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Diet and nutrition

Whether it is possible to influence MS through diet and dietary supplements is a controversial topic. There is much information available in books, magazines and on the web, much of it contradictory. Opinions range from denying any evidence of benefit to suggesting that MS can effectively be cured by particular diets. Neither opinion is correct and diet is an area best approached on a try it and see basis, having considered cost, convenience and, in the case of exclusion diets, how to maintain the correct nutritional balance.

For many people with MS, managing what they eat offers the possibility of a sense of control in dealing with their condition. Poor diet and nutrition can also worsen existing symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. Awareness of diet also offers the opportunity to promote general health and well being, which may be even more important following a diagnosis of MS.

Research into diet and MS has been limited. However, there has been research into a healthy diet for other conditions, which found that a diet that was low in fat, with lots of fruit and vegetables reduced someone's risk of developing heart disease, strokes and certain cancers.

This section discusses diet in general rather than focussing on specific regimes.

MS Trust links

Diet factsheet
Written with the help of a registered dietitian, this factsheet looks at the elements of a healthy diet and reviews evidence about diet in MS.
Linoleic acid factsheet
Linoleic acid is a naturally occurring essential fatty acid, present in a variety of foods. Research has suggested that it may have a role in controlling the severity and duration of relapses for some people. This factsheet gives ideas on how to incorporate linoleic acid into a balanced diet.
A reasonable approach to diet
Written by a doctor specialising in information on complementary therapies, this article from Open Door, the MS Trust's quarterly newsletter, reviews evidence for low risk, possibly effective dietary approaches for people with MS.
Diet and MS?
An article from Open Door, the MS Trust's quarterly newsletter, that discusses the elements of a healthy, balanced diet and how this can be developed for people with MS.
Complementart and alternative medicines webcast
Dr Allen Bowling in conversation about complementary and alternative treatments for MS - includes discussion of dietary approaches.

Other sources of information

Rocky Mountain MS Center
Provides objective information on diet and dietary supplements as well as other complementary and alternative medicines for people with MS.
Eat Well
The Food Standards Agency's Eat Well website contains information on healthy eating as well as other hygiene and safety issues regarding food.