Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system impacting about 2.5 million people worldwide. This debilitative and progressive condition affects a person’s communication between the brain and the body.

What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

While scientists and researchers have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of MS, they believe that it can be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

MS causes inflammation that results in damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering over the nerves that helps in communication between the brain and body, resulting in a variety of symptoms that can be deadly.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis

While there is no known cure for MS, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms of the disease. Traditional medicine includes steroid therapy, physical therapy, and disease-modifying therapies.

While they are useful in controlling the symptoms of the condition, patients often also look towards alternative and complementary therapies, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, and changes in their diet.

The Role of Diet in Managing Multiple Sclerosis

Studies have shown that healthy eating habits can not only impact overall health but can impact the risk of developing various conditions such as MS.

Given the role of inflammation in the disease, the anti-inflammatory diet has proven particularly helpful. It replaces pro-inflammatory foods with those that are nutrient-dense and full of antioxidants to help the body fight inflammation.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Plan

The anti-inflammatory diet is high in vegetables, fruit, healthy fats, whole grains, and lean protein sources that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugars. An anti-inflammatory diet should focus on:.

Eating beans and legumes regularly
Eating fish and seafood, poultry, and lean meats such as lamb, venison, or bison
Including non-fat dairy products
Eating non-starchy vegetables and fruits (especially berries)
Consuming nuts, seeds, and 100% whole grains
Avoiding added sugars
Avoiding processed foods
Avoiding trans fat and saturated fat

Research Studies on The Role of Diet in MS

Research on the role of diet in MS has been carried out by various organizations across the globe.

One such study published by the Harvard School of Public Health in 2018 found that women who followed an anti-inflammatory diet had a 45% lower risk of developing MS than those who did not. The study followed about 187,000 women for over two decades and showed that increasing the intake of food with anti-inflammatory properties can lower the risk of developing MS substantially.

Likewise, a 2017 study published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal established a correlation between changes in diet and a reduction in MS symptoms.

A study group of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who switched to a low-fat plant-based, whole food diet for a year showed a 40% reduction in the Main multiple sclerosis rating scale (MSSS) and 16% reduction in daily functioning according to the Extended Disability Scale (EDSS).

Foods to Include and Avoid

When following an anti-inflammatory diet, certain foods can be included while others should be avoided. Below is a list:.

: Foods to include in an anti-inflammatory diet

High in omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts
High in antioxidants such as berries, leafy greens, cocoa, and green tea
High in fiber, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, whole grains, and vegetables
Herbs and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger

: Foods to avoid in an anti-inflammatory diet

High in saturated fats including red meat, butter, cheese, and full-fat dairy products
High in processed foods
High in added sugars, including candy, pastries, and beverages like soda and sports drinks
High in trans fats, including fried foods, fast food, and pre-packaged baked goods like pastries and cookies

Conclusion

While there is no cure for MS, a combination of healthy lifestyle choices, including changes to an anti-inflammatory diet, can significantly impact the progression of symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse or progression.

By leading a healthy lifestyle and eating anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and plant-based oils, you can control the impact of the disease on your body.