Dietary Guidance for Multiple Sclerosis: Foods to Steer Clear Of or Embrace
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. While there is no definitive cure for MS, a well-balanced diet can play a significant role in managing symptoms and improving overall health.
A balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats is recommended for people with MS. This diet can help reduce symptom severity, support nerve repair, improve energy levels, and prevent other health complications.
Research indicates that following diets like the MIND diet, which emphasizes leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts, berries, and lean proteins, can improve antioxidant defenses in people with MS. This may help mitigate cellular damage related to inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to MS pathology.
Increased intake of protein and fiber can support muscle maintenance and digestive health, which are often challenged in MS. Some healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, low saturated fat, or plant-based diets, are under study for their ability to lower systemic inflammation, which could slow nerve damage and promote nervous system repair in MS.
A nutritious diet may help reduce fatigue, improve cognitive abilities, and positively impact bladder and bowel function, contributing to a better quality of life. Healthy eating helps reduce risks for chronic conditions commonly seen in MS patients, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Regular meal routines with balanced nutrients including fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats can stabilize blood sugar and energy levels, helping to reduce fatigue and enhance daily functioning. Consuming good unsaturated fats, found in nuts, seeds, and fish, may help relieve symptoms associated with inflammation in MS, in contrast to saturated and trans fats, which could exacerbate disease risk.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may help support a healthy body and manage inflammation for people with MS, and foods containing PUFAs include fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, and some plant-based oils. Foods that contain healthy levels of prebiotic fiber include artichokes, garlic, leeks, asparagus, onions, and chicory.
The diet should focus on minimally processed foods, green leafy vegetables, colourful fruits, and healthy proteins. Sources of polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, include fruits, vegetables, spices, cereals, legumes, herbs, tea, and antioxidants can help prevent oxidative stress, which may contribute to the development of several chronic conditions, including neurological and cardiovascular disease.
Probiotics and prebiotics may be helpful for people with MS in adjusting gut health, as gut health plays a role in immune system health. Small studies indicate that a high dosage of biotin (at least 300 milligrams per day) could help people with progressive MS, although more research is needed to confirm and specify the benefits of biotin supplementation.
A person with MS should limit their consumption of highly processed foods, saturated fats, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, added sodium or salt, added sugar, sugar-sweetened drinks, processed meats, fried foods, highly processed ready-made meals, and weight management may help prevent MS symptoms from worsening.
In conclusion, while there is no single “MS diet,” adopting a well-balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats contributes to reducing symptom severity, supporting nerve repair, improving energy, and preventing other health complications. Patients should consult healthcare providers to tailor dietary changes alongside standard MS treatments to optimize health and quality of life.
- Aq person with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) might find relief by adopting established diet types rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats.
- The MIND diet, which focuses on leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts, berries, and lean proteins, is one such diet type that could improve antioxidant defenses in those with MS.
- Multiple diet types, like the Mediterranean diet, low saturated fat, or plant-based diets, are currently under study for their potential to lower systemic inflammation in MS, helping slow nerve damage and promote nervous system repair.
- A nutritious diet can potentially reduce fatigue, improve cognitive abilities, and positively impact bladder and bowel function for individuals with MS, contributing to a better quality of life.
- Eating patterns that focus on minimally processed foods, green leafy vegetables, colorful fruits, and healthy proteins can help prevent oxidative stress, which may contribute to the development of several health-and-wellness conditions, including neurological disorders.
- Foods containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as fatty fish, salmon, mackerel, and some plant-based oils, can help support a healthy immune system and manage inflammation for people with MS.
- Prebiotic-rich foods like artichokes, garlic, leeks, asparagus, onions, and chicory can promote healthy gut bacteria, improving immune system health for those with MS.
- Probiotics and prebiotics may offer benefits for individuals with MS by adjusting gut health, as gut health plays a role in immune system health.
- Small studies suggest that a high dosage of biotin (at least 300 milligrams per day) could potentially help those with progressive MS, but more research is needed to confirm and detail the benefits of biotin supplementation.
- To manage MS symptoms effectively, a person should limit the consumption of highly-processed foods, saturated fats, trans fats, added sodium or salt, added sugar, sugar-sweetened drinks, processed meats, fried foods, and ready-made meals, as these may exacerbate disease risks.
