Every nerve cell (neuron) has a covering called the myelin sheath. In multiple sclerosis, this sheath is damaged and gets weaker and weaker with time. This results in symptoms like slowed-down movements and declining vision. The condition can affect anyone but is more common in adults over 30 than younger people. While doctors recommend many treatments for managing multiple sclerosis, patients must also follow a healthy nutrition plan. Here are a few foods to avoid.

Highly processed meat and foods
Many manufacturers add preservatives to foods to increase their shelf life. These preservatives can worsen the progression of multiple sclerosis. A few foods with preservatives are canned vegetables, crackers, and snacks. Processed meat like sausage and ham are equally harmful and should be kept off the menu. They are high in trans fat, which can lead to cardiovascular issues. Instead of buying ready-to-eat foods from the shelves of supermarkets, one should opt for market-fresh produce to manage the symptoms and avoid complications.

Sugary foods
Artificial sweeteners, soft drinks, chocolate, cookies, and pastries may raise blood sugar levels, which is bad for immune system function. It can worsen tiredness and lead to other complications like vision loss and nerve deterioration. While resisting sugary treats can be challenging, one must make a conscious effort to prevent the progression of the disease.

Salty foods
Most people know that meals high in salt may raise blood pressure. But studies have also found that salty foods can exacerbate multiple sclerosis symptoms. Therefore, patients must avoid French fries, pizza, cold cuts, and other processed and packaged foods. Home-cooked foods are always the best to control the amount of salt intake. While cooking at home may take some time, it provides many benefits in the long term.

Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee are safe for healthy people. But multiple sclerosis patients should avoid excessive amounts of caffeine. This is because large amounts of caffeine or caffeine derivatives can lead to insomnia, worsening the disorder. In addition to conventional treatments, restful sleep is vital to fight conditions affecting the neurological system. Caffeine use has been linked to irritability in the bladder, which may also make it difficult to fall asleep. If one has a habit of sipping coffee that is hard to break, they must reduce the quantity gradually until elimination is no longer an issue.

Deep-fried items
Since deep-fried foods like chips, French fries, and fried chicken contain a lot of oil and fat, it can trigger the immune system to worsen the existing symptoms. Fats and trans fats tend to increase the blood cholesterol level, which does not help in any way. It only increases the risk of heart disease. Besides unhealthy fats, most deep-fried foods contain high levels of salt, which, as mentioned, is known to make the condition worse. Fried items must be avoided regardless of the type of oil used for frying them. Even excessive vegetable oil can be a problem for those with this disorder.

A person is more likely to develop multiple sclerosis if a close relative has or has had the disorder. However, due to the lack of early warning symptoms, diagnosing in its early stages is challenging. Even if detected, it cannot be treated easily. It is only managed in most cases by using the right treatments and making suitable lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, exercising, and avoiding the trigger foods mentioned here. Depending on their situation, one can also visit a doctor to create a custom food plan. Besides providing nutrition-related advice, doctors can suggest other tips to improve the patient’s quality of life and relieve the symptoms.