-Eat a variety of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
-Choose lean sources of protein.
-Choose healthy fats (for example, avocados, almonds, cashews).
-Avoid (or limit as much as possible) processed foods.
-Cut back on sugar and salt.
-balance overall calorie intake with daily Exercise
-Engage in emotional wellness strategies like stress management and daily relaxation.
Most of us are aware that there are several different diets that people with MS follow, including the Swank Diet, the Best Bet Diet and the Wahls Protocol. Many neurologists will point out that no diet has been proven through rigorous scientific study to make any difference in disease progression or disability.
Researchers looked at data from the huge cohort studies known as the Nurses Cohort Study I and II, comprising data from over 185,000 women followed over decades. Their dietary habits were determined by a survey given every four years. Researchers were able to apply several different dietary models and give the women a “score” based on their answers. Over the time that the data was collected, 480 women were diagnosed with MS.
When the dietary scores of the women who developed MS were compared to the scores of those who didn’t, it turns out that there was really no difference. In other words, the women that had a healthy diet had the same chance of developing MS as those who ate poorly.
Does Your Diet Affect Your MS?
It’s natural to want to do anything you can to help tame your multiple sclerosis symptoms. You take your medicine and keep up with your doctor visits. Would it also make a difference to change what you eat.
Although no diet is proven to give you relief, some nutrients may make a difference for better or worse.
There is no such thing as a special “MS diet” that has been proven to improve symptoms. Most doctors recommend you eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet similar to the one recommended for the general public by major medical organizations.
Go for a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, nuts, and legumes. Avoid items that are highly processed and high in saturated fat.
Gluten-Free May Not Help
Ditching gluten is popular, and for people who have celiac disease, it’s a must. But no research shows that it improves MS symptoms.
Several studies have found that people with MS aren’t more likely than anyone else to be sensitive to gluten. So if you decide to go gluten-free, MS probably is not the reason to do so.
Should You Go Paleo?
These plans favor lean meats, nuts, and berries. The approach stems from the idea that your body can process these ancient staples better than modern items, such as dairy products and processed carbohydrates.
There isn’t much research on Paleo diets and multiple sclerosis. In one small study, people with MS who followed the diet for a year said they were less tired than people who didn’t. But that might not just be about their diet, since they also exercised, stretched, and meditated during the study.
Mediterranean Diet
This traditional diet is one of the healthiest in the world. Although it’s not specific to MS, it’s good for you in general.
You’ll eat a lot of fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, and olive oil. There’s no research on how this diet affects MS in particular. But many studies show that it’s good for you overall and may help lower inflammation.
Swank Diet
On this low-fat diet, you’ll eat fewer than 15 grams of saturated fat and 20-50 grams of unsaturated fat each day. It’s not a new approach. Roy Swank, MD, PhD, published a study on it in 1970. He reported success, but since the study did not include a comparison group of people with MS who didn’t go on the plan, it’s hard to know how well it truly works.
Are There Nutrients That Help?
No vitamin or mineral can curb MS. Scientists have studied a few, though.
Fish Oil
The research is mixed on whether this helps.
In one small study, a group of people with MS took a teaspoon of fish oil each day with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E. They were also advised to avoid saturated fat and eat a lot of fish and vegetables. After two years, these people were less likely to report new or worsening symptoms, and only 12% of them had relapses.
But in another study, there wasn’t a clear benefit in taking fish oil supplements.
Omega-3s lower inflammation, and they appear to be safe for people with MS. They’re in fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, and tuna. If you take supplements, let your doctor know.
Vitamin D
Studies show that people with MS who have higher vitamin D levels are less likely to relapse. But there’s no proof that taking vitamin D prevents MS or curbs MS symptoms in people who already have the condition.
Only a few foods have vitamin D, such as fish and fortified foods such as orange juice, milk, and some alternative milk products (such as soy milk and almond milk). Your body can make vitamin D when you’re in the sunlight. Or you take a supplement.
Vitamin A
One study showed some limited promise, but you would want more research to check those findings before you took it to heart.
That study included about 100 people with MS. Some took high doses of vitamin A for a year. They were able to walk more easily and were better able to use their arms compared to the others. But there was no advantage in terms of relapse and disability.
If you take any supplement, tell your doctor. It’s possible to get too much of some vitamins, including A and D. Those overdoses can cause health problems.
Can a specific diet help with MS?
Currently, research is ongoing into what kinds of diets provide the most benefits for people with MS.
Nutrition is a form of complementary and alternative medicine commonly used by people with MS. A small survey completed in 2014 found that almost 30 percent of people with MS followed a special diet, as part of their treatment.
Currently, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, there is not enough evidence to recommend one diet as best for people with MS.
Terry Wahls, a doctor, author, published researcher and a clinical professor of medicine with progressive MS herself, has developed the Wahls protocol. This emphasizes a Paleolithic style diet and excludes grains and gluten.
A 2009 study revealed that people who had MS had elevated levels of gluten antibodies compared to controls and recommended consideration of a gluten-free diet.
A 2012 meta-review also found a genetic correlation between celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders and MS.
Despite the conflicting opinions about the role of grains and gluten, people with MS are encouraged to consume a healthful diet. Such a diet limits added sugar and processed foods and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthful fats.
MS and salt
The effect of dietary salt intake on MS has been studied in animals and humans.
In mice, dietary salt has been linked to increased inflammation of the nervous system and decreased immune system function. In people with MS, higher dietary salt intake has been linked to more brain scarring and more frequent symptom flares.
Further studies are needed before salt intake can definitively be linked to MS symptom severity.
MS and fish oil
Some researchers believe that fish oil can help treat MS. However, a 2012 study found no difference in multiple outcome measures between people with MS who took fish oil and those given a placebo.
A 2016 study found omega-3s originating from fish reduced MS diagnosis risk over a 12-month period. Other research suggests omega-3s may be more protective for men than women.
MS and vitamin D
A small study showed that vitamin D might cut the occurrence of MS attacks. Study participants who took a vitamin D supplement also had fewer nervous system scars visible on imaging.
Other, more extensive research published in 2017 revealed that high-dose vitamin D reduced a specific antibody level in relapsing-remitting MS.
Dietary dos and don'ts for multiple sclerosis
Some researchers report that high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity may increase the rate of MS progression and severity. Therefore, it may be important for people with MS to follow an eating plan that helps them maintain a healthy weight.
Eating balanced meals regularly throughout the day can help people with MS keep their energy levels up. Keeping healthful food on hand that is also easy to prepare can be important, for those battling fatigue.
People with MS may experience bladder problems, but staying hydrated is important. Adequate fluid and fiber can help manage constipation, while foods to fight inflammation are also key.
One area of intense study involves gut bacteria, the gut-brain axis, and autoimmune and neurological diseases, such as MS. The bacterium Clostridium perfringens was found to be elevated in those with MS, while an imbalance of the Bacillus species and others were observed in a 2017 review.
Outlook
Nutrition continues to be a hot topic in the research on MS treatment. Many specialist diets continue to be studied for their potential benefits.
People with MS looking to optimize their nutrition should seek the advice of a registered dietitian. A specialist of this kind can look at someone's medical history and lifestyle to help them find the best plan, strategy, or goals to use.
THE FINAL WORD
The big picture here is that there is no consensus or guidelines to follow when it comes to what you should eat when you have multiple sclerosis. The good news is that research is evolving, and it's exciting, especially since diet is a factor we can control, giving us some power back over this disease.
In the meantime, try not to get too bogged down and restrictive on what you can and cannot eat. If you do try a diet because it makes you feel good, that's great. But, please do it under the guidance of your doctor or nutritionist.
You do not want to risk malnutrition and/or worsening your MS symptoms like fatigue. Be kind to yourself, eat sensibly, and try your best.
