Maintaining your overall health is extremely important if you have multiple sclerosis, and diet and exercise play a key role toward achieving this goal. Many diet programs exist that are specific to MS, a chronic and often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Always consult your doctor before you begin a new diet or exercise program.
Identification
Websites that promote special diets meant to cure MS abound, but there's no scientific evidence to prove that any specific diet cures the disease or has an effect on its course, says Beth Ann Hill, author of the book "Multiple Sclerosis Q&A." The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends a high-fiber, low-fat diet if you suffer from MS, which is the same diet the American Heart Association advocates. Most claims for dietary treatments are based on anecdotal not scientific evidence, notes the society. Specific symptoms, progress severity and severity of MS vary from person to person and are unpredictable, according to the society.
Warning
Some special diets may do more harm than good, warns the MS Society. That's because they exclude important nutrients or include possibly toxic amounts of certain vitamins. Too much vitamin B6, A or D may cause liver damage, for example. The large vitamin allotments are based on the theory that MS is caused by deficiencies. However, there is no scientifically proven link between vitamin deficiency and MS, says Hill. She recommends checking with a dietitian or your doctor when choosing a multivitamin.
Potential
According to the MS Society, some evidence exists that keeping your diet low in saturated fats and supplementing with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will benefit you if you have MS. Omega-3s come from sources like fatty fish or flaxseed oil; omega-6 fatty acids come from sources like safflower and sunflower seed oil. Omega-3 fatty acids appear important in myelin formation and maintenance. Myelin is a part of the nervous system that's injured when you have MS, notes Nancy J. Holland, lead author of the book "Multiple Sclerosis."
Significance
Eating a healthy diet is important if you have MS because it is essential to general health and well-being, advises the MS Society. A healthful diet also will assist you in keeping your weight down, which in turn helps with your mobility and fatigue issues, Hill says. Exercise also promotes general health, and it has proven benefits for people with MS, according to the MS Society. If you participate in exercise, you are likely to have better bladder and bowel function, improved strength, a more positive attitude, less fatigue and depression, and participate more in social activities, according to the society. Lack of exercise leads to muscle weakness, inefficient breathing and increased risk for a bone fracture. If you are sedentary, you also increase your risk for additional health conditions like heart disease.
Expert Insight
You may need a physical therapist to help you design an exercise program that you can perform due to physical limitations caused by MS, such as paralysis in some areas of your body or vision loss. You also need to time your exercise sessions so that you're not working out during the hottest part of the day. Always consult your physician before beginning a new program if you have MS, advises the MS Society.
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