Multiple sclerosis (MS) is diseases which affects myelin, the protective sheath that covers the nerves. The cause of this condition is not well established. However, the underlying mechanism that leads to the damage of covers of the nerves is known to be caused by body's own immune system or the failure of body's ability to produce the myelin cells.

Regardless, damage to the myelin disrupts the communication of your body with the brain and spinal cord. These are the primary affected organs and for this reason Multiple sclerosis is called the disease of the Central Nervous System. Progression of this condition can lead to deterioration of nerves that may result in irreversible neurological problems.

How to manage?

Being a complex disease, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be highly varied. The symptoms range from fatigue, vision related problems to difficulty in walking and losing the ability to speak clearly. Most symptoms may not be experienced by all and not at the same time. While Multiple sclerosis has no cure, treatment with drugs, exercise, physiotherapy and diet will manage the symptoms and delay the progression of the disease.

Diet for Multiple sclerosis – Paleo diet

It is increasingly believed with evidence that going back to dietary pattern of the ancestors in the Paleolithic era can be a huge boost in managing the disease. The diets we follow are known to be deficient in vitamin B complex, C, K, omega-3-fatty acids, etc. These nutrients are required by the insulating cover of the nerves, myelin to function properly. These nutrients are available in plenty in Paleo foods.

How Paleo can defeat Multiple sclerosis?

Majority of us consume a high amount of processed foods every day. This type of diet not only restricts your nutrient intake, it also has harmful toxics that are not required by your body. The lack of essential nutrients in your diet can increase the progression of Multiple sclerosis.

The Paleo diet that mimics the eating habits of our ancestors restricts all processed foods - cereals, legumes, refined sugar, oils from the diet. On the other hand, vegetables, meats, sea foods, fishes, fruits, nuts, seeds, unprocessed oilsare included in the diet. Following Paleo diet provides the necessary nutrients required for proper function of myelin and can thus prevent the progression of the diseases and reduce the symptoms.

Fats found in processed oils are highly oxidized and can affect the cell membrane and distort the cell functions. For this reason, you should stick to unprocessed oils recommended in Paleo diet like olive, macadamia, coconut, etc.

Further, you should know that sugar can be toxic to your body. It can lead to inflammation or instigate auto-immune diseases and more. By eliminating sugar from your diet, like in Paleo, you protect your body from many debilitating conditions. Dairy products are also known to escalate Multiple sclerosis.

Thus, eliminating processed foods, sugar, and refined oils is known to show significant improvement in the disease condition. Also, the Paleo diet as opposed to the typical diet followed by us (devoid or contains very little fruits, vegetables and healthy meats) will generally keep you healthy.

Check out Dieting Revisited, the complete paleo guide to get more information on the benefits of paleo diet, the value of good sleep, how to lower your blood pressure & more. You can take free online test to find your metabolism type and burn your fat with paleo diet.