Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the nervous system through inflammation and destruction of myelin, the protective sheath covering the body's nerves. MS is a chronic condition that may cause attacks or flare-ups of symptoms that include bouts of weakness, blurred vision, impaired balance and coordination, dizziness, muscle spasms and memory loss. While many people with MS seek treatment through conventional therapies of medications or surgery, dietary changes may also be used as a form of additional therapy.
Paleolithic Diet
Certain types of dietary changes may help with symptoms associated with MS attacks, including adopting the Paleolithic diet. This type of diet allows for foods that are similar to what humans ate 10,000 years ago. In the Paleolithic diet, grain-based carbohydrates, as well as processed and refined foods are almost entirely eliminated. The diet also emphasizes an increase in omega-3 fatty acids by eating meat from free-range sources, as well as nuts and seafood.
Vitamins and Nutrients
Roger MacDougall, a film writer who was diagnosed with MS, first developed the Paleolithic diet. He claimed that at one point during his disease, he was unable to walk, stand or even use his fingers, as the condition was so debilitating. He developed the Paleolithic diet and put it into practice in his own life, and regained much of his motor coordination. While these results may not occur for everyone, the Paleolithic diet does contain a number of foods that will boost vitamin and mineral intakes to prevent deficiencies including fruits, such as blackberries, cranberries, guava, nectarines and pineapple; as well as many kinds of vegetables, such as asparagus, cucumber, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes and turnips.
Allergens
MS is a type of autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself, a process that is amplified by some environmental factors, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In order to use diet as supplemental therapy to reduce symptoms of MS, avoid foods that may contain allergens, such as dairy products, corn, wheat and foods with preservatives. These types of restrictions also coincide with the Paleolithic diet, which discourages eating cereal-based grains, including barley, rye and wheat and dairy products, such as milk or cheese. The proteins in these types of foods, including gluten and casein, may cause an allergic response for some people, which could trigger inflammation.
Fats
You may be able to reduce some symptoms of MS by reducing your intake of trans fats and saturated fats. These types of fats are often found in fried foods, baked goods and margarine, none of which would be eaten by people 10,000 years ago and so are also not added to the Paleolithic diet. Additionally, you can reduce your intake of fatty meats, such as bacon, poultry with skin, steaks and hot dogs and stick with leaner cuts, including pork loin, flank steak, lean hamburger or the white meat of skinless chicken or turkey.
