What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause the nerves themselves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged.
Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms.
There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.
Nutritional management:
Consume fatty fish for Vitamin D and Polyunsaturated fatty acids - Specifically oily fish = 2-3x/week
Monitor your body weight - watch for unintentional weight loss
Sun exposure - essential for vitamin D
Consult your dietitian for supplement use - Studies show that 1000-4000 IU of colecalciferol supplements increase 25 hydroxyvitamin D to over 75 nmol/L
Monitor your vitamin D and vitamin B12 status
No guidelines for energy and protein
If you have tremor or spasticity, your energy requirements are increased
Follow the Eat-well plate as a guide
Frequently consume linoleic acid = vegetable oils = sunflower, corn, safflower, peanut. Other: nuts (walnuts, brazil nuts, peanuts), seeds, taramasla, soya, full fat options – mayonnaise + sunflower spread
Consume at least 5 portions = fruits and vegetables - include green leafy vegetables
Other food options: Whole-grain bread + cereal
Limit your saturated fat intake = high saturated fat detriments Multiple Sclerosis, as shown by epidemiological evidence
Keep Caffeine intake to a minimum
If you have constipation consume high fiber, foods - golden linseed, prune juice
Avoid weight gain if you are obese
Avoid common;y followed diets that are also restrictive – Swank, Best Bet (no evidence that they work)
There is evidence to support that omega 3 and omega 6 supplements reduce immune cells activation
Source: Manual of Dietetic Practice, 5th edition
Mayo Clinic, 2017