There is no special diet recommended by the National MS Society. Instead, the Society encourages a well-balanced nutrition plan that is rich in fiber and low in saturated fat—one that ends up being heart and waistline friendly too. With that, these guidelines are a starting point to keep you on track when it comes to eating for both your MS health and your overall health:

-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.

NATURAL APPROACH

Natural approach to Multiple sclerosis (MS)

-Eat more organically grown fruits and vegetables.

-Eat organic products made from wheat and soy.

-Eliminate milk and milk products.

-Decrease protein toward 10 percent of daily caloric intake. Replace animal protein as much as possible with plant protein.

-Use extra-virgin olive oil. Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, all foods (such as deep-fried foods) that might contain trans-fatty acids.

-Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids from Cold water fish, walnuts, flax seeds or take Opti-DHA daily. EFA's are vital raw materials for the repair/replacement of myelin. They also aid in the transmission of nerve impulses, strengthen the immune system, and are vital to many functions. Those with MS need more EFA's because of their constant need to repair and rebuild myelin, so it's very important to supplement our intake.
 
-Omega-six fatty acids, found in such oils as evening primrose oil may also be beneficial.
 
-Eat ginger and turmeric regularly or take ginger extract EV.EXT77 .
 
-Potent vitamin and mineral supplements provides the raw materials needed to rebuild/replace damaged myelin. Several vitamins are important to nervous system function, most especially the B group of vitamins. So take potent multivitamin with antioxidant, mineral and digestive enzyme such as My favorite multiple Vitamin / Mineral daily and/or Vitamin B complex.daily.

-Take Vitamin E complex with mixed Tocopherols 400 I.U daily.

-Take Calcium /Magnesium with vitamin D every day. This combination significantly decreased the number of MS flares. "Vitamin D supplements may positively influence the immune systems of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), Vitamin D status affects chemicals that modulate the immune system called cytokines, and these changes may benefit patients with MS," said lead researcher Dr. Margherita Cantorna, of Pennsylvania State University. Her research study has shown that 1000 IU of Vitamin D daily may reduce symptoms of MS. So be aware of the detrimental effects of vitamin D insufficiency in MS patients and make sure they are supplemented with adequate vitamin D. MS is nearly zero near the equator and increases with latitude in both hemispheres. The increased sunlight near the equator allows the body to produce more vitamin D, and may theoretically reduce the incidence of MS. Do not exceed 1000 IU of Vitamin D per day because of Vitamin D toxicity.
 
-Take powerful support for eye health - Eye support with Bilberry Complex and Lutein and Ginkgo Biloba to promote proper blood flow to and throughout the eyes.
 
-Take Alpha Lipoic Acid a strong antioxidant to protect against oxidative stress.
 
-Take 100 milligrams of Co-Q-10 daily to helps metabolize fats.
 
-Take Melatonin - antioxidant for energy production, anti-aging and sleep.
 
-Take Siberian Ginseng for energy boost (great for fatigue)
 
-Take L-carnitine which assists in essential fatty acid utilization.Green tea extract and Grape seed extract, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM ) (important organic sulfur compound that aids in immune
function, detoxification, and many other functions)
 
-Take Pro-biotic Acidophilus and Psyllium if constipation is a problem.
 
-Avoid getting a cold or other viral infection. Viral infections can trigger flare-ups of MS. It is okay for MS patients to use Resistance Support Formula on a short term basis for the duration of a cold or other minor infection. I wouldn't recommend using it on a long term basis because it is a theoretical risk for people with MS.
 
-Take 5 grams of soy lecithin granules daily (store this in the refrigerator and sealed tightly to avoid exposure to oxygen. Lecithin destabilizes with oxygen). Lecithin works with EFA's and other nutrients to produce myelin.
 
-Several studies have shown that linoleic acid, in a dose of 17-23 grams, may reduce the severity and length of MS flares and may decrease disability as well.

Do light aerobic exercise on a regular basis. Choose something you enjoy but do not push your self to the point of exhaustion.
 
-Stress reduction, mind/body treatments, Visualization, meditation, and hypnotherapy can redirect your mental energies in positive directions.

Nutrition and Multiple Sclerosis - Recommendations and Further Information

 

Recommendations

It is interesting to note that different people have come to the same conclusions about the best diet for those with multiple sclerosis whilst coming from a completely different direction. Since there is very little that can be done for the condition with conventional medicine it is worth considering all the options. There is plenty of evidence, generally, about how diet affects our health and some specifically in relation to multiple sclerosis. There are many other conditions where a special diet is recommended, which is often much the same as discussed here. Whilst it is very hard to change your diet to the degree suggested it is not too difficult once you have got used to it and there are plenty of cookery books for special diets available as well as many foods in the health shop.

There has been a great amount of research recently on nutrition and multiple sclerosis but there is a need for large scale research on complete diets like those listed above. In the meantime I feel that all doctors should advise their patients all their patients (whatever their health condition) to try to follow the generally recommended healthy eating guidelines such as low salt, sugar and saturated fat and high intake of fruit, vegetables and unsaturated fats. They should also give some advice on label reading to make this easier for the patients. They should also be asked to notice if what they eat affects the severity of the symptoms of the condition.

After analysing the information for dietary guidelines for use with multiple sclerosis I recommend cutting back on, dairy products (milk, cheese and butter), gluten (wheat, rye and barley), aspartame, meat, saturated fats, sugar and synthetic chemicals, increasing intake of fish (particularly oily fish), unsaturated fats, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and organic produce. In addition a good quality multi nutrient (containing the vitamins and minerals listed) should be taken along with some probiotics and some fatty acids (including omega-3 and omega-6), ginkgo biloba and DHEA.

Ideally every person with multiple sclerosis should be given the information contained in this essay. From there they can make their own decisions. I have also just read that it will soon be possible to get fatty acids on prescription for those with heart conditions. Maybe this, and possibly other supplements should also be considered for other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.


SAMPLE MENUS

Breakfast
Rice, quinoa or millet cereal with fruit and milk alternative
Fruit smoothie
Melon
Grapefruit
Fruit salad
Gluten free bread or biscuits with nut butter

Lunch
Tuna salad
Chicken vegetable soup
Gluten free bread or biscuits with nut butter
Fruit juice
Fresh fruit

DinnerStir fry chicken with nuts and vegetables
Steamed fish with steamed vegetables
Chicken with salad

Snacks
Fruit (fresh or dried)
Vegetables - maybe with dips
Nuts (excluding peanuts)
Seeds (such as sunflower or pumpkin)
Rice cakes


DIETARY GUIDELINES

Cut back on:
- dairy products - cheese, milk and butter, goat's and sheep's products are preferable to cow's milk products
- gluten - mainly wheat, barley and rye
- aspartame
- meat
- saturated fats
- sugar
- salt
- synthetic chemicals

Increase intake of:
- fish - particularly oily fish
- unsaturated fats
- fruits
- vegetables
- seeds
- nuts
- organic produce

Recommended supplements:- good quality multi nutrient (Solgar, Biocare, Higher Nature, Lamberts)
- this will contain most of the nutrients discussed in this essay.
- probiotics - containing a range of different probiotics including acidophilus and bifidus
- fatty acids - containing omega-3 and omega-6
- ginkgo biloba
- DHEA

Generally agreed nutritional guidelines for everyone advise us that to maintain our body and nervous system in good health we need to eat more fruit and vegetables and fibre, and less saturated fat. Advice to those with multiple sclerosis is basically to follow good nutrition, while adding extra sources of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Oily fish are rich sources of two EFA's in the Omega 3 group, and pure vegetable oils, such as Sunflower and Safflower oils, rich sources of linoleic acid, which is part of the Omega 6 group.

A good balanced diet will achieve two objectives:

~Supply the body with the nutrients it needs to keep healthy, while avoiding potentially damaging ingredients.

~Prevent excessive weight gain - a hazard for those who are less mobile than they used to be (and even the "healthy" population is reported to be getting heavier all the time)

There is much scientific evidence indicating that an appropriate nutritional balance and diet have a positive role in MS. Studies looking at the area of the world where MS occurs have shown that its incidence is closely correlated to the consumption of saturated fats. These are present in full fat dairy products, meat and confectionery. The brain and nervous system are composed of approximately 60% fat, a large proportion of which is derived from the essential fatty acids. Investigations have shown that the levels of essential fatty acids in the blood have tended to be low in some people with long-standing MS. One of the essential fatty acids is linoleic acid which is found in polyunsaturated oils such as sunflower and safflower. It was demonstrated that patients given unsaturated fats had a reduced number and severity of relapses and Professor R. L. Swank in the USA has been advising MS people to adhere to the low-fat diet for 30 years. His findings of reduced relapses and slowing of the disease progression compare favourably with the natural history of patients on a normal diet. In the diet recommended by the Therapy Centres, the consumption of essential fatty acids is increased and that of saturated fats decreased. This nutritional program also includes increased consumption of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and fibre which are important for general health. A three-year research study on this diet indicated reduced frequency and duration of relapses plus no significant deterioration in patient's condition.A trial (April 2002) at the state University of New York at Buffalo "suggests that a very low fat diet (15%) with supplemental Omega3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid was very well tolerated and may have a beneficial effect on disease parameters in patients with RR-MS"