Diet and MS
Good nutrition and eating habits are essential to managing your MS symptoms and your overall health. Many people gain weight after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, due to inactivity, depression or any number of factors. No matter what the reason, it’s important get back on track and shed those unhealthy pounds.
There are all kinds of diets, low-carb, low-fat, high-protein seaside, west coast, grapefruit and so on. You need to have an eating plan you can live with. You and your doctor can decide what eating plan works best for you. You can start by learning about how to eat right and live well.
Nutrition 101
All diets have one thing in common, they all talk about modifying the carbohydrates, fats and proteins in our diet—so let's take a basic look at each of these:
Carbohydrates ("carbs") are a large group of sugars, starches, celluloses, and gums that provide energy for the body. The majority of our total calories should come from "healthy" carbs. Our carbs should come from complex carbohydrates (starches) and naturally occurring sugars, not from processed or refined sugars. High-sugar foods are simple carbs that provide calories but minimal nutritional benefits.
Fats belong to a group of substances called lipids and are either in a liquid or solid form. All fats are combinations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Fat is important for the proper functioning of the body, including helping to control blood pressure, blood clotting and inflammation. When the body has used up the calories from carbohydrates, which often occurs after the first 20 minutes of directed exercise, it begins to burn the calories from fat.
Proteins are complex organic compounds. Our muscles, glands and organs are mainly protein. Every living cell and all body fluids, except bile and urine, contain protein. The cells of muscles, tendons, and ligaments are built upon and repaired with protein. A nutritionally balanced diet will provide adequate protein—there's no need to supplement.
Now that you have some idea of what carbs, fats and protein are, you can start developing a strategy for healthy eating. Start with these simple tips:
- Eat three or four balanced meals every day
- Limit your fast food intake to two meals per week
- Eliminate all sugary drinks (especially soda)
- Limit your alcohol beverages to one a day
- Drink at least 48 ounces of water each day
- Exercise at least 45 minutes five days a week
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night
Of course, speak to your doctor before starting any diet.
