It's Non-Negotiable: Two Foods People with MS Cannot Eat

More than a decade ago, I reversed my MS diagnosis. Today, I want to share crucial information about the top two non-negotiable foods people with MS should avoid eating if they're going to manage their symptoms and improve their health.

My Journey and Discovery

In my 20s, I experienced gut issues that doctors overlooked. By my 30s, after moving from New York to Georgia, my diet changed significantly. I noticed an increase in inflammatory fats in my diet from new Southern foods and familiar Northern favorites like pizza and bread. These changes highlighted the negative impact of certain foods on my health.

Gluten: A Hidden Danger

Gluten became a non-negotiable element in my diet. I eliminated it not only for myself but also for my patients. The primary reason? Glyphosate. This herbicide, introduced to our food supply in 1997, wreaks havoc on our gut health. Many young adults born after 1997 have unknowingly consumed glyphosate-laden foods, leading to various health issues, including:

Gut Inflammation: Gluten triggers inflammation in the gut, particularly in individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. This inflammation can lead to a leaky gut, where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream.

Autoimmune Response: For people with MS, an autoimmune condition, consuming gluten can exacerbate symptoms. The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues, including the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers.

Impact on Microbiome: Glyphosate, used extensively on gluten-containing crops, disrupts the gut microbiome. This disruption can lead to dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria, which plays a crucial role in overall health and immune function.

Eliminating gluten can significantly reduce gut inflammation, improve gut health, and help manage MS symptoms more effectively. It’s not just about avoiding bread and pasta; it involves a comprehensive review of your diet to exclude hidden sources of gluten.

Inflammatory Oils: The Silent Culprit

Equally non-negotiable are inflammatory fats, mainly vegetable and seed oils like sunflower, canola, and corn. These oils become rancid during processing, creating harmful compounds contributing to inflammation. In the 90s, we believed these oils were healthy. Coupled with the fat-free craze, which loaded foods with sugar and chemicals, our diets became a recipe for disaster. Decades later, we know more about what makes inflammatory oils harmful:

Oxidative Stress: The processing of these oils generates free radicals, which cause oxidative stress. This stress damages cells, proteins, and DNA, contributing to chronic inflammation and degenerative diseases.

Imbalance of Omega-6 and Omega-3: Vegetable oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, in excess, promote inflammation. An ideal diet maintains a balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Most people consume too many omega-6s, disrupting this balance and fostering an inflammatory environment.

Rancidity and Toxins: These oils often become rancid during processing, producing toxins that further contribute to inflammation. Consuming rancid oils can lead to chronic inflammation, which exacerbates MS symptoms and other health conditions.

I struggled with this, often indulging in potato chips and French fries as a reward during stressful times. Despite knowing better as a healthcare professional, I found it challenging to eliminate these oils completely. When I fully committed to avoiding inflammatory fats, I noticed a significant improvement in my health. Fortunately, I also discovered healthy oil alternatives,

Avocado Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, avocado oil is stable at high temperatures and supports heart health.

Coconut Oil: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that provide quick energy and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Olive Oil: Packed with monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, olive oil reduces inflammation and supports overall health.

Practical Steps and Alternatives

Navigating the food landscape can be tricky. Even stores like Trader Joe's, known for their healthy options, often stock products containing inflammatory oils. Whether you’re eating to manage a specific medical diagnosis or generally committed to building a healthier body, you need to:

Read Labels: Check food labels for hidden sources of gluten and inflammatory oils. Packaged snacks, dressings, and sauces are common culprits.

Choose Whole Foods: Choose whole, unprocessed foods. Fresh fruits, vegetables,

lean proteins and healthy fats should form the bulk of your diet.

Cook at Home: Preparing meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid hidden gluten and unhealthy oils.

I encourage everyone to start with small steps. For those in debilitating pain, I recommend a 30-day challenge: eliminate inflammatory fats and sugar. This simple yet powerful change can significantly reduce inflammation and improve overall health. The journey to better health starts with understanding and making informed choices about what we eat.

A functional blood chemical analysis or genetic test is a painless, easy way to learn what your body is trying to tell you. Call (470-290-8025) or email office@drsusanmonias.com to request a consult. Ask for a copy of my cheat sheet on healthy fats, too!