Multiple sclerosis diet - dietary therapy for multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). At the anatomical level, multiple sclerosis is characterized by the sporadic occurrence of multiple "plaques" or lesions of inflammation in the white matter of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves separated both in location and time, with a
resultant loss of the myelin sheath. This myelin sheath, which is synthesized by oligodendrocytes, serves as an insulation for axons, which are responsible for accelerating the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain and spinal cord.
The main role of multiple sclerosis diet is to enable people to manage common problems which include fatigue, incontinence and constipation and to help them avoid exacerbating other symptoms. Currently dietary regimens advertised as being beneficial or even curative for multiple sclerosis symptoms follow three basic hypotheses of the cause of multiple sclerosis: excess of or deficiency in a food, allergic reaction to a food and toxic effects of a food. So the general rules of a dietary therapy is: Eat a diet high in protein and anti-inflammatory oils (nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish); orange, yellow, and dark green vegetables; Whole grains - such as whole wheat, brown rice, oats and whole grain corn - provide a fiber boost to the carbohydrates in your diet Avoid food allergens such as wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, citrus, tomatoes, corn, chocolate, fish, and peanuts - eliminate these foods, then reintroduce one at a time, watching for reactions. Many individuals with multiple sclerosis are sensitive to foods that contain gluten. Eliminate refined foods, alcohol, caffeine, saturated fats (animal products), and additives (multiple sclerosisG and aspartame). Individuals with multiple sclerosis should follow the American Heart Association guidelines on fat intake
Omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids might slow the progress of the disease and reduce the severity and duration of relapses. It is suggested to havemega-6 oils (borage, evening primrose, black currant oils) 1,500 mg two to three times per day. Include zinc (30 mg per day) and selenium (200 mcg per day). As the diet may contain high levels of polyunsaturates, a good intake of vitamin E, vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin C is needed. Vitamin E is the main antioxidant that helps prevent peroxidation of polyunsaturates and vitamin C helps to protect vitamin E. Zinc and vitamin B6 are part of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase which is involved in conversion of linoleic acid (found in polyunsaturated fat and oils) to its longer chain derivatives. Alcohol inhibits the vital conversion process of essential fatty acids, increases the level of saturated fat in the blood and depletes the body's supply of valuable nutrients. So drink alcohol in moderation Smoking also depletes blood levels of vitamin C and can worsen the symptoms of the disease.
More information on multiple sclerosis
What is multiple sclerosis? - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system characterized by the hardening of patches of tissue in the brain and spinal cord.
What causes multiple sclerosis? - Multiple sclerosis is caused by an unknown agent that gradually destroys the myelin covering, or sheath, of nerve fibers, resulting in a temporary interruption.
Is multiple sclerosis inherited? - Multiple sclerosis is a typical complex trait and susceptibility is genetically determined. People with MS inherit certain regions on individual chromosomes more often than people without MS.
What's the typical course of multiple sclerosis? - Multiple sclerosis is recognized as occurring with seven different patterns. Multiple sclerosis starts with an acute flare-up of symptoms within hours to days.
Who is at the risk of multiple sclerosis? - Multiple sclerosis affects women almost twice as frequently as men. Climate, diet, geomagnetism, toxins, sunlight, genetic factors, and infectious diseases are risk factors for multiple sclerosis.
What types of multiple sclerosis are there? - Multiple sclerosis have different patterns including relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis.
What're the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis? - The first symptoms of multiple sclerosis are often visual changes. Later symptoms may include fatigue, muscle spasticity and stiffness, tremors, paralysis, pain.
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed? - A definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis requires evidence for dissemination of lesions within the central nervous system both in space and in time.
What's the treatment for multiple sclerosis? - The treatment of multiple sclerosis aims at decreasing the rate and severity of relapse, reducing the number of lesions, delaying the progression of the disease.
What's prognosis of multiple sclerosis? - Most people with multiple sclerosis will be able to continue to walk and function at their work for many years after their diagnosis.
Dietary therapy for multiple sclerosis - The main role of diet in multiple sclerosis is to enable people to manage common problems which include fatigue, incontinence and constipation.
Nutritional supplements for multiple sclerosis - Nutritional therapy is used for alleviating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis or altering the natural course of the disease.
Does multiple sclerosis affect pregnancy? - Multiple sclerosis has no adverse effects on the course of pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Pregnancy doesn't affect the long term course of the disease.
Can vitamin D reduce multiple sclerosis risk? - Vitamin D supplements may positively influence the immune systems of patients with multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D has a beneficial influence on ongoing multiple sclerosis.