Patients with Multiple Sclerosis can experience uncomfortable digestive symptoms that can disrupt daily activities and normal lifestyles. The Paleo Diet can help people with MS by removing wheat and dairy from their diets and giving them reprieve from uncomfortable digestive symptoms.
There are many other benefits affiliated with the Paleo Diet, and understanding the diet is the first step towards taking advantage of its health benefits. Understand what the Paleo Diet is and how it can help people with Multiple Sclerosis.
What is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleolithic (or Paleo) Diet is inspired by our cavemen ancestors who lived over 2 million years ago during the Paleolithic Era. Before farming was invented and animals were domesticated, the human race evolved as hunter-gatherers, surviving on lean meats, nuts, fruit, and vegetables. Today, this translates to a diet that removes dairy and wheat gluten and replaces them with fresh fruits and veggies.
In particular, green veggies like kale, cabbage, and leafy lettuce are very popular on the Paleo Diet. When it comes to consuming fats on the Paleo Diet, you will need to stay away from transfats and processed foods. Instead, look for healthy fats and omega-3s in fresh fish like salmon or cod, and enjoy the lean cuts of steak and chicken breasts for protein.
Who Can Benefit from a Paleo Diet?
While the Paleo Diet can start people on their way to a healthy transformation, the benefits of the diet can affect people different. It commonly reduces acne and allergies and is predominantly used by those with Celiac Disease or other wheat allergies. If you are lactose-intolerant, the Paleo Diet can help you as well since it prohibits dairy products.
The Paleo Diet is most popular among those with digestive problems, because it removes the unhealthy items from modern diets like processed and sugary foods that are responsible for a lot of the physical discomforts experienced by patients with Celiac, MS, and other diseases.
How Can the Paleo Diet Manage MS Symptoms?
If you’ve been diagnosed with MS, then you know there is a range of symptoms you can experience. From fatigue to loss of feeling to digestive problems, Multiple Sclerosis can take its toll on your body. Those who have tried the Paleo Diet have noticed a decrease in some of their symptoms while others have remained unchanged by the whole experience. The Paleo Diet has the most success with patients who experience digestive issues or have wheat or dairy allergies that exacerbate symptoms when these foods are consumed.
The Paleo Diet cuts out problem foods like milk, eggs, and wheat-based breads and cakes and thus often eliminating the symptoms caused by them. Because you replace these foods with healthy alternatives like green veggies and fresh fruits, you increase your intake of Vitamins like B, A, C, and K, which are directly linked to immune and brain health.
A recent study conducted by Dr. Terry Wahls also found that, when combined with daily exercise and nutritional supplements, MS patients on the Paleo Diet experienced boosts in their energy and were less fatigued throughout the day.
Will you try Paleo?
Understanding your body and your symptoms will give you a keen insight into whether or not this diet is right for you. Before you make any dietary changes, consult with your doctor or therapist. It is important to realize that the Paleo Diet is only successful when combined with other healthy changes, including exercise, supplements, and prescribed medications. When done all together, many MS patients experience a decrease in symptoms and an increase in energy.