Immune system of our body is very important to keep our health parameters in control. Multiple sclerosis is immune system disorder in which body attacks its own nervous system by mistake. This can be very dangerous because it does not have a particular cure for it. However it can be controlled by reducing the factors that affect this condition and neutralising them. Diet plays a crucial role in reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Today we will look at some dietary changes that are required to bring down the symptoms of this autoimmune disease. For this we have Clinical Nutritionist Ms. Shilpa Singh from Fatima Hospital, Lucknow to tell about dietary changes in brief.
Dietary Changes To Reduce Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease and it is important to know which symptoms can be relieved by dietary changes. It involves
- Gut bacteria in immune disorder
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Flare-ups
- Inflammation due to multiple sclerosis
Nutritionist advices these changes in your diet to reduce symptoms of this autoimmune disease-
1. Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics help to improve gut health in maintaining immune system. Probiotics are useful for intestinal flora and provides good microorganisms that help elevate your health. Probiotic diet is very beneficial when it comes to bacterial issues. Bacteria present in the probiotic food items help to break down food into nutrients and aids the digestive system. This improves the health of immune system and benefits gut flora thriving in the intestines.
Probiotic food to include in diet are-
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
Prebiotics on the other hand does similar benefits. It nourishes the probiotic bacteria. Prebiotics help in increasing the effectiveness of the dietary fibres. Food having prebiotics are-
- Artichokes
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Asparagus
- Onions
- Chicory
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2. Eat More Fibre Based Food
Consuming more fibres in the diet are useful in reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Fibres are easy to digest and help digestive system to function well. It also relaxes the mind which is better for recovery and immune system. High levels of fibres are present in hte plant based food items which include the following-
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Brown rice
- Vegetables
- Nuts and Seeds
- Lentils
Eating these foods more in your diet can significantly improve your condition and have benefits on your health as well. It nourishes the good bacteria, promotes regular bowel movements and regulated blood pressure. Fibre based food are also helpful in keeping the heart healthy and manages cholesterol level in the body.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important in multiple sclerosis as it lowers the risk of this disease and improves immune system. According to the nutritionist, Vitamin-D improves bone strength which is connected to problems that worsens the condition of multiple sclerosis. Major source of vitamin-D is sunlight and people suffering from this autoimmune disease should opt for sunlight more than any other source of vitamin. Other sources of vitamin-D can be had through-
- Egg yolks
- Oily fish
- Dairy products
- Fortified cereals, yogurt and orange juice
4. Biotin
It is a form of Vitamin B which is necessary for our body and is healthy at the same time. Biotin is beneficial to reduce symptoms of progressive multiple sclerosis and helps with other problems related to autoimmune diseases. There are many foods that contain biotin and can be easily accommodated with your diet in one form or the other. These foods are-
- Whole wheat bread
- Eggs
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Sunflower seeds
5. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
There is good evidence that polyunsaturated fatty acids show reduced symptoms on patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. There fatty acids help to control inflammation in the body and support immune response. Infact according to a study by National Institute of Health, deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids can increase the risk of multiple sclerosis. It also boosts the bodily functions especially cardiac functions which is essential to improve MS. You can get these fatty acids from fish, salmon and some plant based oils.
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6. Antioxidants
Many vegetable-based foods have polyphenols in them that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These vegetable based food help to grow body cells that are killed by autoimmune response in the process. This prevents cell damage and production of healthy blood cells in the body.
Sources of polyphenols include the following category of foods-
- Fruits
- Spices
- Cereals
- Legumes
- Vegetables
- Herbs
- Tea leaves
Antioxidants are important for the body in general and prevent oxidative stress which is linked to many chronic conditions. Lack of antioxidants also increases the risk of neurological and cardiovascular diseases.
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