Some MS patients have halted the progress of their disease by cutting out chocolate. While the existing damage to the nerves does not disappear,no further decline occurs. Since chocolate is not an essential part of anyone's diet,nutritionally speaking,there can be no harm in trying this out.
🍫 Did you know that dark chocolate and cocoa has been linked to improvements in MS fatigue? A study from 2019 showed that a daily cup of cocoa containing dark chocolate may help improve MS fatigue.
Foods to avoid with MS
You should limit foods and drinks that cause inflammation, such as: Red meat, processed meats, high-fat dairy products, and other foods high in saturated fat or cholesterol. Sugary drinks and foods. Ultra-processed foods, such as cookies, chips, and fast food.
Chocolate may interact with some neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine (chocolate contains the dopamine precursor tyrosine), serotonin and endorphins (contained in cocoa and chocolate) that contribute to appetite, reward and mood regulation.
Inflammation is a central feature of MS, driving the immune-mediated attacks on the central nervous system that lead to the disease's characteristic symptoms. A diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats may exacerbate this inflammation, potentially worsening the disease course.
The cause of multiple sclerosis is not known. It's considered an immune-mediated disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In MS, the immune system attacks and destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Dark chocolate, rich in polyphenols, increases cerebral blood flow and improves cognitive function. This study aimed to determine whether the consumption of chocolate with a high concentration of polyphenols helps to maintain cognitive performance during cognitively demanding tasks.
8 Superfoods for Brain Health
Chocolate has been shown to reduce stress in highly stressed, (18) as well as normal healthy individuals (19) in two randomized controlled studies.
Top Beverages for MS Symptom Management
FAQs about MS Flare-ups
However, triggers that may provoke or worsen a multiple sclerosis attack include: Heat. Poor sleep. Stress.
Why should you avoid dairy in your MS diet? Some of the proteins in cow's milk are targeted by the immune cells of people with MS. These include butyrophilin and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Injecting those same cow's milk proteins into test animals caused lesions to appear in their central nervous systems.
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pastries, and sugary cereals, can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to fatigue and worsening MS-related energy issues. Additionally, excessive salt intake, often found in processed foods, may contribute to high blood pressure and potentially worsen MS symptoms.
For best results, it's important to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao content, as this ensures higher flavonoid levels. While not always compatible with strict Paleo or Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diets due to the presence of phytic acid, small amounts of dark chocolate can often be reintroduced successfully.
Eat More Low-Fat Dairy
The National MS Society recommends 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day for adults ages 25 to 65 and 1,500 milligrams per day for postmenopausal women, preferably from calcium-rich food sources like low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Drinks that enhance brain function
To help retain or improve your memory, add these staples to your diet:
Here are some of the best foods to include in your breakfast for optimal brain health:
It's Linked to Heart Health
Indeed, powerful plant compounds called flavonoids that are found in cocoa may help decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, improve blood flow, and reduce insulin resistance (which is linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes), according to Harvard Health Publishing.
DC (Dark Chocolate) is believed to improve the blood flow in both the heart and brain. The different chemical compounds present in dark chocolate stimulate cognitive function and also positively modulate mood swings (Lippi et al., 2009).
When it comes to the healthiest chocolate, there's really no contest, says Allers. Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells.
For those with MS, avoiding too much exercise is a big concern. Too much activity can cause fatigue and worsen symptoms. It's important to listen to your body and know when you've done too much. Pacing activities and taking breaks helps manage energy.
The exact cause of MS is unknown but there are some things that could increase your risk of getting MS. Age, genetics, biological sex, obesity and smoking play a role. Things connected to your environment like infections and vitamin D levels can also play a part.
For many, fatigue is considered to be the single most debilitating symptom, surpassing pain and even physical disability. Fatigue also imposes significant socioeconomic consequences, including loss of work hours and in some instances, loss of employment.