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Multiple sclerosis: Does diet have an impact on MS? Carenity members share their opinions!

Published Jul 13, 2021 • By Candice Salomé

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. In the majority of cases, MS progresses slowly and its progression depends, among other things, on the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Diet may have a role to play in slowing down the progression of the disease. 

But is this true? Could a specific diet slow down the frequency and intensity of multiple sclerosis flares? 

We conducted a survey amongst 95 members in France, the United States and the United Kingdom. Discover what they had to say! 

Multiple sclerosis: Does diet have an impact on MS? Carenity members share their opinions!

95 members responded to our survey in France, the United States and the United Kingdom 

We conducted a survey from June 14-30 2021 involving members from the Carenity community who are living with multiple sclerosis in France, the UK and the US. We asked them if their diet had changed since diagnosis. 

The average respondent was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 14 years ago

More specifically:

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100% of respondents have changed their diet since diagnosis

All members interviewed indicated that they have modified their diet since they were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

57% have decided to change their diet as a result of researching the disease, 16% have done so on the advice of their doctor and 9% on the advice of other patients.

42% of respondents changed their diet for one of the following reasons:  

  • Because of a secondary health condition, 
  • To avoid putting on weight as their activity level decreases,
  • As a reflex, because their tastes and digestion has changed,
  • For overall well-being. 

The benefits that members derive from this change in diet are as follows: 

editor_meta_bo_img_ef0ad4bc69158e001eda525e1c1737dc.png

Diet plays a key role in the overall well-being of members affected by multiple sclerosis 

The changes that members have made in their eating habits are as follows:

editor_meta_bo_img_590ace0af27d4940eac7c5352d7bd06b.png

Members are also eating much more fruit and vegetables, most of which are organic and in season. Many have completely eliminated sugar from their diet.

Expert advice on diet for multiple sclerosis patients

So far, there is no scientific evidence to show a correlation between diet and slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis

However, the medical profession tends to agree that a balanced diet promotes general health.  

Thus, for patients with multiple sclerosis, diet contributes to physical well-being and helps prevent the onset of other health conditions

Experts recommend a varied diet, enriched with fruit and vegetables, and a reduced intake of meat and fat. 

Weight gain, as well as bowel and bladder problems, which usually accompany multiple sclerosis, can be positively influenced by diet

In day-to-day life, the experts recommend the following practices:

  • Consume meat no more than twice a week and choose lean meats such as veal, beef, rabbit or lamb. 
  • Consume a small amount of fats and avoid cold meats.
  • Eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day and opt for leafy green vegetables. 
  • Give preference to vegetable proteins over animal proteins. 
  • Use heart-healthy oils such as olive oil or canola oil. Avoid sunflower oil, corn oil, safflower oil and grapeseed oil, as well as margarine made from these oils. 
  • Finally, it is recommended that you drink enough water: around half a gallon per day. 

A varied and balanced diet can therefore have a real impact on the general well-being of multiple sclerosis patients and reduce the risk of developing a secondary illness. 

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Share your thoughts and questions with the community in the comments below!
Take care!


5

Data obtained from a Carenity survey conducted in France, the United Kingdom and the United States from June 14-30, 2021.

Sources:


avatar Candice Salomé

Author: Candice Salomé, Health Writer

Candice is a content creator at Carenity and specialzes in writing health articles. She has a particular interest in the fields of women's health, well-being and sports. 

Candice holds a master's degree in... >> Learn more

3 comments


donnnamorris07
on 8/15/22

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 1 month after I turned 47. My grandma is 95 and has had it since she was in her 20s. I have been on Copaxone, the first year was daily and later was on 40 mg 3 times a week which was supposed to help me. It made a tremendous difference for me at first. Although the fatigue is what really gets to me. When I do too much I do start to feel weak, but I had no other choice because my neurologist said this is the only medication for MS. I quit my job because I was a liability, There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment. Around 7 months ago I began to do a lot of research and was introduced to the Health Herbs Clinic and their effective Multiple Sclerosis treatment. When I started the MS treatment I felt like a miracle had happened. Feel as good as I can feel. Started driving including on a freeway. The herbal treatment is a sensation.. “Just google openpaymentsdata and see how much your doctor is getting paid ! AWESOME!!! They make money while we suffer.” I Just wanted to share for people suffering from this disease to visit healthherbsclinic. com it’s a 10 out of 10 from me! I Adhere anyone reading this to try natural approach.


katherinebhana
on 4/10/24

Sending you prayers, I was diagnosed in 2010 and seemed to go down hill quickly. In six years I could no longer work and had real problems with balance and joint pain. Brain fog was really bad sometimes. I took rebif and had a lot of problems and had to quit. I have been on techfadera (not spelled right) for a few years and have several side effects. I felt lost and decided to quit my meds due to side effects. Our care provider introduced me to Ayurvedic treatment. I had a total decline of all symptoms including vision problems, numbness and others. Sometimes, i totally forget i ever had MS. Visit Natural Herbs Centre web-site naturalherbscentre. com. I am very pleased with this treatment. I eat well, sleep well and exercise regularly. God bless all MS Warriors


jeaninemiller27
on 10/9/24

My husband had MS-4 programme about 4 months ago. he sleeps soundly, works out frequently, and is now very active. It doesn’t make the MS go away but it did give him better quality of life. we got the treatment from vinehealthcentre .com

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