As surprising as it may sound, multiple sclerosis or MS can be managed with the help of consuming particular foods and avoiding certain foods.

Here are nine foods to avoid for multiple sclerosis because they can make multiple sclerosis symptoms worse.

• Sugar
  Simple sugar and refined sugar should be avoided by people with MS. Refined sugar can lead to inflammation which is not good if you have MS. Sugar can cause blood sugar imbalance which can lead to fatigue and it can contribute to weight gain which in turn can lead to mobility loss.
• Saturated fats
  Saturated fats are derived from animal products and animal by-products such as full-fat dairy and red meat. They are found in any food that contains coconut oil and palm oil. Saturated fats should be avoided if one has MS because they can lead to a higher risk of heart problems. Heart problems can make MS symptoms worse.
• Sodium
  Sodium is one of the foods to avoid for multiple sclerosis. A study has found that if people consume more salt then the risk of relapse is many times higher. Moreover, high sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure which can decrease the quality of life of someone with MS.
• Cow’s milk
  Cow’s milk is another food to avoid because some proteins found in the milk can trigger MS symptoms. Saturated fats are part of cow’s milk, and so if one has MS, it is best to avoid it. They need to make sure if they are removing cow milk from their diet, then they should consume almond milk or soymilk which are better alternatives.
• Trans fats
  One should avoid foods that contain trans fats if they have MS because these types of fats can lead to inflammation and can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. These can be found in packaged products such as pies and baked cookies.
• MSG
  Monosodium glutamate or MSG is one of the foods to avoid for multiple sclerosis. It is an excitotoxin that causes harm to the myelin sheath which slows down the transmission of electrical impulses. MSG can lead to a worsen MS symptoms.
• Gluten
  Gluten is one of the foods that people with multiple sclerosis should avoid. It can be found in barley, wheat, and rye. This is particularly important if one has celiac disease and MS. If one has MS then it is a good idea to reduce the consumption of gluten because it can help reduce their symptoms.
• Alcohol and caffeine
  Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided when one has multiple sclerosis. Alcohol can cause serious symptoms such as an inability to balance and coordination problems even after a single drink. Caffeine can cause urinary bladder conditions to develop.
• Refined carbohydrates
  Refined carbohydrates are foods to avoid for multiple sclerosis. These include white bread, breakfast cereals, and white rice. Refined carbohydrates are unhealthy for people with MS because they can increase blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of heart problems.

By avoiding the foods above, the time between MS relapse will be longer and one will be able to improve their mental and physical health.