There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, so patients and physicians work to control the symptoms of the disorder using medications, therapy and diet. Nutrition for multiple sclerosis can be used as a supplement to treatment, but it should not be used alone to manage or to attempt to cure the disorder. Patients are advised to eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by some key vitamins and nutrients to help control symptoms. Unbalanced or insufficient diets can exacerbate the muscle tremors, fatigue and pain that are characteristic of this disease.
Some specialty diets claim to provide the best nutrition for multiple sclerosis. Some of these require careful adherence to a diet that is low in fats and require the patient to omit red meats of all kinds for the first year of the diet. Others steer patients away from gluten and dairy and calls for a significantly low intake of sugars and animal fats. Though none of these diets have been approved for treatment of multiple sclerosis, they might help patients control their symptoms.
Diets for multiple sclerosis treatment have several factors in common. Limiting saturated fats and maximizing unsaturated fats can have a positive effect on patients. Some studies have shown that diets rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and are beneficial for multiple sclerosis patients. Sunflower, safflower, flax seed and cod-liver oils can provide these nutrients. Patients living with multiple sclerosis can find omega-3 fatty acids naturally in fish, peanuts and almonds.
Patients who focus on nutrition for multiple sclerosis should avoid introducing toxins into the body. It is an autoimmune disease, so patients might choose to avoid food products such as dairy, yeast and wheat gluten, because they are likely to trigger an autoimmune response. Foods and beverages sweetened with aspartame can increase visual problems, numbness and dizziness in those suffering from multiple sclerosis, so their consumption should be limited or omitted from the diet. Other toxins from processed foods, alcohol and tobacco should be omitted or limited.
Supplements such as vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and folic acid have been linked to improvement in multiple sclerosis patients. Supplement tablets can add nutrition, but whole foods often are a better source of nutrition. Green, yellow and orange vegetables should be regular fare in a balanced diet. Patients are advised to choose organic produce when possible, and foods should be consumed in as close to their raw state as possible.
In general, nutrition for multiple sclerosis patients should include a healthy, well-balanced diet. Commercial diets are available, but simple advice also might be effective in treating the symptoms of the disease. This includes things such as eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods.
