Exclusive Content

Just coming off the heels of celebrating National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month, I’m looking forward to one of my favorite times of the year: Spring.

After months of cold and little to no sunshine on some days, I welcome the rays of a warm sun and longer days to enjoy it. Like many others, I’m sure we all can identify those unpleasant parts of spring, especially as MS patients. For me, my allergies are relentless, and I rarely find the perfect fix, but during COVID-19, I did find some holistic ways to treat my springtime nemesis. 

Honey: I don’t know how I went so long without truly understanding the benefits of this yummy, natural cure for almost everything. While I have sampled various types of honey from around the world, my favorite is Manuka Honey. In addition to its wonderful taste, its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties can be a wonderful choice for patients struggling with MS as well as other inflammatory disorders. Manuka honey is sourced from a tree in New Zealand, but luckily, can be found on many common store shelves. While research is ongoing to better understand its benefits, I always encourage people to speak with their doctor before introducing new regimens to their diet. 

 

Recipes

One-pan lemon herb

salmon and veggies I throw in a cup of chopped asparagus for extra green.

Sauteed Kale

Topped with grilled chicken is always a fave.

Herbal Teas: Peppermint, rooibos, and ginger teas are a few of my favorite daily drinks of choice during the heavy-pollen season. Many of the teas I like to drink are naturally sweet or semi-sweet, so rarely do I add sugar. These robust flavors can be appealing for those patients who struggle with other health issues, such as diabetes. I always like to ensure that my teas are multihyphenated and can benefit my body in serval ways. Two of my favorite places to grab high-grade teas are Heritage Tea and Beverage (online and Target) as well as Capital Teas (online only).

Fruits and Veggies: Some of my favorite foods are grown from the ground, so it’s even better that many of them have are multipurposeful in keeping my body on top of its game. I’ve always had a love of fruits and veggies and, thankfully, so does my child, so this makes dinner prep a breeze. Grilled asparagus, sauteed onions, peppers, sweet potatoes, organic berries, pineapples, and dark leafy greens such as kale and collards are wonderful summertime accompaniments to your main course. Heading over to the poultry side of the world, one might also enjoy grilled fish for their entrée. Rich in omega-3, salmon, tuna and mackerel can help fight inflammation and deliver a powerful pack of vitamin D, E, selenium and a host of B vitamins. I’ve included some of my favorite recipes at the bottom of this article to get you started for your culinary creation tonight.

Coconut Water: Who would have thought one of my favorite ways to hydrate was also great for my MS symptoms? Not only is this tropical liquid gold high in electrolytes, but according to the National institutes of Health, coconut water has excellent inflammatory effects. Considered to be a “functional food,” meaning that coconut water is not only seen as fit for living purposes, but it’s a great source for ideal physical mental and health performance.

In closing, spring can be as challenging of a time of year, but with the right diet and a plan of action that works for you, this season can be beautiful and renewing. Until next time.