Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by Cathy
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Its cause is multifactorial and includes genetic predisposition along with environmental factors. An anti-inflammatory diet can help soothe chronic inflammation.
Acute inflammation is a good thing, it’s how your body fights invaders. When you catch a cold or cut your finger your body sends signals to the injury. It’s part of the healing process. However, chronic inflammation is different. This is when the inflammation continues nonstop. Over time the body begins attacking nearby healthy tissues and organs.
For people with MS, the immune system attacks the central nervous system. MS damages the protective myelin sheath around nerves. This causes a loss of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It can eventually lead to permanent damage and disability.
There are disease-modifying therapies but they are not able to stop the progression. Plus, they come with horrible side effects like heart and liver damage, and even death. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet and living a healthy lifestyle can stop the progression. Doctors don’t always agree with this but I am living proof that it works.
Standard American Diet
The standard American diet (SAD) includes highly processed foods. They are full of artificial ingredients and sugar. Most Americans rarely eat the recommended amount of vegetables per day – french fries don’t count. That’s only 2-3 cups per day for adults.
The best way to soothe and reduce chronic inflammation is by eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Plant-based foods are full of potent nutrients that fight inflammation. When you eat these foods your symptoms begin to calm down.
Changing from the SAD to an anti-inflammatory diet can be a life-changer. I’ve been strictly eating an anti-inflammatory diet for many years. I don’t currently take any MS drugs and I haven’t taken any since 2004 and I’m still walking.
To manage my MS I eat an anti-inflammatory diet and live a healthy lifestyle. This is the best thing I ever did for my MS. I not only put my MS into remission but I also learned how to cook delicious meals from scratch. My husband and I rarely go out to eat at restaurants. I don’t miss it because my meals are healthy and nourishing for my body. I would rather take a bite of food that leads to wellness rather than disease.
Since you are here I believe you would like to get your MS into remission using food as your medicine. By eating foods that fight inflammation you are supporting your immune system. This will allow your body to heal. This is not a temporary diet, it’s a lifetime choice. Your health lies in every decision you make, you have the power to change. You should be proud of yourself for taking charge and improving your health.
Foods to Avoid
Your food choices can either calm inflammation or make it worse. Cheating is not an option, you will only be hurting yourself. Always read the ingredients, if you don’t know what it is or can’t pronounce it you should avoid it.
Foods to avoid:
- Gluten – a protein that can cause a leaky gut
- Grains – can be tough to digest, often contain gluten, and can cross-react with gluten
- Dairy – is associated with numerous autoimmune diseases and has growth hormones and antibiotics
- Processed foods – loaded with artificial ingredients, promote diseases
- Refined sugar – it’s addictive, increases the risk of many diseases, and drains your energy
- Legumes – soy and peanuts are common allergens
- Unhealthy fats – man-made fats and refined oils such as canola, margarine, or trans fat
The Powerhouse of Food
If you are currently eating the SAD you may be wondering what’s left to eat. Fortunately, there are plenty of foods that create healthy, satisfying, and delicious meals. Vegetables should be the main thing you’re eating, eat them as your main meal, snacks, smoothies, etc.
Vegetables are the powerhouse for antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They’re packed with nutrients that help lower inflammation in your body. Eat as many vegetables as you can every day.
Eat fruit every day but in smaller amounts to control your blood sugar. Berries are best since they are lower in sugar. Pineapple contains a substance called bromelain. Bromelain has beneficial immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Dr. Terry Wahls, the author of The Wahls Protocol, recommends eating nine cups every day. That includes one cup of fruit. You should aim for 3 cups of each:
- Dark leafy greens
- Sulfur (asparagus, broccoli, bok choy, onions, etc.)
- Colorful all the way through (including fruit)
Foods That Heal
Don’t forget to include herbs with your meals, herbs like basil. cinnamon, garlic, ginger, thyme, and turmeric. They not only add a boost of flavor but are also used as medicinal herbs for healing. They can lower blood pressure, inflammation, and fight infections.
Don’t be afraid of healthy fats like avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. Coconut oil gets a bad rap for being a saturated fat but it’s high in auric acid which enriches brain function. Olive oil contains polyphenols that help to lower inflammation.
Include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. Fatty fish include anchovies, halibut, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna. Tuna is also high in mercury so I don’t eat it since I have a high level of mercury in my body.
Healthy fats are essential to improving your health and rebuilding myelin.
Snack on nuts and seeds, they include healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Don’t eat peanuts, they are a legume and not a nut. Chia, flaxseeds, hemp, and walnuts are high in omega-3 and help fight inflammation. – Eat these in moderation.
Refined sugars increase inflammation but natural sweetness supports a healthier immune system. Raw honey has digestive enzymes and healing amino acids that help the immune system. Maple syrup is rich in antioxidants, is high in nutrients, and fights inflammation.
Bone broth supports digestive health and is highly nutritious. Try drinking a cup of bone broth first thing in the morning before eating. After fasting all night it is very healing and helps heal a leaky gut. Bone broth also helps to reduce joint pain.
Quick Links To Information In This Post:
Beef Bone Broth
Tips To Heal Your Leaky Gut
Gut Health And Multiple Sclerosis
Soothe Chronic Inflammation with Food
Don’t make eating an anti-inflammatory diet complicated. Planning and staying organized will help as you switch to a healthier diet. Menu planning and preparing ahead can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
The easiest way to lower chronic inflammation:
- Eat a huge salad every day
- Swap coffee for green tea
- Include herbs in your meals
- Exercise
- Go to be early
- Learn to manage stress
- Consider a fast to heal your leaky gut
Leftovers are excellent to eat the next day as breakfast or lunch. They are also good to freeze and eat on another day when you don’t feel like cooking. Get your whole family involved with preparing meals – make it a fun event.
Want to remember this health tip? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board!
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5830904/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241505/
Soothe Chronic Inflammation with Food
