Is There a Special Diet for People With MS?

While there is no conclusive research that shows a certain diet is beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society points out that several studies show that certain foods can relieve common MS symptoms. These foods are the same as those promoted under the U.S. dietary guidelines for healthy living.

What Is Known About Diet and MS

• There is much talk about two diets that claim to help MS patients: the Swank Diet, which avoids saturated fats, dairy products, legumes and gluten, and the Best Bet Diet, which excludes red meat, grains and dairy products. But there is not enough evidence to make definitive claims that these diets are beneficial for people with MS. However, there is solid proof that people with MS should eat certain foods to prevent common MS conditions such as constipation, incontinence and fatigue.
  A diet rich in fiber and whole grains can help with constipation. A recommended daily amount of fiber for MS patients is between 25 to 30 grams. Incontinence can be controlled by eating low-fat yogurt and anti-inflammatory foods such as nuts, sunflower or sesame seeds, and fish. People with MS should drink plenty of fluids a day, but stay away from caffeinated foods and beverages that irritate the bladder.
  Eating complex carbohydrates, like fresh fruits and vegetables, can combat fatigue. In addition, people with MS should not go more than four hours without eating.

Foods MS Patients Should Eat

• Although there is no special diet for people with MS, it is recommended that they follow a well-balanced food plan. Specifically, a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber is best. Doctors who specialize in treating MS patients recommend following the U.S. Food Pyramid.
  Foods containing vitamin D and niacin help MS patients maintain a healthy immune system and nervous system. Lean protein such as fish, chicken and turkey is best for maintaining a well functioning metabolism in MS patients.
  People with MS should also eat a healthy dose of beans, lentils, nuts and other foods with polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils.

Foods to Avoid

• People with MS should avoid foods with trans and saturated fats. Red meat, cheese, butter and whole milk dairy products are in this category. Other foods that should be limited are those made with refined sugar because they enhance fatigue.
  MS patients should also limit or not drink alcohol or drinks with high amounts of caffeine in them. Smoking or use of tobacco products should be avoided. These substances can exacerbate the symptoms of MS and eat up important nutrients in the body.

A Healthy Eating Plan

• Even though research is limited regarding a preferred diet for people with MS, doctors and experts in the field have developed a healthy eating plan for MS patients. On a daily basis, people with MS should try to eat the following: five servings of fresh vegetables; five fruits; two low-fat dairy servings; three proteins, such as tuna, trout, salmon, lean meats, legumes or soy; and three servings of whole grain, such as rice, pasta, bread, or cereal.
  For example, you can start your day with a high-fiber breakfast cereal with fresh fruit. For lunch, use whole-grain bread for sandwiches or a pasta salad with fresh vegetables and a sesame seed oil dressing. For dinner, consider fish or chicken, with a heaping serving of various vegetables and a fruit for dessert. For a vegetarian meal, consider bean burritos or red beans and rice. For snacking, almonds, raw vegetables and bean dip, and fresh fruit are good nutritional choices.

Supplements

• For people with MS who are unable to eat the recommended types of foods, it might be beneficial to supplement what you eat with a multi-vitamin. However, since all MS patients have different circumstances, it's best to check with your doctor on whether vitamins are beneficial for you.
  There are indications that Omega 6 and Omega 3 slow the progression of MS. Zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6 and selenium also are recommended for those who eat foods high in polyunsaturated fats.