I’ve been managing my multiple sclerosis (MS) naturally for over twenty years now. Along the way, I’ve learned so much about how my favorite healing foods affect how I feel day to day.

When I started focusing on healing my body with food, I had to let go of the idea that every meal had to be my favorite. Don’t get me wrong, I still love good food. But after living with MS for decades, I’ve learned that the way I feel matters more than how things taste.

Have you ever eaten something because you knew it was good for you, not because you loved the flavor? That’s where I am right now. I’m eating (and drinking) foods that nourish my body at a deep level. They’re not all exciting or delicious, but I believe they’re helping me heal. Today I want to share some of the foods I’m leaning on. They’re not just the ones I love, but also the ones I’m learning to love for what they do inside my body.

My Daily Smoothie: The Foundation of My Healing Routine

Every morning, I make a giant smoothie that packs in a lot of healing power. It’s not just a quick breakfast. It’s a big part of how I’m feeding my cells, calming inflammation, and giving my body what it needs to repair.

Here’s what I include:

• 8 to 10 cups of leafy greens – Usually spring mix, baby kale, and some cilantro. These greens are loaded with nutrients and fiber. Cilantro helps remove heavy metals. 
• 3 cups of cruciferous vegetables – Usually cauliflower rice, kale, and broccoli sprouts. They help detox my body and support my immune system.
• 1/2 cup of ground flaxseeds – Full of omega-3s and fiber. I grind them fresh to keep the nutrients intact.
• Fruits like wild blueberries, mango, or apples – For antioxidants and a little sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon of superfoods – Turmeric and ginger for inflammation. Plus, spirulina and barley grass juice powder for removing heavy metals. 

Wild blueberries have been shown to support brain health (source).

Is it my favorite smoothie in the world? Nope. Does it sometimes feel like a chore to drink it all? You bet! But every time I drink it, I remind myself: this is medicine made from real food. That mindset helps me get it down, even when I feel full or bloated.

Favorite Healing Foods I Actually Enjoy

Thankfully, not everything feels like a chore. There are a few foods I truly enjoy that also happen to be good for me. That’s a win-win.

These are some of my favorite healing foods because they’re both nourishing and tasty:

• Grape tomatoes – These little guys are easy to snack on and full of flavor.
• Sweet potatoes – Comforting, filling, and naturally sweet. I like them baked, mashed, steamed, or even tossed into soups.
• Avocados – Creamy and satisfying. I mash them with lemon and sprinkle on hemp seeds.
• Wild blueberries – I love how they taste and how they support brain health.
• Bell peppers – Bright, crunchy, and great For snacking on.
• Dates – A sweet treat that’s good for energy and digestion.

These are the things that make me feel like healing doesn’t have to be boring. I reach for them when I want something fresh, easy, and kind to my body.

Foods I’m Not a Big Fan of

Let’s be honest. Not every healing food is a flavor superstar. There are a few things I add to my meals because I know they help—even if I’m not excited about them.

• Leafy greens – I’ve never been into salads. But, these powerhouses are packed with nutrients my body needs.
• Brussels sprouts – These mini cabbages aren’t my favorite, but at least my body loves them.
• Cauliflower – Not much flavor, but it blends well into smoothies and soups.
• Cilantro – I’m getting used to the taste, knowing it helps bind to heavy metals and support detox.

I try to remind myself: I’m not eating these for taste—I’m eating them for transformation. That shift in thinking helps a lot.

Do you have foods you’re trying to learn to like? Sometimes I trick my tastebuds. My method for eating Brussels sprouts? I roast them with maple syrup, lemon juice, and seasonings. It transforms these nutritional powerhouses into something I can actually enjoy.

What I Avoid (and Why)

Some foods I cut out from the beginning. After years of trying to heal, I’ve learned what makes me feel worse—and I do my best to stay away from them.

Foods I always avoid:

• Dairy – Linked to inflammation and MS flares. I’ve felt better since removing it.
• Gluten – It’s tough on my gut and adds to brain fog.
• Processed sugar and oils – These sneak in and slow down healing, so I keep them out.

I’m very strict about what I eat. Anybody in my family can tell you that. But, once in a blue moon I do slip up. When I do slip up, I just get back on track with my next meal instead of beating myself up about it.

Closing: Eating for Hope, Not Just for Hunger

Healing with food is a journey. Some days are easier than others. In the beginning, I want to give up and order pizza or grab a pint of ice cream! But I’ve made peace with the idea that not every bite has to be my favorite, as long as I’m feeding my body what it needs. (When those ice cream cravings hit. I make “nice cream” with frozen bananas and fruit like dark cherries instead. And yes, I still enjoy pizza, I just make my own gluten-free and dairy-free version at home!

If you’re on your own healing journey, give yourself grace. Try new foods. Keep the ones that help. Let go of the rest. And remember: it’s okay if not all your favorite healing foods are exciting—what matters is how they support your healing.

I go deeper into this in my post on 7 healing steps for managing MS naturally.

What’s one healing food you could add to your meals this week? Start small. Maybe just once or twice. Your body will thank you, even if your taste buds need some convincing at first!

Feel free to reach out and share your own healing food discoveries. We’re all in this together!

🧡 Want more tips like this to help you feel better naturally?

Join the MS in the Country newsletter for gentle guidance, simple recipes, and encouragement to support your healing journey — one nourishing bite at a time.