Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, causing a situation where your nervous system gets blocked. Such a condition interrupts nerve signals and results in symptoms such as numbness, fatigue, movement problems, vision problems, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Eating wholesome, healthy and nutritious food is important to tackle any form of a disease. The same goes for this condition as well.

Maintaining a proper food regime is essential for anyone with a chronic disorder like MS. It helps in increasing your energy level and promotes good bowel movement. Although there aren’t foods that can cure MS, eating low-fat, high-fiber food that includes vegetables and fruits can help. The priority is to promote and develop the overall health of the patient.

Foods to eat

Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are the healthiest choices to make not just for an MS patient but everyone in general. A meal that consists of generous helpings of greens and fruits will make you feel better, healthier and will give you the necessary minerals, vitamins and fiber. It’s also easy on the stomach and digestive system.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is good for MS patients as it can have a considerable effect on your immune system. It also helps to regulate cell growth and differentiation. Vitamin D might also contribute to enhancing the effect of interferon beta on MS disease activity. Therefore, try to include Vitamin-D-rich foods like orange juice, cereals, tuna, salmon in your meals and of course loads of sunlight. Avoid fatty Vitamin-D-rich foods altogether.

Biotin/MD1003
It is considered as a form of Vitamin B, which helps to break down certain substances in our body. It is also known as Vitamin H and can be obtained from foods such as almonds, spinach, mushrooms, sweet potato, and cauliflowers. Again, try to avoid any fat-rich foods. Take biotin supplements if necessary after consulting with your physician.

Foods to avoid

Saturated fat
Animal-based foods like red meat, milk products are rich in saturated fats. It is also found in palm and coconut oils. Saturated fat increases your LDL or the bad cholesterol, making you prone to a heart attack. MS already makes you vulnerable to a stroke, heart attack, heart failure; therefore, it is better to avoid saturated fats.

Trans fat
Commercially baked foods like cookies, crackers, pies, and any other packaged products that include trans fats in their product ingredients must be avoided. Trans fats are a major reason for the increase in inflammation inside the blood vessels; thus, it can make you prone to cardiovascular diseases.

Cow’s milk
Apart from the fact that cow’s milk contains saturated fats, it also has two proteins that can negatively affect those with MS.

Refined sugar
Sugar does nothing but add calories to your body. Calories lead to accumulation of fats and weight gain gradually increasing your fatigue levels.

Sodium
Sodium is also a dangerous addition if care is not taken to use it in moderation. In a study published in 2015, it was found that patients with more sodium intake in their food were likely to relapse and ran the greater risk of developing new lesions. Try to consume no more than 2,400 mg of sodium each day and 1,500 mg if you have heart problems.

Refined grains
White rice, bread, pasta, and cold breakfast cereals should be avoided as they add carbohydrates that can elevate your blood sugar level, which ultimately will hurt your heart.

Gluten
People suffering from MS are more vulnerable to Celiac disease, which is a severe form of gluten intolerance. Therefore, it is better to avoid gluten altogether to prevent your body from any intestinal damage.

There are no miracle foods that can cure MS or prevent the disease; however, a good food regime can be highly beneficial in leading a relatively normal life with the condition. Prepare a food chart in consultation with your doctor and adhere to the same. Experiment varieties regarding recipes while adhering to the food plan so that it is not just healthy but also enjoyable.

Food is one of the ways to slow the progression of MS; however, doctors may prescribe certain medicines for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). The immune system uses B cells situated in the lymph nodes to ward off infections. But in MS, these cells mistakenly attack the protective nerve coverings of the brain and spinal cord called myelin.

Medication

PONVORY™ (Ponesimod)
The FDA has approved the use of Ponesimod medication for relapsing multiple sclerosis. Marketed under the brand name PONVORY™ , Ponesimod is a disease-modifying therapy that prevents white blood cells from affecting the central nervous system. For discounts, you may use PONVORY Rx coupons while ordering the medicine online.

ZEPOSIA® (ozanimod)
ZEPOSIA® is a prescription-approved once-a-day pill used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis. This medication belongs to a class of immune modulators and works directly on the immune system to lower the risk of relapse.

KESIMPTA® (ofatumumab)
KESIMPTA® is a biological medicine made from living cells, and since cells are impossible to copy, they do not have a generic form. The price of KESIMPTA® may vary but according to GoodRx.com, the average retail cost is $9000. Certain pharmacies are offering KESIMPTA® free coupons, which bring down the price to about $7000. Not all insurance companies have prior KESIMPTA® coverage. Some may require prior authorization, so it’s best to check with the insurance company.

KESIMPTA® reduces the number of B-cell attacks on the myelin. It is an FDA-approved medicine that contains an active ingredient called ofatumumab and belongs to the monoclonal antibodies medication group. KESIMPTA® is available in liquid form and is injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection). It comes in the form of a prefilled single-dose Sensoready pen or as a prefilled syringe. Each contains 20 mg of KESIMPTA® and 0.4mg of liquid solution. The doctor will prescribe which form and how much dosage is suitable for the patient.

Side effects
KESIMPTA® increases the risk of getting infections. In case one has prior infections or is experiencing fever, chills, cough, body aches, nasal congestion, or frequent urination, KESIMPTA® should not be prescribed. Moreover, this medicine is known to reactivate HBV infection. It also weakens the immune system if taken before or after other medication. It may also attract Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection that may result in severe disability or death.