Health Diet for MS

A chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system, the disease multiple sclerosis (MS) degenerates the protective sheath---myelin---and leaves fragile nerves bare. MS may be helped with simple dietary changes. Consider adding specific foods to help control this condition and reduce your symptoms.

MS and Diet

• James F. Balch and Mark Stengler, authors of "Prescription for Natural Cures," recommend avoiding all processed foods that contain artificial coloring, flavorings or preservatives.

  Though fruits and vegetables are essential to every diet, Balch and Stengler say to have several deeply colored fruits and vegetables every day. Colored produce is high in antioxidants, which can fight free radical cell damage.

  To keep your immune resistance up, eliminate processed sugars from your diet. An occasional treat is fine, but make sure sweet treats aren't a regular part of your diet.

Supplements

• Make sure your diet includes ample amounts of essential fatty acids. These fats reduce inflammation of your nerve fibers and can strengthen myelin. Have a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or flax oil every day. To strengthen the myelin sheath, you should also try lecithin. You can find lecithin in soy products, cabbage and bean sprouts. Lecithin supplements are usually available at health food stores.

  Because B Vitamins are calming to the nervous system, make sure you're including these important vitamins in your routine. In addition to supplements, you can find B Vitamins in whole grains, brewer's yeast and wheat germ.

MS Diets and Research

• University of Oregon Medical School professor Roy Swank, M.D. put 150 MS sufferers on a specific diet and monitored their progress for a long period of time. 95% of those who followed his diet showed little or no progression of their MS over a 30-year period. In addition, those who did follow the diet during the time period had only a 31% death rate. Those who didn't follow the diet had a 80% death rate. To follow Swank's diet, eliminate margarine, hydrogenated oils and shortening. Limit saturated fat to 20 grams a day or less. Make sure you're using oils that are rich in polyunsaturated fats. Take five grams of cod liver oil per day, and eat fish three times a week. Eat a normal amount of protein.

  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, however, says that though special diets tout great results, may of the studies aren't controlled, and most studies usually have mixed results. Make sure to speak with your doctor before making any dietary changes.