Leena Watts
While there is no specific diet that can cure multiple sclerosis (MS), dietary changes can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. MS is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system. Research suggests that a healthy, well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health, thereby reducing the effects of MS.
Some diets recommended for people with MS include the Swank diet, the Wahls diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the overcoming MS (OMS) diet. These diets generally emphasize anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting saturated fats, sugar, and processed meats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Overall goal | Reduce inflammation, improve overall health, and manage symptoms |
| Foods to eat | Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, white fish |
| Foods to avoid | Processed meats, refined carbs, trans fats, sugar-sweetened beverages, fatty cuts of red meat |
| Diet types | Swank diet, Wahls diet, Mediterranean diet, DASH diet, MIND diet, Paleo diet, OMS diet |
| Other recommendations | Consult a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), maintain a moderate weight, get enough fiber and fluids |
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What You'll Learn
There is no specific diet for MS
While dietary changes may help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) manage their symptoms, there is currently no specific diet proven to reduce the severity of MS. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society states that there is no "MS diet" that can alter the course of the disease.
MS is a complex inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system and causes damage to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The progression of the disease varies from person to person, and there is currently no cure. However, research suggests that dietary changes can help improve health, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of MS.
A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet is recommended for people with MS. This includes consuming fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts, and lean meats. Obesity can cause inflammation in the body, including the central nervous system, so maintaining a moderate weight is important for people with MS.
Some specific diets that have been suggested for MS include the Swank diet, the Wahls diet, the Paleo diet, and the overcoming MS (OMS) diet. The Swank diet limits saturated fat intake to no more than 15 grams per day and recommends taking various supplements. The Wahls diet has been suggested to help with fatigue in a small but well-designed research study. The Paleo diet involves cutting out entire food groups, such as dairy, whole grains, and pulses, which may not be advisable as it could lead to nutrient deficiencies. The OMS diet is plant-based and includes fish and seafood while excluding processed foods, eggs, meat, dairy, and saturated fats.
It is important to note that individual responses to these diets vary, and there is insufficient evidence to recommend any particular diet for people with MS. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who specializes in MS can provide personalized dietary recommendations to help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Before making any significant dietary changes, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
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Healthy, balanced diets may reduce MS symptoms
While there is no specific diet that can cure multiple sclerosis (MS), dietary changes can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. MS is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, and a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
A well-balanced diet for people with MS should include nutrient-dense foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts, and lean meats. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which are important for maintaining a healthy gut and regular bowel movements. Getting enough fibre and fluids can also help manage constipation, a common symptom of MS.
It is recommended that people with MS avoid processed meats, refined carbohydrates, trans fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages. These foods are high in saturated fats, which have pro-inflammatory properties and have been associated with more severe MS symptoms. Instead, it is suggested to follow a plant-based diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy green vegetables, olive oil, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Obesity can also contribute to inflammation, so maintaining a moderate weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage MS symptoms.
Some people with MS have reported improvements in their symptoms by following specific diets such as the Swank diet, the Wahls diet, or the overcoming MS (OMS) diet. The Swank diet limits saturated fat intake and recommends taking cod liver oil and vitamin supplements. The OMS diet is plant-based, includes fish and seafood, and cuts out processed foods, eggs, meat, dairy, and saturated fats. However, it is important to note that these diets may not work for everyone, and individual experiences may vary.
Overall, while there is no one-size-fits-all diet for MS, adopting a healthy, balanced, and anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce the impact of MS symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant dietary changes.
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Low-calorie diets may reduce inflammation
While there is no specific diet that can cure multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disorder that destroys the protective coverings around nerve fibres, dietary changes can help manage symptoms and potentially slow down the disease's progression.
One such dietary change is adopting a low-calorie diet, which has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in the body. Inflammation caused by MS damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms like fatigue, depression, muscle spasms, and bladder and bowel issues. Obesity, which can be managed through diet, can also cause inflammation in the central nervous system.
Research has found that MS patients who followed low-calorie diets experienced better emotional health, including improved well-being and reduced depression. However, it is important to note that low-calorie diets may not meet all of an individual's nutritional needs and can lead to substantial weight loss, potentially impacting bone health, sex drive, and menstrual cycles.
Other diets that have been explored in the context of managing MS include the Swank diet, which limits fat intake, and the Wahls diet, which has been suggested to help with fatigue. The Mediterranean diet, which is largely plant-based and emphasises anti-inflammatory foods, is also recommended by some neurologists for managing MS.
Overall, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet for individuals with MS, adopting a nutrient-rich, well-balanced diet that manages weight and inflammation can help improve overall health and reduce the impact of MS symptoms.
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The Swank diet may reduce relapses
While there is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, some research suggests that making dietary changes may help people with MS better manage their symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The Swank diet is a low-fat diet developed by Dr Roy Swank in the 1940s. It is specifically designed for the treatment of MS and limits the amount of fat in one's diet.
The Swank diet recommends no more than 15g of saturated fat per day and between 20-50g of unsaturated fat. It also limits red meat and oily fish intake, although white fish is unlimited. The diet also suggests taking cod liver oil, vitamin C and E supplements, and a multivitamin and mineral supplement. The diet is thought to reduce relapses in MS patients, although there is not yet enough evidence to support this. Some people with MS who have followed the Swank diet have reported feeling better and experiencing fewer relapses. However, the diet has not benefited everyone who has tried it, and more research is needed to prove its efficacy in reducing relapses.
The Swank diet is one of several diets that people with MS may choose to follow to help manage their symptoms. The Wahls diet, for example, has been suggested to help with fatigue in a small but well-designed research study. The overcoming MS (OMS) diet is another plant-based diet that includes fish and seafood but cuts out processed foods, eggs, meat, dairy, and saturated fats. This diet has been associated with increased mental and physical quality of life in a few small studies.
It is important to note that there is no specific "MS diet" that has been proven to change the course of the disease. However, eating a healthy, balanced, and nutrient-rich diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health, which may make MS symptoms less bothersome. Obesity can cause inflammation in the body, including the central nervous system, so maintaining a moderate weight is important for people with MS.
If you are considering changing your diet to help manage your MS symptoms, it is recommended that you notify your healthcare team and seek advice from a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who specializes in MS. They can make personalized dietary recommendations to help manage your specific symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
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The Wahls diet may help with fatigue
While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS) and no official dietary guidelines for the condition, some research suggests that making dietary changes may help people with MS better manage their symptoms.
One such diet is the Wahls diet, also known as the Wahls Protocol, which is based on the idea that humans should eat more like our ancient ancestors and avoid foods like wheat and processed foods. The Wahls diet emphasizes nutrient-dense foods, including colourful fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, as well as fermented foods, which have been associated with enhanced microbiome diversity.
The diet was created by Dr. Terry Wahls, who was diagnosed with MS herself and began studying food and vitamins. She changed her diet based on her research and reported that it helped with her symptoms. The Wahls diet has undergone scientific research, including a study by Dr. Wahls and colleagues, which observed reduced fatigue and improvements in mood and cognitive function in participants with MS. Another study funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society compared the Wahls diet to the Swank diet and found that both diets lessened fatigue and improved quality of life.
However, it is important to note that the research on the Wahls diet is still limited, and more studies are needed to prove its effectiveness for all people with MS. Additionally, other factors beyond diet, such as exercise, may have contributed to the positive results seen in the studies. Nonetheless, the Wahls diet may be worth considering for people with MS who are looking for ways to manage their symptoms and improve their overall health. It is always recommended to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to develop a diet plan that meets individual needs and takes into account any other health considerations.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no specific diet that can cure multiple sclerosis. However, some diets may help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
A nutrient-rich, well-balanced diet is recommended for people with multiple sclerosis. This includes eating fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts, and lean meats.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid low-nutrient foods and foods that are high in saturated fat. This includes processed meats, refined carbs, trans fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Some people with multiple sclerosis have reported benefits from following the Swank diet, the Wahls diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the overcoming MS (OMS) diet. These diets generally involve reducing saturated fats and eating more anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits and vegetables.
