Sugary Drinks can Increase Severity of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Consuming high amounts of soda or other sugar-sweetened beverages might worsen symptoms for people with multiple sclerosis, reports a new study. The findings of the study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting.

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive and degenerative disease in which the immune system attacks nerves, producing a variety of neurological symptoms.

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‘People with Multiple sclerosis should avoid fizzy drinks as consuming a high amount of soda, or other sugar-sweetened beverages could leave multiple sclerosis patients up to five times more likely to be severely disabled compared to people with MS who rarely consume sugar-sweetened beverages.’
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The study showed that participants who consumed the largest amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages were five times more likely to have a severe disability than people who seldom drank sugar-sweetened beverages and consume an average of seven calories of such drinks per day.

"MS patients often want to know how diet and specific foods can affect the progression of their disease," said Elisa Meier-Gerdingh from St. Josef Hospital in Germany.

The researchers considered 135 people with MS who completed the questionnaire about their diet.

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The team chose to study the DASH diet as it is associated with lower risk of other chronic diseases, like high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, said Meier-Gerdingh.

The diet recommends whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry and fish, and nuts and legumes and limits foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar.

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People living in areas where they are more exposed to the sun’s rays are less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. The UV-B rays from the sun stimulate the production of vitamin D in the body which lowers the risk of MS.

The study, presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 71st Annual Meeting in the US, showed that overall no link was found between what participants ate and their level of disability. Also, a total of 30 participants had a severe disability.

Additional studies are needed to evaluate whether sugar-sweetened beverages affect the course of the disease, the study noted.

Eat Fish to reduce Risk of Multiple Sclerosis
High fish intake at least once a week or 1 to 3 times per month and daily intake of fish oil supplements can reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Salmon, sardines, albacore, tuna and lake trout are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Source-IANS