Multiple Sclerosis: Central Nervous System (CNS)

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MS research paper http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx what is MS? Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease. The body’s own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The nerve fibers themselves can also be damaged.…show more content…
But they also tend to cut healthy high-fiber and vitamin-rich grains, fruits and vegetables. They allow protein and fat-rich foods, like meat, cheese, cream, butter and eggs, in unlimited quantities. Special considerations for people with MS * Fatigue—Ketones can curb appetite, but they can also cause fatigue. This can compound an already significant problem for someone with MS. * Bone health—Changes in mobility and periodic use of steroids may put people with MS at increased risk for osteoporosis, a state where the bones become porous and brittle. High–protein diets not only limit some calcium sources, they can cause the body to lose calcium. * Constipation—MS can contribute to chronic constipation. A diet rich in fiber and fluids, along with exercise, is important to help manage this problem. Long-term safety The verdict is still out on the long-term safety of low-carb diets. They tend to be high in total fat, especially saturated animal fat, which has been linked to heart disease, cancer, and perhaps even MS. The low-carb craze also restricts fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This can result in deficiencies of valuable vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants and fiber. All of these are important to long-term good…show more content…
Nutrition and Supplements These nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms: * Eliminate all suspected food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), soy, chocolate, corn, preservatives, and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for food allergies. * Eat more antioxidant rich foods (such as green, leafy vegetables and peppers) and fruits (such as blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries). * Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar. * Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein. * Use healthy oils in foods, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. * Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in such commercially baked goods as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine. * Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco. * Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily. * Exercise moderately, if tolerated, at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week. You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following

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