MIND diet plan strengthens antioxidant defenses in MS: Study
Diet stresses leafy greens, whole grains, lean meats
Following the MIND diet plan, rich in leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts, berries, and lean meats, may help strengthen the body’s antioxidant defenses in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a study found.
The Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet combines the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes those foods, with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is designed to lower blood pressure.
After eight weeks on the diet, men increased their protein and fiber intake, which may support muscle and digestive health. Women saw significant decreases in weight, waist circumference, and lean body mass. Those results indicate the diet may have influenced nutrition habits and body composition in different ways for men and women.
While the percentage of dietary fat and saturated fat decreased in both men and women, patients still ate more fats than recommended, indicating that “ensuring the recommended level of intake is important,” the researchers wrote.
The study, “Effect of MIND diet on oxidative stress markers in multiple sclerosis,” was published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
Healthy diet linked to slower disease progression
Growing evidence highlights the benefits of a healthy diet in slowing MS disease progression. For example, following a Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower risk of disability.
A group of researchers in Turkey wanted to see if the MIND diet could strengthen antioxidant defenses in MS.
Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress, an imbalance between harmful molecules called free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them. By counteracting these molecules, which can trigger and sustain inflammation, antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and potentially slow the progression of MS symptoms.
The study involved 30 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Most were not smokers (60%) and did not drink alcohol (83.3%), but the vast majority (93.3%) led a sedentary lifestyle.
They followed the MIND diet for eight weeks. They were also advised to limit red meat and processed meat products, as well as sugary, fried, and high-fat foods.
After eight weeks, total antioxidant status — a measure of the body’s total ability to neutralize harmful free radicals — increased significantly. Although the levels of specific antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) didn’t increase significantly, they showed an upward trend.
In men, body measurements didn’t change significantly. But women experienced a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index (a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat), and waist circumference by the end of the study.
Women also had a significant reduction in total body bone-free lean mass, which refers to the body’s muscle mass without bones. This reduction could be a concern for muscle health, especially for patients who already face a higher risk of losing muscle mass, a condition known as sarcopenia.
The researchers highlighted the importance of getting enough dietary protein — at least one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight (g/kg) — to help prevent muscle loss. Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle.
In men, daily protein intake increased from an average of 0.8 g/kg to 1 g/kg. In women, however, there were no significant changes. Overall, average dietary fiber intake increased significantly, which can improve the intestinal microbial composition and reduce inflammation.
Total fat intake and saturated fat intake remained higher than recommended levels. Saturated fats, commonly found in fried and processed foods, are known to increase inflammation and oxidative stress, so reducing these is important for people with MS.
“Findings of the study showed that the MIND diet may has positive effects on increasing the defense system against disease-related inflammation and oxidative stress,” the researchers concluded.
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