterized by the gradual destruction of the myelin sheaths that insulate the nerve fibers, thus robbing nerves of the ability to transmit impulses
Although the symptoms vary depending on the sites where myelin is destroyed in the brain and spinal cord, most people suffer abnormal fatigue, impaired vision, slurred speech, loss of balance and muscle coordination, difficulty chewing and swallowing, tremors, bladder and bowel problems, and, in severe cases, paralysis
NUTRITION CONNECTION
The main role of diet for those with MS is to help control symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, urinary tract infections, and problems with chewing and swallowing
Here are guidelines to discuss with your doctor or dietician: Think low-fat, high-fiber
A low-fat, high-fiber diet that contains fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be helpful in managing MS by providing energy and nutrients to maintain and repair tissues, to fight infections, and to keep the risk of constipation low
Some foods include prune juice, bran cereal, raspberries, strawberries, whole wheat pastas, whole grain breads and cereals, barley, bran flakes, split peas, lentils, artichokes, peas, and broccoli
Eat foods rich in antioxidants
Some scientists believe that free radical damage can promote the progression of MS
Antioxidants are believed to counter the effect of these free radicals, so it is prudent to include antioxidant-rich foods in your daily diet
These include fruits and vegetables for vitamin C and beta-carotene, such as oranges, carrots and papaya; vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds for vitamin E; and whole grains, nuts, and seafood for selenium
Get plenty of vitamin D
Some studies suggest that vitamin D might prevent progression of the disease or may play other protective roles
In addition, people with MS are at risk for osteoporosis, and vitamin D plays an important role in lowering this risk
Good food sources include milk, fortified soy and rice beverages, fatty fish, and margarine
Increase fluid intake
Constipation is aggravated by an inadequate fluid intake
Also, urinary tract infections are often a problem for people with MS, particularly when they have to undergo frequent catheterizations
Drinking cranberry juice may help by increasing urinary acidity and creating a hostile environment for bacteria