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Harmful characteristic of palm oil contributing to multiple sclerosis advancement

Processed foods often contain palm oil, a crop that offers high yield at a low cost, yet presents a significant health concern. Findings from recent research indicate that palm oil has a harmful effect on MS, specifically by causing mitochondrial damage that contributes to brain inflammation.

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Processed foods often rely on palm oil due to its high yield and low cost, but this comes at a cost...
Processed foods often rely on palm oil due to its high yield and low cost, but this comes at a cost to health. Recent studies on MS have uncovered a concerning characteristic: it promotes mitochondrial damage, amplifying inflammation in the brain.

Harmful characteristic of palm oil contributing to multiple sclerosis advancement

Coping with multiple sclerosis (MS) often comes with myriad challenges, one of which is dealing with flares that can aggravate existing symptoms or spark new ones. Keeping tabs on potential triggers like stress, sleep deprivation, infections, and excessive heat is essential for those living with MS. When it comes to food, saturated and trans fats, refined sugar, alcohol, dairy, gluten, and salt are often singled out as potential culprits for flares, though the connection between these foods and MS isn't always clear.

But there's one plant-based product that stands out as a surprising enemy for MS sufferers: palm oil. This common vegetable oil, derived from oil palm trees, is found in over half of all processed and packaged goods – from pizza, donuts, and chocolate, to soap, shampoo, and toothpaste [New research identifies ways to protect neurons from the negative effect of high-fat diet on multiple sclerosis progression - ScienceDaily].

Researchers from around the world have scrutinized the impact of high-fat diets on MS symptoms. As MS causes significant damage to the myelin sheath that protects and insulates nerves, current treatments focus on regulating the immune response. However, scientists have yet to fully understand the mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration in MS.

cure-monitoring-disease-progression.html?utm_source=wpaper&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=01242019">Neuroprotective effect of neuron-specific deletion of the C16 ceramide synthetic enzymes in an animal model of multiple sclerosis]. In this study, researchers investigated how a diet rich in palm oil would impact neuronal health in MS. Using an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of inflammatory demyelination, they found that a high-palm oil diet led to a more severe disease course in mice. The researchers narrowed down the harmful effects to two enzymes present in neurons – ceramide synthase 5 and 6 (CerS5 and CerS6) – which convert palm oil into the toxic substance known as C16 ceramide. This toxic compound damages the mitochondria, depriving neurons of the energy needed to combat inflammation in the brain.

Researchers further explored whether inactivating these enzymes could provide neuroprotection. They discovered that when they deleted CerS5 and CerS6 in neurons, neurodegeneration was prevented in their experimental MS model, even on a palm oil-rich diet.

In essence, this research reveals a significant breakthrough: pinpointing a specific metabolic pathway that allows dietary fats like palm oil to worsen MS symptoms [New research identifies ways to protect neurons from the negative effect of high-fat diet on multiple sclerosis progression - ScienceDaily]. This knowledge empowers individuals with MS to choose nutritional strategies that could positively impact their health.

The wise move now is to minimize palm oil consumption in your diet. Although palm oil is found in countless foods, following a whole-food diet is the best strategy for eliminating it from your meals. Cutting back on prepackaged goods could also limit your exposure to palm oil.

Personal care products, such as shampoo, soap, and toothpaste, may contain palm oil as well. However, environmental factors, including deforestation, have led to the growth of palm oil-free alternatives, particularly in oral care products. To avoid palm oil completely, opt for products specifically labeled as palm oil-free.

Life-changing strategies like going from acidic to alkaline can boost energy levels, aid in weight loss, soothe digestion, combat illness, and enhance overall wellness [Editor's note: Did you know that when you take your body from acid to alkaline you can boost your energy, lose weight, soothe digestion, avoid illness and achieve wellness? Click here to discover

Sources:

  • New research identifies ways to protect neurons from the negative effect of high-fat diet on multiple sclerosis progression - ScienceDaily
  • Neuroprotective effect of neuron-specific deletion of the C16 ceramide synthetic enzymes in an animal model of multiple sclerosis - Glia
  • Managing Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis - National Multiple Sclerosis Society
  • Multiple sclerosis diet: Foods to eat and avoid - Multiple Sclerosis News Today
  • Worried About MS Flares? 4 Triggers That Can Worsen Your Symptoms - Everyday Health
  • 8 things to know about palm oil - WWF-UK
  1. The impact of high-fat diets on MS symptoms has been extensively researched.
  2. MS causes significant damage to the myelin sheath that protects and insulates nerves, and current treatments focus on regulating the immune response.
  3. Researchers have yet to fully understand the mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration in MS.
  4. In a study, researchers found that a high-palm oil diet led to a more severe disease course in mice with MS.
  5. The harmful effects were found to be due to two enzymes present in neurons – ceramide synthase 5 and 6 (CerS5 and CerS6) – which convert palm oil into the toxic substance known as C16 ceramide.
  6. This toxic compound damages the mitochondria, depriving neurons of the energy needed to combat inflammation in the brain.
  7. Researchers further discovered that when they deleted CerS5 and CerS6 in neurons, neurodegeneration was prevented in their experimental MS model, even on a palm oil-rich diet.
  8. This research reveals a significant breakthrough in understanding the specific metabolic pathway that allows dietary fats like palm oil to worsen MS symptoms.
  9. It empowers individuals with MS to choose nutritional strategies that could positively impact their health by minimizing palm oil consumption.
  10. Following a whole-food diet and cutting back on prepackaged goods can help eliminate palm oil from your meals.
  11. Personal care products, such as shampoo, soap, and toothpaste, may contain palm oil as well, but palm oil-free alternatives are growing in popularity, particularly in oral care products.
  12. Beyond nutrition, lifestyle changes like going from acidic to alkaline can boost energy levels, aid in weight loss, soothe digestion, combat illness, and enhance overall wellness.

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