Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks a part of the body called the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS controls functions such as the ability to walk, function, and think. For people with MS, the immune system gets overwhelmed with confusion and starts attacking. Normally, a layer of cells called the blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents harmful substances from entering the brain and optic nerves. With MS, the white blood cells get through the BBB and mistakenly attack myelin, the white fatty substance that protects your brain nerves. Unfortunately, this is the beginning of the inflammation attack for MS people. This inflammation enemy in your body causes changes or new lesions, relapses, and increased difficulty with having a normal functional life. Nutrition is not a cure but plays an important role in improving your quality of life. An option would be to try to follow a Paleo-type protocol with eating like the "Paleolithic era" and there are different variants of the diet. Paleo has great qualities like being high in antioxidants, fiber, potassium while being low in simple carbohydrates, sugar, and sodium. It discourages foods that are processed or have artificial ingredients and colorings. It emphasizes organic and non-GMO foods and grass-fed meat options. It may kick-start weight loss and improve blood sugar and lipid profiles. So what about Wahls Diet for MS? Wahls protocol was discovered by a doctor named Terry Wahls which in fact was diagnosed with MS. He develops a diet that has counterparts of the Paleo diet to relieve symptoms. Also, a number of studies have shown that people who get more sun exposure and vitamin D in their diet have a lower risk of MS. Experts also need to better understand how vitamin D might affect MS. When a person has MS, his or her immune system attacks the coating that protects the nerve cells (myelin). Research suggests that a connection between vitamin D and MS could be tied to the positive effects vitamin D has on the immune system. The connection between vitamin D and MS is strengthened by the association between sunlight and the risk of MS. The Institute of Medicine recommends 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day for adults up to age 70. The recommendation increases to 800 IUs a day for adults age 71 and older. The recommendation for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding is 600 IUs per day. Research studies have indicated that taking 400 IUs or more of vitamin D per day significantly decreases the risk of MS in women. MS is challenging, but through nutrition and wellness tactics, I believe that your life can be manageable. Every individual with MS has a story to tell and our customized nutrition and wellness approach for the individual can help you with a better quality of life.
