Multiple Sclerosis Diet Plan: What to Eat and Avoid

A nutritious diet is a prerequisite to good health for anyone, particularly for those with a chronic ailment like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Eating well improves heart health, controls weight, and increases overall energy levels — making it easier for patients to live actively and benefit from the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment. In this article, we’ll take you through some simple MS diet tips along with a list of foods that are good and those that must be avoided by patients.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune demyelinating disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues — in this case, the myelin or protective covering around nerve fibres. This leaves scar tissue or lesions in multiple areas, disrupting impulses throughout the body.

The MS Diet

While there is no real evidence to show that a special diet can treat or cure MS, a balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fibre can help manage some of the symptoms and improve overall health and fitness. Other nutrients that patients should consume include antioxidants to combat inflammation, and plenty of vitamins and minerals to combat fatigue and reduce the risk of Osteoporosis.

Let’s take a look at some do’s and don’ts of the MS Diet.

• Avoid processed foods as much as possible
• Cut out alcohol or limit it to just a few servings per week
• Opt for plant-based fat sources like nut butter, avocado oil, or olive oil, rather than animal fat sources
• Eat at least five servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables every day
• Ensure that you eat food items rich in Vitamin D such as egg yolks, oily fish and milk. If necessary, take Vitamin D supplements in consultation with your physician
• Omega-3 fatty acids are found in polyunsaturated fats and can be healthy when consumed in small amounts
• Avoid skipping meals, as this can reduce your energy levels
• Eat lean proteins such as white meat, fish, tofu, and beans
• Opt for the Mediterranean diet, as it contains most of the nutrients and food groups that are recommended for patients with MS.

Consult your physician about going on this diet plan and any modifications that you might need to make.

Food groups to avoid

• Dairy: Products made from cow’s milk tend to be high in fat and also inhibit the body’s production of active Vitamin D and absorption of iron, owing to the calcium present in cow’s milk. Instead, opt for plant-based milk made from almond, soy, cashew, or oat (while taking any allergies into account).
• Gluten: Patients with MS have a higher risk of Celiac disease, which is triggered by gluten-based carbs. Instead, choose carbs like rice, quinoa, or oatmeal that are filling as well as nutritious.
• Sodium: Too much sodium (found in salt) can trigger new inflammations in the body and should be avoided. You can flavor your food with spices instead.
• Saturated fat: These have been linked to higher rates of heart disease and stroke, and should be avoided even by people who do not have MS. Cheese, coconut oil, palm oil, cocoa butter, and chicken skin are all rich in saturated fats.
• Trans fat: Trans fats are even more dangerous than saturated fats and have no known health benefits. Sources of trans fats are typically man-made and include shortening, margarine, fried foods, cookies, and processed meat.
• Sugar: Consuming too much sugar can make you put on weight and make it harder for you to engage in physical activity. It can also increase your feeling of fatigue. Avoid artificial sweeteners, as these have their own health risks including potential bladder problems.

While there are no official dietary guidelines currently in place for Multiple Sclerosis, consuming certain nutrients through a low-fat, high-fiber diet may reduce the severity and progression of symptoms.

MS is a neurodegenerative disease. While the patient, their family and friends can hope that things will get better with time, there is also an underlying fear of the unknown.

What will happen if…?

It is this fear we wish to help you overcome. As one of India’s leading Stem Cell Therapy centres, Plexus aims to improve your quality of life as well as draft a treatment plan that will reduce the rate of degeneration of cells and tissue. With this in mind, we provide physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational, and stem cell therapy as part of the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment plan.

At Plexus, we provide autologous Stem Cell Therapy. In this type of therapy, the stem cells are procured from the patient’s bone marrow or fat tissue. These cells are then cultured to form more cells, also known as daughter cells. These new daughter cells are introduced into the patient’s body through a simple painless procedure. With time, the daughter cells can repair the damaged cells, reduce inflammation, and help modulate the immune system.

Stem Cell Therapy may not be a cure. But it most definitely gives the patient a new lease on life. You can spend more time with your loved ones, visit new places, and do all the things you love.

Isn’t that always a better way to live?

Book an appointment with us today.

Call +91 89048 42087 | 080-2546 0886

080-2547 0886 | 080-2549 0886

A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS