There are six general components of all life processes: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. This means that all need to be present for a body to function properly.

Proteins

Proteins are composed of amino-acids. From approximately 22 amino-acids the body produces thousand of different proteins which are the major structural components of cells, enzymes and many of the hormones that control and regulate the body’s chemical reactions. Proteins are necessary for growth, normal maintenance, and repair of body tissues. Also, the body’s protections against disease are antibodies, which are a distinct group of proteins.

Fats
These are the muscle’s main energy source. One single gram of fat provides nine calories, twice as much as a protein or carbohydrate.  Fats also help the body to absorb other important nutrients, provide a protective cushion around vital organs and insulate the body against heat or cold.

Fats are of two types: saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats are of animal origin and are solid at room temperature; unsaturated fats come from plants and are liquid at room temperature. Ideally, most of one’s fat intake should be unsaturated fats, because saturated fats increase cholesterol and can lead to heart disease.  20 to 25% of the daily caloric intake should be fats.

Carbohydrates

These are the body’s most critical source of energy, and they come in the form of simple sugars like candy, honey, soft drinks, etc.  Simples sugars can link together to form starch, a complex chain of carbohydrates found in vegetables, grains, and legumes.  Up to 65% of the daily caloric intake should be carbohydrates that come from starch, because starch is better broken down and released gradually into the blood flow.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins are small nutrients that play a vital role in the proper functioning of tissues such as muscles and nerves. They also are essential for breaking down carbohydrates and fats to make energy.

There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water soluble (vitamin B complex, vitamin C). As the name implies, fat soluble vitamins are absorbed by the digestive tract into the bloodstream only in the presence of fat. At the same time, the human body doesn’t store that effectively water-soluble vitamin.

Minerals (phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, calcium, zinc, etc.) are substances give strength to tissues and play a crucial role in body’s chemistry, and the human body needs more than 20 different minerals function properly.

Water

Even if not seen as a nutrient, water is essential in every body. Water provides transportation for nutrients and hormones, it’s vital for removing waste products from the cells and regulating body temperature. The latter is essential in MS because a rise in body temperature can lead to fatigue or increase the already existing symptoms.  An adult should drink at least eight glasses of water per day, amount which should be increased when exercising and in hot environments. To cut down trips to the bathroom, it is recommended to drink small amounts frequently rather than large amounts at longer intervals.