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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Food Tips: Foods to Avoid, Eat, and More

Effects of diet on multiple sclerosis

There are no particular dietary instructions for people with MS because no two people with MS have it the same way. However, scientists suggest this condition can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The fact that MS is more common in Western countries than in developing nations shows that diet may play a vital role. That is why dietary guidelines and recommendations for people with MS should be done to help improve symptoms and overall quality of life.

Diet may help with MS in different ways, such as:

  • preventing or controlling its progression
  • helping manage its symptoms
  • reducing flare-ups

Experts say recommend that an MS-friendly diet should be:

  • high in antioxidants to fight inflammation
  • high in fiber to aid bowel movements
  • adequate in calcium and vitamin D [1] to fight osteoporosis [2]
  • pack plenty of vitamins and minerals to fight fatigue [3] and promote wellness
  • It should also contain foods that can lead to chronic inflammation and other poor health outcomes, or those that simply make day-to-day activities more difficult for someone with MS.

Some studies show that other dietary habits, such as ketogenic diets, may help improve symptoms in people with MS.

A study involving 60 people with MS discovered that fast-mimicking diets, or a dietary pattern that involves periodic cycles of low-calorie intake, and ketogenic diets can treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The researchers also suggest that more high-quality studies on the effects of fast-mimicking diets in humans were needed.

A different study found certain nutrients, such as fish oil, B vitamins, N-acetylcysteine, and CoQ10, may help people with mild to moderate MS, potentially resulting in better general functioning, as well as an improved quality of life and ability to move around.

The nutrients responsible for these positive changes include increased fat, cholesterol, folate, iron, and magnesium intake. On the other hand, reduced carb intake appeared to be beneficial.  Current evidence suggests that a modified paleolithic diet and taking supplements may help manage fatigue in MS patients.