Learning to be intentional about my relationship with food

For a long time, food was simply a necessity — something I grabbed between classes, appointments, or bouts of fatigue. I didn’t think much about how it made me feel, aside from the noticeable energy dips or sugar highs. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) has gradually shifted my perspective, though. Over time, I’ve realized that being intentional with food isn’t about perfection or restriction; it’s about listening to my body, especially my gut.

MS has a way of making everything feel interconnected, even things that aren’t obviously related. When my digestion is off, my fatigue deepens, and my body feels heavier. If my gut is irritated, brain fog thickens, and my mood often follows. It took time to recognize these patterns, but once I did, I couldn’t ignore them. Gut health became less of a trendy wellness concept and more of a daily reality.

For me, being intentional with food means noticing how different foods affect my body. Some meals — like seared chicken breast with vegetables and quinoa — leave me feeling nourished and steady. Others, especially heavily processed foods or meals I rush through, trigger bloating, discomfort, or a lingering sense of exhaustion.

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The gut-brain connection

I’ve also learned that gut health isn’t just about digestion. There’s growing awareness of the gut-brain connection, and as someone with a neurological condition, that’s particularly relevant to me. Stress, MS symptoms, medications, and even sleep disruptions all affect my gut, and my gut, in turn, influences how resilient I feel each day.

Intentional eating doesn’t mean following a strict diet or eliminating entire food groups. Instead, it means prioritizing foods that feel supportive — like fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, protein-rich meals that keep me satisfied, and foods that don’t leave my stomach in knots. It also means slowing down at mealtimes, staying hydrated, and giving myself grace on days when energy is limited.

Some days, cooking feels empowering and grounding. Other days, MS fatigue makes convenience my only realistic option. Being intentional isn’t about doing everything “right” — it’s about making choices that respect where my body is on any given day.

Living with MS has taught me that health isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for others might not work for me, and that’s OK. My relationship with food keeps evolving, shaped by flare-ups, stress, and the changing seasons of life. Gut health isn’t a cure, but it’s become another valuable tool in my self-care toolbox.

At its core, being intentional with what I eat is an act of self-awareness. It’s choosing to trust my body when it tells me what it needs — and honoring that, one meal at a time.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.