Brenda Khan
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. While there is no cure for MS, certain dietary changes may improve overall health and help manage symptoms. A healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients can help with MS symptoms such as constipation and fatigue. It may also help slow the progression of the disease. People with MS are advised to work with their healthcare team to come up with a dietary plan that is realistic and suitable for their needs.
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What You'll Learn
A healthy diet can help manage MS symptoms
While there is no diet that can cure multiple sclerosis (MS), a healthy diet can help manage MS symptoms and may even improve overall health. A well-balanced diet that provides all the nutrients the body needs to function can help patients better manage and control MS.
An MS-friendly diet is similar to a diet focused on promoting overall health and well-being. It limits or avoids some foods, such as processed meats, refined carbs, and trans fats, which can worsen inflammation. A healthy diet can also help maintain a moderate weight, which is important as being overweight or obese is linked to worse severity of some MS symptoms, such as fatigue and pain.
There are several diets that aim to help slow the progression of MS and prevent flare-ups, including the Swank diet and variations of the Wahls diet. The Swank diet is a low-fat, low-saturated-fat eating pattern that limits saturated fat to 15 grams per day and unsaturated fats to 20 to 50 grams per day. The Wahls diet is based on a Paleo diet, which includes meats, fish, nuts, vegetables, and fruit, and limits dairy, grains, pulses, potatoes, and processed food. A newer version of the Wahls diet is the ketogenic (keto) diet, which has been criticised for increasing the risk of heart disease. The MIND diet calls for mostly plant-based meals with five to six servings of fruit and vegetables per day, as well as unsaturated fats such as extra virgin olive oil and avocado.
Some specific nutrients are particularly relevant to MS. Vitamin B12 is used to make myelin, the fatty wrapping around nerve fibres that becomes damaged in MS. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are needed to repair damaged nerve cells and produce signalling molecules that control inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, can reduce the relapsing rate and inflammatory markers in MS. These fatty acids are also high in vitamin D, which can help keep bones strong when combined with calcium. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and neuronal damage by lessening oxidative stress. Common antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, as well as compounds such as flavonoids and beta-carotene.
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Certain foods can help reduce inflammation
While there is no cure for MS, a healthy diet can help people with the condition manage their symptoms. An MS-friendly diet is similar to a balanced diet that promotes overall health and well-being. It limits or avoids foods that worsen inflammation, such as processed meats, refined carbs, and trans fats.
Avocados are another food with strong anti-inflammatory properties. They are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can dampen the body's inflammatory response. Curcumin, found in turmeric, also has anti-inflammatory effects and can block the activation of a molecule that regulates TNF-alpha, which is involved in inflammation in most inflammatory diseases, including MS. Ginger is another food with anti-inflammatory compounds, and one of these, 10-gingerol, is believed to be particularly effective in reducing neuroinflammation.
Healthy fats, such as olive, flax seed, coconut, and avocado oils, are also recommended. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are beneficial due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the relapsing rate and inflammatory markers in MS. Additionally, these fish are a good source of vitamin D, which is important in battling MS relapses.
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Vitamins and minerals may improve some symptoms
While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), a healthy diet can help improve overall health and reduce inflammation. A well-balanced diet that includes essential vitamins and minerals can help manage MS symptoms and potentially slow the progression of the disease.
People with MS are more likely to have deficiencies in certain nutrients, including vitamins A, B12, and D3. Vitamin B12 is used to make myelin, the fatty substance that coats nerve fibers and becomes damaged in MS. Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to MS-like symptoms, such as muscle weakness. Vitamin D is also important, as it may help repair myelin and protect nerves. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of MS and more severe disease activity. Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are excellent sources of both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the relapsing rate and inflammatory markers in MS.
In addition to vitamins, certain minerals can also be beneficial for people with MS. Calcium, for example, is essential for maintaining healthy bones, and supplements may be recommended for those at risk of bone problems. Selenium is another mineral that has been linked to MS, although the research is conflicting. While some studies show that people with MS tend to have lower selenium levels, a study in animals found that selenium supplements made MS symptoms worse, possibly due to its immune-boosting effects. Therefore, it is generally recommended to obtain selenium from food sources such as seafood, meat, and grains, rather than supplements.
Overall, a healthy diet for people with MS should focus on nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods. This includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It is important to limit or avoid processed meats, refined carbs, saturated fats, added sugars, and highly processed foods, as these can contribute to inflammation and worsen MS symptoms. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as it can help ease constipation and bladder infections, which are common issues for people with MS.
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A balanced diet can help control MS
While there is no diet that can cure multiple sclerosis (MS), a balanced diet can help patients better manage and control the disease. A good diet can help ease some symptoms of the disease and improve overall health.
People with MS are advised to work with their healthcare team to come up with a dietary plan that is realistic given factors including personal preferences, accessibility, affordability, and cultural traditions. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who specializes in MS can make personalized recommendations to help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
A balanced diet for MS is similar to a diet focused on promoting overall health and well-being. It limits or avoids some foods, such as processed meats, refined carbs, and trans fats, which do not help manage MS symptoms and may worsen inflammation. It also includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are good sources of fiber that promote gut health.
Some specific nutrients are particularly relevant to MS. For example, vitamin B12 is used to make myelin, the fatty wrapping around nerve fibers that becomes damaged in MS. Calcium is another important mineral for MS patients as it helps maintain healthy bones. Calcium supplements may be given to those at risk of bone problems, such as individuals with limited mobility or those taking steroid medications.
In addition to a balanced diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes can help slow or stop the progression of MS and prevent disability.
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Lifestyle changes can enhance quality of life
While there is no diet that can cure multiple sclerosis (MS), making certain lifestyle changes can help protect the body and mind and enhance one's quality of life. A healthy, well-balanced, and varied diet, along with exercise and changes in daily routines, can help slow or stop the progression of MS and prevent disability.
People with MS should work with their healthcare team to come up with a dietary plan that is realistic, considering factors such as personal preferences, accessibility, affordability, and cultural traditions. A well-balanced diet typically includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Some specific nutrients that are particularly relevant to MS include vitamin B12, vitamin D3, vitamin A, calcium, and essential fatty acids (EFAs).
An MS-friendly diet is similar to a diet focused on promoting overall health and well-being. It limits or avoids processed meats, refined carbs, and trans fats, which can worsen inflammation. Instead, it focuses on plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, healthy fats like olive oil and avocado, and lean protein. Dairy should be consumed in careful moderation. Staying hydrated is also important for people with MS, as it can help ease constipation and bladder infections.
In addition to dietary changes, exercise is crucial for managing MS. Studies show that regular physical activity is beneficial for the body, mind, and mood, and it may help reduce fatigue. Overall, lifestyle changes that promote a healthy body and mind can positively impact the quality of life for people with MS.
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Frequently asked questions
A healthy diet cannot cure MS, but it can help manage symptoms and slow its progression. Eating a well-balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients is recommended for people with MS.
Some specific nutrients that are important for people with MS include vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
A healthy diet for people with MS typically includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, healthy fats like olive oil and avocado, and lean protein. It is also recommended to eat whole, unprocessed foods and limit saturated and trans fats.
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for people with MS, but some popular approaches include the Swank diet, the Wahls diet, the MIND diet, and the Mediterranean diet. These diets typically involve eating mostly plant-based meals, limiting processed meats and refined carbs, and focusing on anti-inflammatory foods.
Yes, it is generally recommended to avoid foods that cause inflammation, such as saturated and trans fats found in animal-based foods and some plant-based oils. Alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and fruit juices may also worsen certain symptoms.
