MS Diet & Nutrition

People with MS are well-advisedĀ to maintain aĀ healthy diet, asĀ diet can interfere with their energy level, bladder and bowel health, and possibly shift their immune system to a more inflammatory state.

Although a number ofĀ different diets areĀ suggested as best for people with MS,Ā solid evidence does not exist to support any one diet over another, leaving the issue much to an individual’s choice.Ā Ā A number of MS specialistsĀ recommend their patients simply follow the same general diet guidelines recommended for the public at large by the American Heart AssociationĀ and the American Cancer Society: one rich in healthy foods and rounded off by regular exercise.

The National MS Society also offers a list of special diets of possible interest to patients.

PavanĀ Bhargava, MD, published a review paper on a Society webpage,Ā “Diet and Multiple Sclerosis,” in whichĀ he identified the most important dietary factors linked to MS: low levels of vitamin D, aĀ high salt intake,Ā and changes inĀ gut bacteriaĀ (the gut microbiota).

He also identified possible mechanisms through which dietĀ may affect MS:

  • Directly on the immune system, as Ā metabolism has been shown to have aĀ role in the functioning of variousĀ immune cells. Some immune system cells also have receptors that respond toĀ such foods asĀ vitamin D and fatty acids, with research suggesting that certain fats are linked toĀ inflammation andĀ polyunsaturated fatty acids to lower inflammation.
  • Indirectly through gut bacteria that metabolize certainĀ foods into short-chain fatty acids, which act in positive ways on the immune cells, and improve the regulatory function of T-cells. Diet also works toĀ colonize the gut,Ā or alterĀ the bacterial mix there, which can shift the immune system away or toward an inflammatory state.
  • May affect components of the nervous systemĀ by providing nutrients and other factorsĀ that mightĀ protect neurons and glial cells, important supporting cells of the brain (Glial cells include oligodendrocytes, which produce myelin.) Research is ongoing in this possible effect.

Different diets are recommended by different MS specialists, but there is insufficientĀ evidence to recommend any specific one. But almost all have points in common, such as avoiding highly processed foods, foods with aĀ high glycemic index and foods high in saturated fat, and recommend reducing fatty red meat intake and increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Read more about these diets:

Paleolithic diet

Mediterranean diet

McDougall diet

Gluten free diet

Swank diet

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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