Summary: Multiple sclerosis sufferers often complain of more severe disease symptoms after consuming dairy products. Researchers have now found a possible cause for this. According to the study, a protein in cow's milk can trigger inflammation that targets the 'insulating layer' around nerve cells.
Cow's Milk
Cow's milk contains not only saturated fat but also proteins that may negatively impact some people who have MS, according to past research.
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.
ice cream) affect MS differently but this is not yet known. 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.
Overcoming MS diet
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.
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.
“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.
Research shows hot chocolate could help reduce fatigue
Our research shows Flavonoids found in cocoa could help reduce fatigue in people with relapsing MS.
Most people would agree that any excuse to eat chocolate is a good one, but in the case of people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), it appears that chocolate may have added health benefits.
Lifestyle Factors and MS Progression
We know lifestyle factors such as eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, exercising regularly, and taking vitamin D are helpful for our overall health. Some, like exercise, can help with MS symptoms, prevent complications, and possibly be neuroprotective.
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.
The Overcoming MS diet
The OMS diet recommendations are similar to the Swank diet. It advises cutting out dairy and meat, and eating less fat – particularly saturated fat. It also recommends flaxseed oil as an omega 3 supplement and vitamin D supplements if you don't get out in the sun much.
Some people with MS may have only mild symptoms. Others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk when communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted. Myelin is the fatty tissue that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. In MS, the myelin is destroyed in many areas.
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.
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.
Countless studies show a link between food and overall wellbeing. But there's no evidence to suggest that following a certain diet can prevent, treat, or cure MS.
“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.
True flares can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or months, per the NMSS.
It is not recommended to consume low fat dairy products on the Overcoming MS program as they 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.
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.
Inflammatory and immune responses in MS are related to high sodium intake levels. Comorbidities associated with MS are potentially mediated by responses to high sodium intake, providing additional evidence implicating sodium toxicity as a cause of MS.