Multiple Sclerosis and Diet

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system in this case attacks the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve cells of the body. It is a progressive disease and the symptoms can be weakness, fatigue, loss of balance, blurred vision and other neurological problems. What triggers expression of this disease is unknown. 

Many diets have been proposed to fight the effects of MS including; gluten free, raw foods and natural foods. However, because this disease tends and wax and wane for no apparent reason there is no good evidence that these diets work. Still people with MS say they feel better when they make dietary changes. 

Some things that might work:

Although far from definite, low levels of essential fatty acids, vitamin D and B12 have been proposed as triggers for MS. A recent study suggests a link between animal fats and sugary foods with a protective effect of vegetable protein, fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium and potassium. 

A.     

Eat fresh fruits (not processed), vegetables and whole grains. Avoid excessive refined (white flour and rice) and sugary foods.

B.     

Keep total fat low. Replace saturated fats (in animal foods) with polyunsaturated fats (in legumes, nuts, and seeds).

C.     

Take a multivitamin with mineral supplement. A B complex might also be warranted. 

The International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Society says that polyunsaturated fats including omega 3 might be beneficial because they are ant-inflammatory and immunosuppressive. 

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) might help for the same reason. Again limit saturated fat and avoid excess fat. Ray Swank the founder of the Swank diet has been promoting a very, very low fat (no more than 20 grams/day) for several decades. One study that involved 150 people with MS showed that those who followed this diet had little deterioration attributable to the disease and much lower death rates than the people who ate more fat.

Eat legumes, nuts and seeds, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and 

add the following:

C  

Fish or ground flaxseed for omega 3 fats. Try fish oil supplements

D.     

Try black currant oil or evening primrose for GLA

E.      

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking which all affect the nervous system

For fine tuning on dietary management of MS see a registered dietitian (RD)

Visit www.multiplescerlosis.com for general information on MS.

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N is a registered dietitian, living in Manhattan, with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight management.
Donna is available for private consultation by referral only. Ms.Tinnerello has donated time and articles to our web site at always your choice and we sincerely appreciate her contributions.