Multiple sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is an immune disease that wears away at the covering over your nerves and interferes with communication between your brain and your body. Eventually, you may lose many body functions, ranging from walking to speech. While no cure for MS exists, a healthy, balanced diet can help keep your immune system strong and stave off side effects of the disease.
Vitamin D
Food and drinks fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, fruit juice and yogurt, may help strengthen your immune system. Cod liver oil is the most effective dietary source of vitamin D, which also is present in salmon, tuna and mackerel. According to the Mayo Clinic, appropriate levels of vitamin D may help prevent the onset of MS or reduce the severity of symptoms. MS statistics are higher in Northern continents, leading researchers to believe that exposure to sunlight, a primary source of vitamin D, may have a positive effect on the disease. You should get between 600 and 800 IU per day of the vitamin. Vitamin D taken in excessive amounts over a period of time can cause toxicity, reports the Mayo Clinic. Talk to your doctor if you plan on supplementing your diet with vitamins.
Fat
According to Dr. Roy Swank of the Swank MS Foundation, you should reduce your intake of saturated and polyunsaturated fats if you have MS. Swank treats MS patients with a diet low in red meat and other fatty foods to prevent symptoms and to help them remain ambulatory and active. Reduce saturated fat consumption to no more than 15 g per day, and keep unsaturated fat intake to 20 to 25 g per day. Use low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Remove the yolks from eggs to eliminate the fat. Other products to avoid include margarine, palm oil, hydrogenated oils and imitation dairy products.
Carbohydrates
You should not participate in a low-carb diet if you have MS because the side effects of the diet could exacerbate other MS symptoms. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, one of the symptoms of MS is fatigue, which often worsens when you reduce your carbohydrate intake. Chronic constipation is another hallmark of MS that can worsen if you reduce your fiber consumption. High-protein diets usually limit dairy intake, which can lead to osteoporosis when you already face weakening bones from the MS. A healthy diet should include 45 to 65 percent of your daily calorie intake from carbohydrates.
Whole Foods
According to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, modern societies in Europe and North America have higher rates of multiple sclerosis than other nations that rely on whole, natural foods and less on processed foods. In addition to a low-fat diet, particularly low in animal fat, a whole foods vegetarian diet may decrease MS symptoms and ward off the onset of the disease. Include oatmeal and other whole-grain cereals, vegetables and soups made from scratch, beans, pasta and stir-fried vegetables in your daily diet. In addition to curbing MS symptoms, a low-fat diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains will help keep your weight in check and prevent other side effects, such as high blood pressure.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Multiple Sclerosis; December 11, 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Vitamin D and MS; Jerry W. Swanson, M.D.; December 4, 2010
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin D; February 25, 2011
- Swank MS Foundation: About the Swank Low-Fat Diet for the Treatment of MS
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: The Lowdown on Low Carbs
- Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine; Treating MS with Diet; John A. McDougall, M.D.
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