First and foremost, consult your physician/neurologist before taking any
supplements.
There are lots of people out there (mostly on the Internet) who will try to sell
you their homeopathic or wonder-supplement cures for MS. I think I have
tried the majority of them. I have a box full of supplements, herbal tonics,
etc. Some are beneficial; most are a waste of money. Keep in mind that I
am not a Nutritionist and don't claim to be one. These are just common
sense tips, and a few things I have learned through the experience of trial &
error.
Here is a short list of those things that, in my opinion, I believe to be
effective in alleviating some of the symptoms most of us with MS share:
Always start with a sensible diet. Certain kinds of foods are essential to
those with MS.
- Fiber is very important as bowel problems are very common
symptoms. Start the day with a cereal with bran (like Raisin Bran).
Eating this daily will keep you regular and make the bowel
difficulties easier to deal with.
- A lunch that includes fruit and/or a salad (any kind).
- A dinner that includes meat protein (Not too much red meat). Fish
like Salmon has beneficial oils that has Omega 3 fatty acids.
Vegetables of the green variety. And a starch (like potato or rice).
Avoid the temptation of Fast-food. They are high in fat and low in all
the other nutritional components. It should be called "Fat-food". It is
okay sometimes, but don't make it a habit.
- Finally, drink lots of water. Eight glasses a day is recommended. It's
not easy, but it makes the urinary difficulties many of us have easier
to manage and it keeps the body hydrated. Real Fruit Juice can be
substituted for a glass of water. Coffee in the morning is okay, but
limit it to one cup per day.
Supplements I recommend:
- A good multi-vitamin of the chewable variety. They digest easier, so
you get more of the nutrients; than if you take a vitamin pill.
- Salmon Oil Supplement. It is high in Omega 3 fatty acids and has
been shown to strengthen the brain/blood barrier and is conducive
to brain neuron growth.
- Panax Ginseng extract. It is better than coffee without the burnout.
This is particularly effective when the fatigue hits. Not 100%
effective, but it helps to mitigate the fatigue flare-up.
- A good Calcium supplement with vitamin A & D in it. It can help keep
the bones strong, particularly the spine. As we progress in disability,
this becomes more important.
These are my recommendations for diet and supplements. Once again, I
strongly suggest you discuss any supplement you are thinking of taking
with your Physician/Neurologist. If she/he cannot give you guidance, ask for
a referral to a Nutritionist.
Some links of interest:
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