Mediterranean diet and MS
Reviewed by The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and grains, and low in red meat and saturated fats. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may benefit from this diet due its association with reduced damage to the brain’s small vessels.
Following a specific diet may help some people with MS, although current evidence suggests there is no one ideal diet that works for everyone with the disease.
What is the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern based on the traditional eating choices of people in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain.
The Mediterranean diet includes a high intake of:
- whole grains
- vegetables
- fruits
- legumes, such as beans, lentils, peas and peanuts
- nuts and seeds
- olive oil
- fish
The Mediterranean diet features low consumption of saturated fats, red meat, and processed meat. It can be described as an anti-inflammatory diet, with research associating this way of eating with reduced inflammation.
How might the Mediterranean diet benefit people with MS?
Research into the Mediterranean diet has associated it with many health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and these effects may help people with MS. Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.
One 2012 population study — the Northern Manhattan Study — examined a group of 966 people to determine if a Mediterranean-style diet might be associated with white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), as measured by brain MRI.
White matter hyperintensities are areas of brain lesions that serve as markers of long-term damage to the small blood vessels in the brain. Although people normally acquire such damage in the aging process, these lesions are also associated with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Study participants, all older than 55, were followed for a mean 7.2 years. Results suggested that those who most closely followed the Mediterranean diet had “a lower burden of WMHV,” meaning that there were fewer areas of damage in the brain’s white matter. This association was unaffected by a number of different risk factors, including:
- physical activity
- smoking
- blood fat levels
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- history of heart disease (cardiac disease)
- body mass index
Given that MS is closely related to cardiovascular disease and may also involve disease of the brain’s small blood vessels, the study’s findings may be relevant to people with MS and anyone seeking to protect brain health through their eating habits. However, the Mediterranean diet does not replace MS treatment. No dietary intervention has been shown to replace disease-modifying therapy, although a healthy diet may be part of a comprehensive MS care plan.
What foods are typically part of the Mediterranean diet?
If you decide to follow the Mediterranean diet, you can include the following foods:
- plenty of fruits and vegetables, including fresh, tinned, or frozen
- dried or canned beans
- dried or canned lentils
- whole grain and breads in moderation
- whole grain pasta
- brown rice
- bulgur wheat
- nuts and seeds
- unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil
You can also eat the following foods, but in low-to-moderate amounts:
- eggs
- oily fish, such as wild-caught salmon and sardines, if accessible.
- white fish, such as cod and haddock
- lean meat, like chicken and low-fat mince
- lower-fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
A Mediterranean-style diet may support overall health in people with MS, particularly cardiovascular and metabolic health. Although the diet may include low-to-moderate amounts of red wine with meals, drinking alcohol is not required. Research on how alcohol affects people with MS is mixed, so you may wish to discuss its potential benefits and risks with a healthcare professional.
You may wish to limit the following foods:
- highly processed foods
- refined carbohydrates, like white bread and pasta
- saturated fats, such as butter
- fatty or processed meats, like bacon and sausages
- table salt
- sugary drinks
- added sugars and salts
Should someone with MS adopt the Mediterranean diet?
While there is no perfect diet for MS, the Mediterranean diet is widely regarded as a very healthy way of eating.
Research has shown that this diet can help protect people from heart disease and stroke. While some studies suggest there may be specific potential benefits for people with MS, this general health benefit makes the Mediterranean diet a useful one for anybody to consider.
You may find it helpful to speak with your healthcare team before starting a new diet to ensure that it will meet your individual needs and preferences.
Multiple Sclerosis News Today 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.
