Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. The condition is triggered when the immune system attacks the nerve fibers and myelin sheathing in the central nervous system. About 1 million people between the ages of 20 and 50 are affected by MS in the country. The phenomenon leads to inflammation, which subsequently damages the nerve cells and alters the communication process in the brain.

Causes
The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is yet to be determined. So far, the research describes the condition as an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks its tissues. The process destroys the myelin sheathing, a fatty substance that protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This leaves the nerve fibers exposed and forces any messages to slow down or get blocked. The condition is said to develop due to genetics and environmental factors.

Symptoms
The symptoms of MS may differ from person to person. Common symptoms of the disease include numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, tremors, lack of coordination, and electric-shock sensations that occur with specific neck movements. Vision problems like a partial or complete loss of vision in one eye at a time and blurry vision are other symptoms of MS. A person may also experience slurred speech, dizziness, fatigue, and tingling pain in parts of the body.

Meal plans
Foods to have
There is no specific meal plan that can treat MS. However, eating the right foods may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Foods rich in vitamin D like yogurt, eggs, and cereals can help prevent osteoporosis, a sign that may occur due to MS. Fruits and vegetables like apples, onions, black grapes, and berries can build antioxidant levels in the body to curb inflammation. One should also include fiber-rich foods like wheat bread, brown rice, and whole grains to prevent constipation and ease MS-linked digestive problems.

Foods to avoid
On the other hand, foods rich in sugars and caffeine are unhealthy for people with MS and may worsen the condition. Furthermore, eating foods rich in saturated fats like fried foods and fatty meals can increase cholesterol levels and lead to severe heart conditions. Foods heavy in trans fats, sodium, sugar, and refined carbs are also bad for people with MS and must be reduced or kept out of a meal plan. One should speak to a healthcare professional before changing their daily meals.

Treatments
Since there is no permanent cure for MS, treatments mainly focus on slowing the progression of the disease and managing its symptoms. Corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce nerve inflammation caused by the condition. Plasmapheresis is another treatment recommended by healthcare experts. Furthermore, one may also need a treatment plan for relapsing-remitting MS, such as Interferon beta or Glatiramer acetate injectables. Apart from injections, oral prescriptions may also be given for relapsing-remitting MS.

Natural remedies
While treatments may help manage the symptoms of MS, one should try natural remedies to boost the effectiveness of conventional treatments. Those with mild to moderate MS can indulge in regular exercise like swimming, low-impact aerobics, stretching, or cycling to improve muscle tone, strength, and coordination. Getting ample rest can help patients prevent sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea that may occur from MS. Thinking about the condition may also lead to stress. Here’s where natural remedies like learning yoga, tai chi, meditation, and massages can help relieve stress and fatigue caused by multiple sclerosis.