Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.

Symptoms of MS can vary, but some common ones include muscle weakness, problems with balance and coordination, fatigue, numbness, and tingling sensations. There is no known cure for MS, but there are various treatments available to help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. However, research also suggests that diet can play a significant role in preventing the progression of MS.

Below are 8 key rules to help prevent the progression of MS with diet.

Rule #1: Follow the Swank Diet

The Swank Diet is a diet developed by Dr. Roy Swank, a neurologist who spent decades researching MS. The diet involves eating less than 15 grams of saturated fat per day and avoiding all dairy products, red meat, and organ meats.

Instead, the diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish such as salmon. The goal of the diet is to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the brain and nervous system, which can help prevent the progression of MS.

Rule #2: Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods

As inflammation is a key factor in the progression of MS, it’s important to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.

Some foods that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties include turmeric, ginger, blueberries, leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish. These foods can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain and nervous system, and help prevent the progression of MS.

Rule #3: Consider a Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have numerous health benefits and may be particularly helpful for preventing the progression of MS.

The diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, as well as moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy. Red meat is limited. The Mediterranean diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods and healthy fats, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and promote a healthy immune system. By doing so, it can help prevent the progression of MS.

Rule #4: Watch Your Vitamin D Intake

Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function, and low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of developing MS. It has also been suggested that vitamin D may play a role in preventing the progression of MS.

Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as dairy products and cereals. It’s also produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight. If you’re not getting enough vitamin D from food or sunlight, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement.

Rule #5: Boost Your Antioxidant Intake

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to the progression of MS. Foods that are high in antioxidants include berries, dark chocolate, leafy greens, nuts, and beans.

Incorporating foods that are high in antioxidants into your diet can help protect your cells from damage and prevent the progression of MS.

Rule #6: Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body, including in the brain and nervous system.

Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as well as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help prevent the progression of MS.

Rule #7: Limit Your Salt Intake

High salt intake has been associated with an increased risk of developing MS, as well as worsening symptoms in those who already have MS.

It’s important to limit your salt intake by avoiding processed and packaged foods, and instead choosing whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.

Rule #8: Avoid Trigger Foods

MS symptoms can be triggered by certain foods, and it’s important to identify and avoid these trigger foods. Common trigger foods include processed meats, gluten, dairy, and refined sugar.

Keeping a food diary can help you identify foods that may be triggering your symptoms, and avoiding these foods can help prevent the progression of MS.

Conclusion

Diet can play a significant role in preventing the progression of MS.

By following the Swank Diet, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, considering a Mediterranean diet, watching your vitamin D intake, boosting your antioxidant intake, eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, limiting your salt intake, and avoiding trigger foods, you can help prevent the progression of MS and improve your overall health.