Multiple Sclerosis, or MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, which is classified as the central nervous system. What happens is the body’s immune system sees its own tissue as antigens and tries to get rid of this harmful invader.
This creates what doctors refer to as lessons or plaque along the myelin sheath. These exposed areas are so damaged that it’s difficult for them to send electronic signals up to the brain, this causes the symptoms to occur.
Why Me?
Although researches hasn’t pinpointed why people suffer from this disease, it’s thought that genetics, EBD virus, diet and Vitamin d defiance play a part in this disorder. Some believe childhood trauma has something to do with it as well.
Here Today Gone Tomorrow
Many people who suffer with multiple Sclerosis has a variety of symptoms. Sometimes these problems last a long time, while others leave as quickly as they started. This is thought to be the result of the lessons placement. Of course, there are the lucky few who’s diagnosed with MS, but don’t have any symptoms at all.
Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of Multiple sclerosis include; bowel and bladder incontinent, muscle spasms, poor balance, unsteady movements. They might experience difficulty with ambulation and transferring, due to dizziness, tremors, and weakened muscles.
MS can sometimes be a painful disease. Generally the pain is felt in their face back and neck, but the pain can vary, depending on the plaque
Because of the irregular electrical impulses, a person with MS could have tingly, prickling or numbness in their upper and lower extremities.
The disease can make a person become fatigued, anxious, depressed. Some have reported vision loss.
How Do I Stop the Annoying Symptoms?
Although there isn’t a cure for this disease, yet, there are things you can do to decrease the symptoms. One of them is to minimize foods that increase your symptoms while eating healthy.
Some researchers believe eating a Paleo diet helps, while others say eating healthy is enough. Since there isn’t enough evidence to prove, or disprove either theory I decided to include them both.
Paleo Diet
It’s suggested to eat a minimum of 3 cups of green leafy vegetables a day. This would include vegetables like; kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, collard, spinach, sweet chard, romaine, iceberg lettuce, cabbage and broccoli.
In addition to the above, you need to eat sulfur rich vegetables. This would include anything in the onion and cabbage family like; broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, cress, bok, Choy and kohlrabi
You should also eat fruits and vegetables that are high in antitoxins. Some of them include. Red beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, prunes, apples, cherries, plums, pecan and artichoke. We can’t forget all of the berries; blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry and cranberry.
For the meat you should eat organic lean meat and fish. You should include organ meat and seaweed at least once a week.
For Healthy Eating
It’s suggested to eat 4 servings of vegetables a day. Each serving size should be approximate ½ cup.
You should also eat 4 servings of fruit. One serving can be a medium raw fruit or 1/2 cup of fruit.
You should eat lean meat and fish. Don’t exceed 6 Oz of meat a day.
Also include 4-5 servings of nuts, legumes, or seeds.
Lastly include 6-8 servings of whole grains.
Although the amount varies between the two, both suggest you stay away from the following items; dairy, corn, soy, gluten and eggs. They’re shown to cause allergic reactions in people with MS.
They also advise you not to eat foods that contain flour, sugar and yeast. These food products increase the inflammation, which exacerbates the pain and swelling associated with this disease. Sugar also increases blood sugar levels and when this level drops it can cause an increase in fatigues.
When you choose your food make sure it is gluten free and only eat gluten free whole grains. Because wheat is widely used, you need to read the labels carefully.
You should also exclude any foods that are processed. They contain high amounts of saturated fats, which increases inflammation. Saturated fats are also known to clog arteries and this can cause other heart related issues. Cookies and crackers contain the highest amount of saturated fats. Regular cooking oils contain a high amounts of saturated fat. So it’s a good idea to switch to olive oil, cannoli oil or coconut oil.
Trans fats are another artery clogging fat. It’s often found in store bought baked goods so you should avoid them as well.
The junk foods that we love so well contain practically everything that I’ve suggested you should omit. Not only will it increase your pain it is a very good way to gain weight. In addition, it bogs down the immune system which makes it hard for your body to fight infection. Research has also shown that it can cause insomnia. So try to stay away from these foods as much as possible.
– Central nervous system stimulants like caffeine, tobacco and alcohol should be excluded.
– Aspartame often used in diet pop and candy is another CNS stimulant that shouldn’t be consumed.
– Additives and presertivies is considered to stimulate your CNS and should be avoided.
– There is a specific group of vegetables known as nightshade vegetables that has shown to increase a person’s pain sensitivity, so they should not be consumed. They include potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant.
Supplements
Both of these diets agree that food is the best vitamin source, but if your diet is lacking a supplement is a good alternative. Here are a few supplements that they suggest; multivitamin, omega 3, omega 6, calcium with vitamin d, COQ10, cod-liver oil, Acetyl-L, magnesium, N acetyl, zinc L-theanine.
Herbs
Some of the suggested Herbs include; wood Betony, turmeric, selenium, probiotics, peppermint, oat seed, oat straw, Chinese hemp seed, ginger and Echinacea.
Check with your doctor first,before beginning any supplement.
