Multiple sclerosis, or MS, affects the central nervous system; this autoimmune disease can lead to problems with balance, coordination, tremors, muscle weakness, vision and other problems, according to PubMed Health. In many people, the severity of MS progresses over time, leading to increasing disability and morbidity. Medications and other treatments can be used to try to slow down or prevent progression, but some health care providers feel that dietary habits might also affect progression of the condition.
Low-Fat Diet
Eating a low-fat diet might influence the onset of MS or MS progression. In a February 2005 article in the journal "Multiple Sclerosis," researchers found an association between high animal fat consumption and MS. 264 people with MS were put on a low-fat diet, which limited saturated fat intake to 15 grams per day and excluded dairy products that were more than 1 percent fat. The subjects in the study who followed the regimen over 50 years had fewer MS flareups and higher functional capacity. The relationship between fat intake and MS has not been completely established, but starting a low-fat diet has other health benefits. You should discuss your fat intake and a low-fat diet with your physician if you have MS; limiting your intake as the patients did in the Swank study might not be appropriate for your condition.
Include Fatty Acids in Your Diet
Fatty acids such as omega-3's might be beneficial in some patients with MS; fish oil is a good source of this nutrient. In a study, people with MS who took 10 g of fish oil each day had less progression of their disease and less disability than people who did not take the fish oil, according to an article on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website. Whether a consistent benefit is derived from fatty acids or what the actual mechanism might be is not well understood at this time. Foods such as salmon, herring, mackerel, flaxseed and walnuts are also sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Taking fish oil supplements is generally safe, but high doses of fish oil might interact with other medications, such as blood thinners. You should discuss fish oil supplements with your health care professional before you start them.
Limit Dairy Products
Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between dairy products and MS. Some researchers believe an immunologic response occurs between antibodies and proteins in the milk. In another study in the October 2001 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," researchers found that the calcium in dairy products might interfere with vitamin D, which might have a protective effect against MS. The association between dairy and MS might also be associated with fat content, as noted by The Allergy and Nutrition Centre. If you and your doctor decide to limit or eliminate dairy products from your diet, you will need to make sure you still get the missing nutrients, such as calcium, from your daily diet.
Limit Foods Containing Gluten
The relationship between gluten and MS is not clear, and much of the data might be anecdotal. MS occurs more commonly in countries where diets are high in gluten, as noted on the Natural Health for Women website. Gluten intolerance has been associated with MS onset. Although the mechanism is not clear, your health care provider might suggest you eliminate glutens such as wheat and barley from your diet to see if your MS symptoms improve.
References
- "Multiple Sclerosis"; "Multiple Sclerosis and Nutrition"; Stefan Schwarz et al; February 2005.
- NutritionMD: Multiple Sclerosis -- Nutritional Considerations
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; "Dairy Products, Calcium, and Prostate Cancer Risk in the Physicians' Health Study"; October 2001.
- The Allergy and Nutrition Centre: Good News About Multiple Sclerosis -- It Can Be Helped By Diet
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine; "Treating Multiple Sclerosis with Diet: Fact or Fraud?"; Dr. John McDougall
- Natural Health for Women: Multiple Sclerosis -- Overlooked Nutritional Research
