According to the National MS Society, multiple sclerosis (commonly referred to as MS) is an immune-mediated process in which the body’s immune system response is directed at the CNS (central nervous system). Common symptoms of MS may include fatigue, loss of balance and trouble walking, difficulty seeing colors, poor contrast, and blurred vision, tingling and numbness. When someone has multiple sclerosis, their immune system attacks parts of the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that is critical to nervous system function. In turn, people have mild to serious limb impairment, weakness, and sensory and visual losses, in addition to bowel and bladder malfunction. Here, we list 3 foods linked to multiple sclerosis, and that should be avoided:

1. Trans fatty foods
Avoid food sources that are high in saturated fats, as they’re among the worst for MS. In landmark longitudinal research that started in 1954 and was led by Dr. Swank, data proved that diets which are low in saturated fats resulted in a decreased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. In 2003, follow-up research was performed with the same participants enrolled in original research, and they discovered that individuals with multiple sclerosis who followed “Swank’s diet” lived otherwise normal lives and lived longer. The study suggests that multiple sclerosis is caused by saturated fat sourced from animals and suggests an intake of less than 10 to 15 grams of saturated fat a day, including plant sources.

2. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are CNS depressants and have the possibility of worsening neurological symptoms or having additive effects once combined with multiple sclerosis medicine. While some research suggests that limited consumption of alcoholic beverages might suppress symptoms and may assist in reducing the progression of disability in relapsing onset multiple sclerosis, it has a neutral to detrimental impact in those who have progressive onset multiple sclerosis. But those who have MS might be more likely to abuse alcoholic beverages, and that may contribute to high depression rates. While alcoholic beverage intake isn’t generally suggested, you might want to consult your physician about your intake patterns and how it potentially could impact your multiple sclerosis.

3. Processed or cured meats
Ultra-processed food sources are the ones that usually contain a number of additives that lengthen their shelf-life and modify their flavor and color. What’s the link between MS and additives? Additives that are commonly utilized in processed foods may destroy intestinal mucosa and therefore weaken the natural immune system. Immune balance is crucial for preventing MS and for stopping and slowing the progression of MS. As a matter of fact, studies suggest that the routine intake of foods that have industrial food additives change the intestine’s tight junction permeability, and that might be an reason for the increasing incidence of autoimmune diseases upon a population level, including multiple sclerosis. While all foods undergo some type of processing, stick with consuming whole, fresh foods that contain all-natural ingredients. While there isn’t any miracle diet that’s definitively proven to treat or prevent MS, there’s plenty of studies on the roles of dietary patterns, as well as their influence upon the progression and onset of multiple sclerosis. There are various types of multiple sclerosis, and all underlying mechanisms that are behind their progression and appearance differ for each. In turn, the interaction beverages and foods have with various types of multiple sclerosis might vary. It’s vital that you discuss all dietary changes