There's Evidence That Drinking This Tea Can Help If You Have Multiple Sclerosis

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging. There are days when you barely have the energy to get out of bed, move around, and think clearly. Many sufferers also experience vision problems, tingling, muscle stiffness, and other symptoms that keep them from doing the things they enjoy. This condition affects about 2.8 million people worldwide, according to a 2020 review published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal. As the researchers note, it often occurs in young adults who are planning families and working toward their career goals.

Unfortunately, there's no cure for multiple sclerosis. The only thing you can do is to manage its symptoms through lifestyle changes. A balanced diet and regular exercise can make it easier to keep your condition under control, explains Healthline. Fill up on fiber and lean protein, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoid empty calories. Tai chi, massage, acupuncture, and other complementary therapies can lower your stress levels, resulting in better overall health. Doctors may also prescribe medications like cladribine, fingolimod, and ozanimod to slow down the progression of your disease, notes WebMD.

If you have been recently diagnosed with this condition, it's important to tweak your eating habits. Certain foods and beverages, especially those rich in antioxidants, can make a world of difference. For starters, include this one specific type of tea in your diet to relieve fatigue, tiredness, inflammation, and other symptoms of multiple sclerosis. 

This debilitating disease affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Its exact cause is unknown, but researchers believe that certain environmental and genetic factors may trigger its onset (via Current Nutrition Reports). While diet alone isn't enough to manage MS symptoms, it can improve your quality of life. For example, fruits and vegetables may help decrease inflammation and balance the gut flora while reducing oxidative stress. Likewise, certain types of tea can protect your brain from oxidative damage — among other benefits. 

The International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice (IMSMP) suggests that green tea is particularly beneficial for MS patients. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and other antioxidants in this beverage support immune function and brain health, protecting against free radical damage. These nutrients can also reduce inflammation in the brain and prevent the loss of myelin, a layer of fatty tissue that surrounds your nerve cells. Researchers recommend drinking at least two or three cups of green tea daily to reap the benefits.

Also, note that green tea can increase your energy and ward off fatigue due to its caffeine content. A cup provides around 28 grams of caffeine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Coffee, by comparison, supplies 96 grams of caffeine per cup. Therefore, green tea is less likely to cause jitters, anxiety, and insomnia — just make sure you don't go overboard. Opt for caffeine-free varieties if you are sensitive to stimulants or feeling dehydrated.