Dietary Advice for people with MS
There is much scientific evidence indicating that an appropriate nutritional balance and diet have a positive role in MS. Studies looking at the area of the world where MS occurs have shown that its incidence is closely correlated to the consumption of saturated fats. These are present in full fat dairy products, meat and confectionery.

The brain and nervous system are composed of approximately 60% fat, a large proportion of which is derived from the essential fatty acids. Investigations have shown that the levels of essential fatty acids in the blood have tended to be low in some people with long-standing MS.

Find out what foods and supplements can keep you healthy -
and what to avoid

One of the essential fatty acids is linoleic acid which is found in polyunsaturated oils such as sunflower and safflower. It has been demonstrated that patients given unsaturated fats can experience a reduced number and severity of relapses and Professor R.L.Swank in the USA has been advising MS people to adhere to a low-fat diet for over 30 years. His findings of reduced relapses and slowing of the disease progression compare favourably with the natural history of patients on a normal diet.

In the diet recommended by the MS National Therapy Centres, the consumption of essential fatty acids is increased and that of saturated fats decreased. This nutritional programme also includes increased consumption of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and fibre; all important for general health.

A three-year study on this diet indicated a reduced frequency and duration of relapses plus no significant deterioration in patient’s condition.

Various diets have been recommended over the years, but the following MS healthy eating plan has proved most beneficial for the majority of people.

The aim is to eat less fat, particularly saturated fat (generally hard animal fat). However, you still need adequate amounts of polyunsaturated fat (soft vegetable based fats and fish oils). Polyunsaturated fats are made up of smaller units known as essential fatty acids (EFAs). Our bodies are unable to manufacture them. They have many important functions; for example they are vital to the immune system, brain and nervous system. substances which have many important functions.

There are two main groups of EFAs known as the 'Omega 3' and 'Omega 6' groups. Oily fish are rich sources of two EFAs in the Omega 3 group. Some pure vegetable oils, such as Sunflower and Safflower oils, are rich sources of the Omega 6 group (including linoleic acid). The body uses linoleic acid to make another Omega 6 - arachidonic acid. Liver is an excellent source of arachidonic acid.

This way of eating is low in fat and should include foods rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Following the healthy eating plan will benefit the whole family, (children under 5 years will need more fat and less fibre). Similar dietary recommendations are made for reducing the incidence of heart disease, certain cancers and for the treatment of diabetes.

Healthy eating for MS is based on research
The incidence of MS varies from country to country. It seems to be lower where polyunsaturated fats are eaten in preference to saturated.

Scientific research has shown that those who followed the healthy eating plan carefully had fewer, less severe relapses. General health either improved or stayed the same.

People with MS tend to have an altered pattern of fats in the blood. This can be corrected, as long as the healthy eating plan is followed.

Dieticians give expert advice to tailor your diet to your life style. They provide information on suitable foods, recipes and meals, and what to look for on food labels. If you want to lose or gain weight, or are unable to follow certain parts of the healthy eating plan, it is a good idea to consult a dietician.

You may need information on supplements or possible food allergy or intolerance. Long term motivation can be a problem so regular reviews are available. Reviews also provide an opportunity to tell you about any new changes recommended or different foods available. Computer dietary analysis, providing a printout of your average nutrient intake compared to dietary reference values, can also be helpful. This is available at some therapy centres.