Management of multiple sclerosis (MS) is an ongoing, intensive process that generally involves medications, physical or emotional therapies and other treatments, such a procedure known as plasma exchange. Though there is no single, established MS diet, there are various diets that may help manage symptoms of the condition. If you have MS, discuss dietary changes with a trusted professional before making them for best results.
Plant-Based Diet
A plant-based diet is a dietary lifestyle based upon vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and plant-based oils. Natural wellness expert, Andew Weil, M.D., suggests a plant-based diet as a means of improving treatment for MS. A plant-based diet need not be devoid of meat, poultry or dairy products, though such foods are generally consumed occasionally and in lesser quantities than plant-based foods--a "side dish" rather than the entree. Because saturated fats, found in red meat, cheeses, whole milk and butter, can increase risk for heart disease and MS symptoms, such as inflammation, avoiding these foods in particular is recommended.
Weil suggests that those with MS stick to a diet that reaps 10 percent or less of its calories from protein. Because meat and poultry are dense in protein, replacing them with legumes, tofu and/or whole grains can make a reduced-protein diet more feasible. Plant-based diets are also rich in vitamins and minerals, many of which provide antioxidant properties, which help strengthen the immune system and prevent further disease.
Weil also suggests that those with MS eliminate dairy products from their diet. If you choose to go this route, you'll need to get your calcium from other foods, such as fortified soy, rice or almond milk, fortified breads or cereals, and spinach and broccoli.
Low-Fat Diet
Because MS is an inflammatory disease, foods that may increase inflammation, such as saturated fats and trans fats, are best avoided. According to John A. McDougall, M.D., who specializes in MS, an appropriate MS-friendly diet should be as "low in saturated fats as possible." For this reason, he often recommends a vegetarian, low-fat diet, because saturated fats are found primarily in animal-derived foods and beverages, such as red meat, processed meats, whole milk, cream and butter.
To healthfully follow a low-fat diet, increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables in your diet and turn to modest amounts of unsaturated fats, such as ground flax seeds, walnuts, canola or olive oil. If you consume meat, do so occasionally. Choose the leanest cuts, trim away visible fat and adhere to modest portion sizes. Skinless, white-meat poultry, fish, low-fat dairy or soy milk, egg whites and legumes are valuable sources of protein that provide low amounts of fat or cholesterol. Whole grains also provide modest amounts of protein, trace amounts of fat and a variety of significant nutrients. If you choose to follow a low-fat MS diet, consume a variety of low-fat, natural foods.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is a diet that incorporates a variety of nutritious foods from all recommended food groups on a regular basis. The Mayo Clinic encourages a balanced diet for those with MS as a means of promoting health and strengthening the immune system. Antioxidants are particularly helpful in immune system function, so ample intake of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables, such as cherries, berries, tomatoes and leafy greens, are ideal.
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services a healthy, balanced diet includes at least 2 cups of fruit, 2 ½ cups of vegetables, three servings of complex or whole grain carbohydrates and 3 cups of low-fat dairy products, or equivalent, daily. Lean poultry, legumes and calcium-fortified foods make excellent low-fat dairy substitutes. Aim for three meals and snacks, as needed, most days and make most of your food choices healthy ones.
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