Maintaining a healthy diet is important for everyone. Eating a diet low in saturated fat, high in fiber is recommended by the American Heart Association for all Americans, including persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). There isn't a direct dietary link with the development or improving symptoms of MS. According to the National MS Society, dietary recommendations have been made to improving MS symptoms and severity, but there is little evidence proving dietary intervention works.
Healthy Fats
Increase your intake of plant fats and oils. Replace animal fats from meats and dairy products with healthier plant-based oils is advised for MS patients. According to registered dietitian Denise Nowack, essential fats found in plant oils such as sunflower, olive, corn and soybean oils as well as nuts and seeds play a role in the myelin sheath integrity (protective nerve covering) and the central nervous tissues. Plant oils provide essential fatty acids that possibly help your nerves transmit messages to and from your brain.
Omega-3 Fats
Take fish oil supplements rich in EPA and DHA. Dr. Allen Bowling of National MS Society advises persons with MS to take fish oil supplements. Choose a supplement that provides 1 to 2 grams of eicosapentaoniec acid or EPA, as well as docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. Check with your doctor before starting a fish oil supplement because it can interfere with certain MS medications. You may eat up to two servings of cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon, trout, herring and cod per week.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. Don't exceed taking 2,000 IUs per day. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves 200 IUs for persons between the ages of 19 to 50 and 400 IUs for persons over 50. Increasing your intake of fortified dairy products will help you to achieve the recommeded intakes of vitamin D. Before starting a new supplement, speak with your healthcare provider about the benefits of any supplement.
Fiber
Eat foods high in fiber. Denise Nowack recommends 25 to 30 grams of fiber since constipation can be a problem with MS. Gradually add more fiber to your diet every day to prevent fiber related diarrhea. Focus on having lentils, beans, peas and high fiber cereals, which contain more than 5 grams of fiber per serving, to help meet your fiber.
Elimination Diets
For persons with MS, gluten or wheat protein, dairy, corn and soy products or ingredients may cause your MS symptoms to last longer or be more severe. Healthcommunities.com recommends following an elimination diet to find which foods trigger allergic reactions and possibly worsen your MS symptoms. If you follow an elimination diet, document any changes in your digestive health when adding new foods back into your diet.
References
- Health Communities: General Dietary Guidelines for MS
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: The Omega-3 Factor
- "Is There a Diet that Helps"; Denise Nowack, RD; Momentum; 2008
- "Maintaining Bone Health"; Denise Nowack, RD; Momentum; 2008
