Spring has sprung, and with it comes delicious fresh fruit that can be prepared as healthy treats to help reduce the symptoms of your Multiple Sclerosis. Although not proven to cure any disease, a healthy diet will help counteract the fatigue and physical pain that accompanies many common MS symptoms. With natural sugars for sweetness and packed full of proteins and calcium, you can enjoy these following fruits throughout the spring and into early summer.
Oranges
These citrus fruits are in season starting in April and lasting well into the summer. And they are a great source of fiber, with over 2.5 grams of it! Fiber can help reduce any bowel symptoms commonly experienced with MS or as a side effect from MS medications. Oranges give you 10% of your necessary daily value of fiber, and when combined with a healthy breakfast of whole grain cereals or oatmeal, you’ll already have your intake of fiber for the day.
Apricots
Another citrus fruit in season this spring, apricots are extremely high in protein. Just one cup can gives you 3 grams of protein, as well as a great dose of Vitamins A and C. Apricots will give you that energy boost in the middle of the afternoon and help you fight off the chronic fatigue suffered by many MS patients.
If you’re feeling a tired spell coming on, reach for fresh fruit like apricots instead of caffeine, sugary beverages, and other foods bad for MS. The latter can increase the likelihood of a symptom outbreak, while fruits will help you stave off symptoms and keep you energized for longer. Apricots can be eaten fresh or dried, but dried apricots make an easy and delicious on-the-go snack, especially if you’re headed to the gym or physical therapy.
Rhubarb
Not officially a fruit, but still in season this spring, rhubarb takes on a great sweet taste when cooked and is often served with other fruits as a refreshing end of spring/beginning of summer snack. It’s also a great source of calcium for strong bones and muscles.
It can help combat mobility issues and other physical limitations related to MS. It will also help reduce the risks of osteoporosis, which is especially important for older women with MS who are approaching menopause.
Honeydew
This refreshing melon is finally ripe and in season this month. It’s delicious when chopped into cubes and eaten raw, but it can also be blended with cucumbers for healthy juices that go great with breakfast. Honeydew and other melons may also help fight off depression, which is common among those with MS.
Green fruits and veggies are rich in folic acids, which reduces the high levels of amino acids in the blood that are associated with depressive feelings moods. These amino acids increase when you eat fried foods, but decrease when you include green and healthy fruits and veggies in your diet, so be sure and add honeydew to your next fruit salad.
Limes
Another green fruit to keep your mood elevated, limes also make a great garnish for spring meals and treats that can help you reach a well-rounded diet to help reduce symptoms. You can add them to favorite juices, or you can even spray a little bit on a fresh fish filet for dinner.
Our recipe for seared wild salmon can be modified for the spring season when you replace the garlic and olives with fresh ginger and lime. The healthy greens of the broccolini and limes will keep you in high spirits, and the fatty omega-3s from the fish will keep your symptom outbreaks at a minimum.
Which spring fruits will you buy?
These fresh, seasonal fruits will only be available for a limited time, so it’s important to spice up your diet with them now while you can. Stay happy this spring and summer with great green fruits, and don’t be afraid to try new things. If you have a favorite recipe, let us know in comments or on my Facebook page so we can taste all the delicious ways you’re staying healthy.