2. Trans Fats
While trans fats have effectively been banned in the United States — the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that manufacturers would no longer be allowed to sell foods containing partially hydrogenated oil — trans fats also occur naturally in small amounts in food products from ruminant animals (such as milk, butter, cheese, meat products), and the FDA’s actions have not affected these natural sources of trans fat.
Low-fat or nonfat dairy products are a better choice than full-fat ones, as is trimming visible fat off of meat and poultry.
“We know that trans fats increase inflammation inside blood vessels, and thus could lead to cardiovascular problems,” says Amy Jamieson-Petonic, RD, a senior administrator at University Hospitals Primary Care Institute in Cleveland.
3. Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are formulations of ingredients that undergo a series of industrial processes; they include fast foods, ultra-processed dairy, breakfast cereals, and store-bought cookies, pastries, and cakes. They often contain ingredients you wouldn’t use at home, like fructose-glucose syrup, maltodextrin, palm oil, hydrogenated oil, and additives like artificial sweeteners or flavor enhancers. Ultra-processed foods also tend to be high in saturated fats and sodium.
A study of 106 people with MS found an association between higher intake of UPFs and worse MS severity.
A larger study found a weak yet statistically significant association between higher UPF consumption (including carbonated drinks, ready-to-eat or -heat meals, and industrial-processed breads) and increased risk of MS in middle-aged and older adults.
And a systematic review of studies found that a higher intake of UPFs was significantly related to an enhanced risk of MS.
4. Added Sugars
Too much added sugar can contribute to weight gain. “You don’t want to increase your weight, because it’s going to make it more difficult for you to be mobile and perform activities of daily living,” says Jamieson-Petonic. Excess weight also increases fatigue, a common symptom of MS.
Refined sugars can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can contribute to fatigue.
5. Sodium
While the jury is still out regarding the direct impact of sodium intake on MS — some research has reported that a high salt intake is associated with increased disease activity, but other studies have found no association between high salt intake and MS progression.
That said, you should still take steps to shake the salt habit: Excess sodium can increase your blood pressure, and high blood pressure and other vascular conditions have been linked to a decreased life expectancy in people with MS, says Costello.
Ideally, most adults should aim for less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day, according to the American Heart Association.
