A bit of energy with your food?
When you are hit with MS-related fatigue, you may find yourself looking for quick ways to beef up your energy levels. If you tire easily, you may benefit from eating smaller meals and more frequent snacks as opposed to sitting down for large, hot meals. Look to healthy sources of protein (think lean meat and eggs) and complex carbohydrates, such as wholegrain bread, to fuel your energy levels.
Avoid making the common mistake of relying on sugary foods as a pick-me-up; that temporary peak in energy will be followed by a low, and may leave you more fatigued than you were before.
In addition to maintaining a nutritious diet, you should aim to drink six to eight cups (about 1.5 litres) of fluids daily. Consuming beverages containing caffeine like coffee and colas can provide an initial boost, but too much can leave you dehydrated.
Mother Nature provides many healthy foods that help increase alertness and energy. Here’s a short list:
- Blueberries – a great source of antioxidants that help fight off urinary tract infections and are filled with cancer-fighting properties
- Oranges - an energy food with a valuable source of Vitamin C, increases iron absorption
- Salmon - a great source of protein containing omega-3 essential fatty acids, that can help lower heart disease risks and cancer, and according to preliminary evidence, can help boost fat loss
- Almonds – a healthy fat and a rich source of protein, provided you stick with raw almonds, since most roasted almonds are cooked in hydrogenated oils
- Green Tea - a great source of antioxidants and energy booster