Not everyone with MS is dairy intolerant. Those who do not tolerate dairy should avoid it by avoiding dairy-containing foods. Highly processed dairy substitutes (example: certain dairy free “yogurts” and “cheeses”) should be limited to benefit overall health.
Given the potential risks for people with MS of consuming dairy products, despite a lack of conclusive evidence, Overcoming MS recommends avoiding cow's milk products as part of the Overcoming MS program.
Vitamin D-Rich Foods
It may also help curb the inflammation that fuels MS symptoms. Sunlight helps your skin make the nutrient, but oily fish like salmon or tuna, yogurt, eggs, cereals, and fortified orange juice are good food sources. You may also want to ask your doctor if you should take a vitamin D supplement.
Many foods we eat today can cause inflammation which is something you want to avoid when you are living with multiple sclerosis. There are many foods that can cause inflammation in the body. Processed foods, dairy products, red meat, and fried foods are some of the most common offenders.
Research shows hot chocolate could help reduce fatigue
Our research shows Flavonoids found in cocoa could help reduce fatigue in people with relapsing MS.
Whole Grains Prepare a whole grain such as oatmeal or quinoa with milk, or part milk and part water. Serve it with berries and walnuts for flavor and a nutrient boost. Toast With Avocado or Guacamole Buying guacamole in single-serving cups, such as those from Wholly Guacamole, will save you time.
Ways to Treat a Flare-Up
The goal is to bring down the inflammation that caused your symptoms. Your doctor will likely prescribe a steroid drug. Steroids curb inflammation and can help you get over a relapse faster.
The overcoming MS (OMS) diet is a plant-based diet that also includes fish and seafood, but cuts out all processed foods, eggs, meat, dairy, and saturated fats. The diet usually includes daily supplements of flaxseed oil or fish oil.
“It omits dairy foods, eggs, grains, legumes, and certain vegetables, all of which are highly nutritious.” Some people with MS end up cutting certain foods because they can't get around well or have fatigue, making it a challenge to shop for and cook the dishes they prefer.
In conclusion, it appears that drinking a moderate amount of caffeine shouldn't have any ill-effect on people with MS. However it is up to you whether you choose to consume caffeine depending on whether you enjoy it and how it affects you. So you can keep enjoying your almond milk latte or morning espresso.
It is not recommended to consume 'lactose-free' milk on the Overcoming MS program as it still contains dairy – therefore butrophilin – the protein in cows milk which we advise avoiding if you have MS. Replace dairy products instead with plant-based alternatives such as soy, oat or almond milk.
High doses of other vitamins can antagonize your immune-modulating, immunosuppressive therapies used to manage MS. Supplements that stimulate the immune system should be avoided in high doses. Those include selenium, zinc, B1, B2, folic acid, B6, vitamin A, biotin, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
“Good options include 100 percent whole-grain crackers or bread sticks with low-fat cheese; fresh fruit; plain, low-fat, or fat-free yogurt; low-fat granola; a glass of low-fat or skim milk; and frozen blueberries,” says Elizabeth Somer, RD, the author of several books on nutrition, including Eat Your Way to Happiness.
Look for bread that lists as the first ingredient whole wheat, whole rye, or some other whole grain — and even better, one that is made with only whole grains, such as 100 percent whole wheat bread.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, an anti-inflammatory diet should include foods like tomatoes, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, and fruits like strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges. There's some evidence that consuming these foods could be beneficial for MS.
Multiple sclerosis is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking the brain and nerves. It's not clear why this happens but it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Stress Impacts All Health Conditions, Including MS
“I don't know of a single medical condition that is not adversely affected by stress, and there is evidence that stress can worsen the symptoms and the disease of MS,” says Robert Fox, MD, a neurologist at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Cleveland Clinic.
The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. It's considered an immune mediated disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
Research tells us exercise can help you manage multiple sclerosis symptoms, including fatigue, and problems with balance and walking. Exercising can also: improve your mood.
If you do decide to enjoy an occasional glass of wine or beer, know that it could ramp up certain symptoms of MS. Even one drink can make issues like unsteadiness worse. “If you have a lot of trouble with balance, thinking, or memory symptoms from MS, it may be better to avoid alcohol altogether,” says Graves.