Anti-inflammatory Foods for Multiple Sclerosis Diet

Foods that help reduce body inflammation are recommended in a multiple sclerosis diet. Body inflammation may be classified as either temporary inflammation, or chronic inflammation. This inflammation triggers a stress response to the body, possibly causing a multitude of other symptoms. If these symptoms are taken for granted, body inflammation may cause death or severe damages on the nerve or brain cells and immune system.

Anti-inflammatory agents include herbs, spices, seeds, and nuts. Basil, chili pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, mint, and parsley have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts have protein and omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce body inflammation.

Aloe is the number one source of anti-inflammatory oils. Olive oils and vegetable oils have healthy fats that can also reduce inflammation. There are certain types of coffee and tea, like green tea, which reduces body inflammation. Seafood, such as mackerel, oysters, salmon, tuna, and sardines are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that prevent body inflammation.

Fruits and vegetables are excellent anti-inflammatory foods that should be included in a multiple sclerosis diet. Green and leafy vegetables are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals plus added antioxidant components. This vegetable type includes broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, cabbage, collards, green beans, green onions, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Common vegetables that fall under this category are usually included in vegetable salads.

Anti-inflammatory fruits that can be part of an MS diet include tomatoes, strawberries, papaya, mulberries, and raspberries. Limes, lemons, oranges, pineapples, and guavas are also rich in vitamins and minerals that reduce body inflammation. Other fruits that may be included are cherries, apples, and avocadoes, all of which are very common and available in farmer’s markets.

These food products can safely be included in a multiple sclerosis diet because they do not cause severe inflammation to the body. However, adhering to these anti-inflammatory foods will lose its essence if foods that can cause inflammation are not avoided. Excessive intake of saturated and trans fat can cause inflammation. Foods with high sugar content can also trigger severe inflammation. These are food products which are processed with added refined sugar. Of course, anything that a person is allergic to should also be avoided.