This article provides dietary guidance for managing multiple sclerosis, highlighting beneficial anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, ginger, and vitamin D-rich options. It also details foods to avoid, including saturated fats, added sugars, and milk, to help reduce symptoms and slow disease progression. Including these nutritional strategies can complement medical treatments and improve quality of life for MS patients.

Nutrition Strategies for Multiple Sclerosis Management: Foods to Prioritize and Avoid

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease involving chronic inflammation of the central nervous system. The immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, damaging the protective myelin coating. While clinical treatments help manage symptoms, dietary adjustments can significantly influence disease progression. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and steering clear of potential triggers may reduce symptoms and slow disease advancement.

Recommended Foods

Turmeric
Turmeric boasts curcumin, a powerful compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help regulate immune responses, potentially preventing autoimmune attacks. Adding turmeric to your meals may decrease inflammation, ease MS symptoms, and slow progression.

Ginger
Ginger contains 10-gingerol, which reduces inflammation by modulating B cell immune responses. Regular consumption may help lessen nerve and muscle inflammation, alleviating stiffness and discomfort associated with MS.

Vitamin D-rich options such as eggs
Foods like fortified orange juice, mushrooms, salmon, tuna, eggs, and cereals are rich in vitamin D. This nutrient acts as a hormone that decreases inflammation in the central nervous system. Research suggests higher vitamin D intake may lower relapse rates in MS patients.

Foods to Limit or Eliminate

Saturated fats
Foods like full-fat dairy, marbled meats, butter, and cheese contain saturated fats that may heighten cardiovascular risks and worsen MS symptoms. These fats can promote inflammation, triggering immune responses that can intensify disease progression.

Added sugars
Baked goods, candies, pastries, and sugary beverages lack nutrients and can enhance inflammation. Excess sugar consumption may also lead to fat accumulation, aggravating MS symptoms.

Milk
The protein in milk can mimic components of myelin, prompting the immune system to attack the nervous system and potentially intensify MS symptoms.

Medical options like OCREVUS®
Medications such as OCREVUS® (Ocrelizumab) are frequently prescribed to reduce relapse frequency and slow disease progress. These infusions may be administered up to three times per year, depending on individual needs. Alternatives include Avonex®, Betaseron®, Aubagio®, and Gilenya®.