Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes damage to the myelin sheath, which is a covering that protects the nerve fibers, and leads to several debilitating symptoms. It is a complex health disorder without any cure and its exact cause is unknown. However, lifestyle changes such as eating mindfully may help manage the condition. Certain types of foods worsen the symptoms and should be avoided.

Saturated fats
Saturated fats are mostly found in animal-based products and by-products. Additionally, they are present in certain types of oils. Saturated fats increase inflammation levels in the body as these raise the level of LDL or bad cholesterol. This increases the risk of heart disorders, which most people with multiple sclerosis are highly prone to have. So, it is best to avoid foods with saturated fats, such as:

• Red meat
• Full-fat dairy
• Butter
• Processed snacks, such as cakes, cookies, and chips
• Palm oil
• Coconut oil

Trans fats
Another group of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis is those containing trans fats. Just like saturated fats, trans fats also increase the level of inflammation in the body. Trans fats are known to increase inflammation levels within blood vessels. This can further increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions. The best way to avoid foods with trans fats is by looking at the labels of food packages. Always check out the label for terms such as “shortening” and “partially hydrogenated oil.” Some common foods with trans fats include:

• Commercially baked cookies
• Crackers
• Pie
• Margarine
• Microwave popcorn
• Refrigerated dough
• Non-dairy coffee creamer

Refined sugar
All foods contain sugar in natural forms such as sucrose and fructose. However, it is refined sugar that should be added to food with caution. An excess of refined sugar may cause several health issues. For those with multiple sclerosis, foods containing refined sugar must be avoided. This is because high levels of sugar can adversely impact the body and make it difficult to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. Additionally, having too many of these sugary foods can lead to brain fog, increased fatigue, and mood swings.

• Candy
• Soda
• Packaged pastries
• Sweet tea

Gluten
Gluten is a type of protein that is generally found in some millets and grains. In some cases, gluten can cause irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. For some with multiple sclerosis, gluten may trigger inflammation, leading to a flare-up of certain symptoms. If one wishes to go gluten-free, it is recommended that this is done only under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. In such cases, it is best to restrict the intake of foods that contain gluten, such as the following.

• Rye
• Barley
• Wheat
• Cereals
• Bread
• Cakes
• Crackers

Dairy
Casein is a type of protein that is found in dairy-based products. Similar to gluten, casein may trigger inflammation in some people. This is why some people are lactose intolerant. For some people with multiple sclerosis, casein may lead to a flare of symptoms. Moreover, several dairy-based foods are high in saturated fats, making it another potential inflammation trigger. So, it is advisable to reduce or eliminate these dairy products from meals.

• Cow’s milk
• Ice-cream
• Cream cheese
• Custard
• Butter
• High-fat dairy products

Processed foods
A common group of foods that must be limited or completely avoided are processed foods. All processed foods have ingredients that are not only bad for multiple sclerosis but also for overall health. They contain unhealthy fats, high amounts of refined sugar, and artificial additives. These foods may trigger inflammation in the body, aggravating and worsening multiple sclerosis symptoms.

• Frozen dinners
• Microwaveable meals
• Packaged snacks
• Sweetened breakfast cereals
• Deli meats
• Frozen pizza

Nightshade vegetables
A chemical known as solanine is found in several nightshade vegetables. This chemical may trigger inflammation in some cases. This is why those who have autoimmune health disorders are usually advised to avoid or limit the intake of nightshade vegetables. For those with multiple sclerosis, it is recommended to observe whether eating these vegetables causes any flare-ups.

• Tomatoes
• Eggplants
• Bell peppers
• Jalapeno
• Chili peppers
• Hot peppers
• White potatoes
• Tomatillos
• Okra
• Sorrel

Aspartame
Aspartame is a type of artificial sweetener. An excess of aspartame in everyday meals can cause several health issues. It has been associated with certain neurological symptoms like dizziness, headaches, muscle weakness, and so on. For those with multiple sclerosis, the intake of aspartame can worsen the symptoms. So, it is recommended to read the labels of these foods and avoid the ones that contain aspartame.

• Zero-sugar beverages
• Sugar-free gums
• Processed foods
• Sugar substitutes
• Sugar-free ice creams
• Reduced-calorie fruit juices
• Reduced sugar ketchup
• Light yogurts
• No-sugar energy bars
• Sugar-free salad dressings

Processed meats
Processed meats are preserved meats made by curing, drying, smoking, salting, or canning. Hence, these are high in sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats. All of these combined are major triggers of inflammation for those with multiple sclerosis. Additionally, the preservatives and artificial additives in processed meat can worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms. Thus, eating too much-processed meat may trigger a flare-up of symptoms. It is advisable to reduce or eliminate the following processed meat and opt for lean protein options such as chicken, fish, and plant-based sources.

• Bacon
• Hot dogs
• Sausage
• Pepperoni
• Corned beef
• Ham
• Salami
• Bologna

Refined carbs
Refined carbs are processed carbohydrates. An increased intake of foods containing refined carbs can increase blood sugar levels. This can affect overall health and increase the risk of several issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorder, and health issues related to high blood pressure. These foods will aggravate multiple sclerosis and cause frequent flare-ups.

• White rice
• White bread
• Pasta
• White flour
• Bagels
• Waffles
• Corn syrup