Most of us know eating certain foods can help keep us healthier, while others could put the kibosh on our well-being. If you have multiple sclerosis, the ingredients in your meal may matter even more. “Poor food choices can lead to inflammatory changes that might worsen MS and also contribute to disabling symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive changes and bowel and bladder function,” explains Dr. E.J. Gettings, assistant professor of neurology at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
Symptoms of the autoimmune disease MS are caused by damage to the covering of neurons (myelin sheath) whose job it is to send signals between the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. A faulty sheath causes the central nervous system to misfire messages.
But there’s no confusion when it comes to this message: Sticking to a nutritious diet can be crucial when you have MS. “We typically recommend heart-healthy meals high in fiber and fresh vegetables, and low in fat, refined sugar and processed foods,” Gettings says. “That because there’s a growing body of research showing a link between certain foods and worsening MS symptoms.”
[See: 10 Seemingly Innocent Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore.]
Here are the top foods you should try to avoid when planning your meals:
Saturated fats are mainly animal-based (red meat, butter and cheese). “These foods raise your LDL or so-called ‘bad cholesterol,'” which can lead to conditions ranging from atherosclerosis to heart attack and stroke, explains Dr. Robert Fallis, a neurologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Saturated fats are particularly harmful to women. A study in the September 2013 issue of Multiple Sclerosis reported that cardiac issues including heart attack, stroke, heart failure and even atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) are more common in women than men. “Often our patients become more sedentary because of physical disabilities, and if they’re not exercising, their risk of heart problems increases. So we prefer that all our patients, women and men, choose foods that won’t raise their LDL and put them at further cardiac risk,” Fallis says.
Gluten, a protein found in wheat, grain, barley and their derivatives, is most commonly found in wheat products (bread, pasta, cakes), plus foods such as couscous and semolina, beer, ale and liquors made from certain grains. Patients with autoimmune diseases, including MS, have a higher rate of celiac disease (which involves an intolerance for gluten) according to research reported in the 2011 issue of BMC Neurology. The study looked at the prevalence of celiac disease in 72 MS patients and their 126 relatives compared with 123 healthy controls. “Even if MS patients haven’t been diagnosed with celiac disease, if they’re experiencing tummy upset when certain foods are eaten, particularly gluten, it’s a good plan to simply eliminate it from their diet,” Fallis suggests.
[See: 5 Rare Diseases You’ve Never Heard of (Until Now).]
Sugar offers a double dose of dietary bad news. It contains a lot of empty calories that can lead to overweight, and those added pounds also contribute to fatigue. “A common disabling symptom of many people living with MS is fatigue,” Gettings says. “A diet high in processed sugar and simple carbohydrates can cause frequent swings between high and low blood sugar, and these swings can worsen fatigue in MS patients.”
Sodium in high quantities may contribute to relapse (the flaring up of symptoms), reports a study published in the 2014 issue of Neurology. “Those findings are controversial,” Fallis says. “But what we do know with certainty is that extra salt causes water retention and that can make people feel puffy, bloated and uncomfortable. When you have difficulty getting around, feeling uncomfortable in your skin can compound the problem.” There’s an added snag with salt. “MS patients may be taking in more sodium than they realize because OTC drugs such as ibuprofen (frequently taken to relieve pain) can cause salt to be retained, especially in older adults,” Fallis says. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams a day with an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mgs per day for most adults — especially for people dealing with health problems such as MS.
“Processed and prepackaged foods are part of our culture,” Fallis says. “So, I have trouble telling my patients to cut them out of their diets completely, especially if they live in an urban area where fresh foods are less available.” Nonetheless, packaged cookies and crackers and other processed items are filled with trans fats such as shortening and hydrogenated shortening. “Trans fats can boost systematic inflammation, and that can increase a patient’s risk for vascular problems,” Gettings says. “It’s best to eat as little as possible of these kinds of foods.”
[See: The Best Foods for Sleep.]
Cow’s milk is not only high in saturated fat, but a 2010 study in the journal Autoimmune Disease found that there are two proteins in cow’s milk that can negatively affect people with MS. The reason? It stimulates immune cells and causes lesions to be created. These particular proteins in the milk mimic a part of the myelin sheath believed to trigger autoimmune reactions in MS patients. “There’s disagreement about whether this study holds water, but for people who have lactose intolerance, cow’s milk can cause stomach upset and inflammation,” Fallis says. “If that’s the case, I suggest MS patients stay away from it.”
Other foods or drink to consider avoiding or at least consuming in moderation? Studies show MS patients are three times more likely to report sleep problems. If sleep is an issue for you, try skipping an afternoon cup of coffee or a second glass of wine in the evening. Both can keep you awake at night.
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5 Foods to Avoid if You Have MS originally appeared on usnews.com