The idea behind nutrition for multiple sclerosis is to try to reduce symptoms of the disease. Symptoms include fatigue, constipation, imbalance, lack of coordination, numbness, bladder problems, pain, cognitive function, depression and spasticity. Food can play a powerful role; some foods can reduce your symptoms, while others have the potential to worsen them. Knowing which foods to avoid can have you feeling better quickly, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Significance
Although there is no proven diet to help people affected by multiple sclerosis, there is a connection between eating well and symptoms. According to a study published in Multiple Sclerosis by Stefan Schwarz and Hans Leweling in 2005, malnutrition may worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms. Schwarz and Leweling believe that limiting unhealthy foods can decrease the severity of multiple sclerosis.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are associated with an unhealthy diet, leaving you vulnerable to developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you have multiple sclerosis, eating a high-fat diet can be even worse. Saturated fats can worsen the symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis and should be avoided. Try to substitute unsaturated fats whenever possible, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's "Food For Thought: MS and Nutrition."
Alcohol
Alcohol should be used sparingly, if at all, when you have multiple sclerosis. Alcohol affects the nervous system and can increase imbalance and lack of coordination, even after just one drink. In addition, alcohol could negatively interact with some common multiple sclerosis medications. You may want to think twice before having a drink.
Diets
Certain diets, especially low-carbohydrate diets, should be used reluctantly by people with multiple sclerosis. Your body may react differently and certain symptoms may be increased with this kind of diet. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, low carbohydrate diets can lead to increased fatigue, decreased bone density and constipation. All of these symptoms are already felt with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and care should be taken to relieve them, not to make them worse.
Prevention/Solution
The right diet for someone with multiple sclerosis is simple--eat a varied diet filled with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, unsaturated fats and fiber. There is no magic trick to what nutrition can do for you. The key is to take care of your body and give it all of the essential vitamins and minerals that it needs, limiting those foods that we all know aren't too good for anyone.
References
- Sage Journals Online: Multiple Sclerosis and Nutrition
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Food For Thought: MS and Nutrition; 2008
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
