Foods to eat to manage multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system. It is a common slow-progressing neurological and autoimmune disorder that destroys the coating that protects nerves. This affects the communication between the brain and the body, resulting in a number of symptoms. MS cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed to some extent with food and lifestyle changes. Here are some foods and medications that can help manage MS.
Foods to eat for managing multiple sclerosis
High fiber foods
Foods that are rich in fiber help nourish the gut bacteria, promote regular bowel movements, reduce the risk of constipation, and help manage cholesterol and blood pressure. Assorted beans, including navy, pinto, lima, kidney, soy, and black beans, split peas, and chickpeas, are loaded with fiber. Fibrous fruits and vegetables include broccoli, artichoke, potato, sweet potatoes, winter squash, pumpkins, avocados, pears, apples, oranges, bananas, and assorted berries. Whole grains like roasted green wheat, bulgur wheat, and pearled barley are also fiber-rich foods. These foods help overcome discomforts linked to MS.
Foods rich in healthy fats
Fish like salmon and mackerel contain essential polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 fatty acids) that help reduce the risk of MS. Assorted nuts, grains, and seeds are good sources of monosaturated fats that are considered healthy. Popular options include buckwheat, quinoa, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and almonds.
Foods rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential nutrients that help combat the oxidative damage caused to healthy cells triggered by chronic ailments. Antioxidant-rich foods include all foods that contain vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, selenium, manganese, and zeaxanthin. Dairy products and eggs are a good source of vitamin A while most fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, beta carotene, lycopene, and lutein. Whole grains, legumes, assorted nuts, and seeds are rich in vitamin E and selenium.
Foods rich in vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb other essential nutrients to combat a variety of chronic ailments. Different types of oily fish, fortified orange juice, fortified dairy products, and fortified cereals are loaded with vitamin D. These foods help reduce the risk of health complications associated with MS symptoms.
FDA approved medication for MS
Ponvory™ (Ponsimod)
Marketed under the brand name Ponvory™, Ponsimod belongs to a class of disease-modifying therapies. The FDA has approved the use of this oral tablet for relapsing multiple sclerosis after extensive clinical trials. These medications prevent certain white blood cells from affecting the central nervous system, mainly the brain and spinal cord.
Zeposia® MS treatment option
The FDA approved the prescription use of this medication only recently in 2020. Zeposia® is a once-a-day pill suggested for managing relapsing multiple sclerosis. It belongs to a class of immune modulators, as the pill works directly on the immune system and releases an active ozanimod receptor modulator that lowers the risk of relapse.