Multiple sclerosis is a potentially disabling condition of the brain and spinal cord, wherein the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers the nerve fibers. This issue causes communication problems between the brain and other body parts, leading to permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves. Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis differ from one person to another over the course of the disease and the location of the affected nerve fibers.

Symptoms
There are quite a few common signs of multiple sclerosis, some of them include

• Numbness or weakness in the limbs
• Shocking sensations with certain neck movements
• Tremors and unsteady gait
• Partial or complete loss of vision
• Prolonged double vision
• Blurry vision
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Tingling or pain in some parts of the body

Risk factors
The following factors are known to have quite a major role as far as the development of multiple sclerosis is concerned:

• Age
  Such a condition can occur at any age, but the onset usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40.
• Gender
  Women are more likely to develop relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to men.
• Family history
  Those with an immediate relative who has such a condition have a much higher chance of being diagnosed too.
• Infections
  Infections caused by the Epstein-Barr virus have been linked to the development of multiple sclerosis.
• Race
  Caucasians, particularly those of European descent, are most likely to develop multiple sclerosis compared to other races. Those of Asian, African, or Native American descent are known to have the lowest likelihood.
• Climate
  As far as geographical regions are concerned, the climates in countries like Canada, the northern United States, New Zealand, southeastern Australia, and parts of Europe play a big role in increasing one’s risk of this condition.
• Vitamin D
  Low exposure to sunlight is associated with higher susceptibility to developing multiple sclerosis.
• Autoimmune diseases
  People with autoimmune disorders like thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, type-1 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk.

Foods to avoid
Managing multiple sclerosis can be quite a tiresome ordeal. While there aren’t clear guidelines outlined for dealing with this condition, Here are four foods to avoid for better management:

• Saturated fats
  Saturated fats have been linked to inflammation and are known to increase bad cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, which raises a person’s risk of cardiac issues. Studies have shown that conditions like hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases can worsen multiple sclerosis, so it is best to avoid saturated fats.