What Foods Should You Avoid with Ataxia?

For individuals with ataxia, dietary adjustments can sometimes be beneficial, particularly focusing on the reduction or elimination of certain types of foods. The primary recommendation often involves avoiding or significantly limiting simple carbohydrates.

Understanding Simple Carbohydrates and Ataxia

Simple carbohydrates are sugars that the body can quickly digest and absorb. While not a cure, managing their intake may offer benefits for some ataxia patients. The goal is to reduce the consumption of foods that cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

To adhere to a diet that aims to reduce simple carbohydrates, it's advised to avoid or consume very small amounts of the following food categories:

• Sugary Drinks and Sweeteners:
  • Foods and beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.
  • Products containing added sugar (sucrose, glucose, dextrose, etc.).
  • Items that use artificial sweeteners.
• Refined Grains and Baked Goods:
  • Foods made with white flour, such as white bread, pasta, and most crackers.
  • Cookies, cakes, and pastries.
• Confectioneries and Processed Snacks:
  • Candies of all types.
  • Many pre-packaged snack foods that are high in sugar or refined grains.
• Fruit Juices:
  • While fruits themselves are healthy, fruit juices concentrate their natural sugars, making them a source of simple carbohydrates without the beneficial fiber of whole fruit.

Practical Food Examples to Avoid

To make it easier to identify these foods, here's a table listing common examples that fall under the "simple carbohydrate" category to be avoided or limited:

By consciously choosing whole, unprocessed foods and being mindful of hidden sugars and refined grains, individuals with ataxia can follow a dietary approach that may support their overall well-being.