Controlling Multiple Sclerosis with diet

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that most often strikes people between the ages of 20 and 40, and which gradually robs the nerves of the ability to transmit impulses. Read on to learn how diet can play a role in controlling symptoms of MS.

Symptoms of MS vary, but include abnormal fatigue, impaired vision, slurred speech, loss of balance and muscle coordination, difficulty chewing and swallowing, tremors, bladder and bowel problems, and, in severe cases, paralysis.  A low-fat, high-fibre diet can be helpful by providing energy and nutrients to maintain and repair tissues, fight infections and lower the risk of constipation.

• The Swank diet. Some physicians recommend the Swank diet, which eliminates most animal fats. But while a low-fat diet is beneficial for healthy and infirm people alike, the Swank diet has not been proven effective in preventing the progression of MS. Other proposed diets are riskier, because they may lead to unbalanced or inadequate nutrition, and none have been proven effective.
• Vitamin therapy. Vitamin therapy has been promoted as helpful for MS sufferers, but there is no evidence that MS is caused by a vitamin deficiency.
• Antioxidants. Some scientists believe that free-radical damage can promote the progression of MS. So, it is prudent to include antioxidant-rich foods in your daily diet. These include fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, whole grains and seafood.
• Vitamin D. Some studies suggest that vitamin D might slow the ­disease. It also helps stave off osteoporosis. Good sources include milk, fortified soy and rice beverages, fatty fish and margarine.

The main role of diet in MS is to help people control the symptoms. A balance between healthy diet, exercise and rest can help to minimize fatigue. Eating more frequent but smaller meals also helps to provide a constant source of energy. A nutritious breakfast is very important; it provides an energy boost to start the day.

• Watch your weight. It is especially important to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can add to mobility problems and strain the respiratory and circulatory systems. Skin becomes irritated and breaks down more easily in overweight, relatively inactive people. Being underweight is no better because it may decrease resistance to infection and increase the risk of developing pressure sores and other skin ulcers.
• Fluid intake. Urinary tract infections are often a problem for people with MS, particularly when they have to undergo frequent cath­e­terizations. Drinking cranberry juice increases urinary acidity and creates an environment ­hostile to bacteria. If urinary incontinence is a problem, people with MS should avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and colas, and save chocolate (it also contains caffeine) for an occasional treat. Caffeine has a diuretic effect and irritates the bladder.
• Fibre intake. Constipation is aggravated by an inadequate fluid intake. Plenty of water and fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products, encourage smooth bowel function.
• Avoid problem foods. Some people with MS have problems with bowel incontinence, which may be worsened by diet. Try eliminating suspect items — for example, coffee, alcohol and spicy foods — from the diet for a few days; then reintroduce them one at a time to see if the problem recurs.
• Be careful with food textures. Chewing and swallowing can be helped by modifying food preparation but adhering to recommended guidelines. For example, substitute shakes, yogurt, fruit and vegetable purées, thick soups and puddings for firm or dry dishes. Serve chopped spinach in place of salad, or diced, stewed fruit instead of fresh. Also, serve smaller but more frequent meals.

Consume plenty of:

• Fibre-rich foods.
• Cranberry juice.
• Puréed foods.

Limit:

• Caffeine.

Avoid:

• Foods that can cause choking.