June 24, 2019 |  written by IVX Health

Multiple Sclerosis and Diet — How Does Nutrition Impact Managing MS?


Although there’s not a specific Multiple Sclerosis Diet, practicing a healthy lifestyle and nutrition plan can positively impact how you feel. 

Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammation

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in inflammation in the nervous system. When your central nervous system gets inflamed, it slows down or blocks signals from your brain to other parts of your body. When that happens, you end up with symptoms like dizziness, numbness, and pain. What this tells us is, the more you can reduce inflammation in your body, the better your odds are to reduce flare-ups. Food can play a large role in helping or worsening someone with multiple sclerosis’ symptoms. Read on for ways you can change your diet to be better suited for reducing the frequency of flare-ups.

Multiple Sclerosis Diet Tips

For multiple sclerosis patients, the Mayo Clinic recommends a balanced, lower-fat, high-fiber diet that focuses on natural, unprocessed foods. Focus on limiting fat from animal sources and choosing heart-healthy, omega-3-rich sources like olive oil and almond butter. Recent studies also show a potential link between high sodium intake and more frequent MS relapses. Avoiding salt may seem overwhelming at first, but two great sodium-free seasoning options to keep in your trusty pantry staples are Nutritional Yeast and Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute — both pack a flavor punch and could help minimize relapses.

Mediterranean Diet for Multiple Sclerosis

Using the Mediterranean Diet as a guide may help get you on the right track for your multiple sclerosis diet.  Below are the foods recommended on the Mediterranean Diet:

  • fruit and vegetables
  • nuts and seeds
  • legumes
  • potatoes
  • whole grains
  • herbs
  • spices
  • seafood
  • olive oil

The Mediterranean Diet involves eating poultry, eggs and dairy products only in moderation, and treating red meat as a rare treat. Additionally, the diet advises against sugary beverages, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains and oils, and any other highly processed foods. Cooking Light is a wonderful resource for additional details as well as suggested recipes to get you started.

Get Vitamin-Rich

Studies have shown that MS patients feel worse when they do not get enough vitamins and minerals in their diets. Research currently supports MS patients keeping their Vitamin D levels in the upper range of normal. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals, with the advice of your medical team, may help you have more energy and reduce flare-ups. Also eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals can help make your body feel stronger and less fatigued.

Keep Track of What Works for Your Symptoms

There’s no one-size-fits-all diet. The best thing you can do is keep a food and symptom journal where you track how what you eat makes you feel. When you spot a connection between a food, make note of it–flare-up triggers as well as food items that make you feel more energetic. Finding out what works for you is the best way to create your own personalized diet that fits your needs and likes.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment at IVX Health

If your multiple sclerosis treatment regimen includes biologic infusion or injection therapies such as Ocrevus or Lemtrada, consider IVX Health for your care.  We offer appointments that fit your schedule (days, evenings and weekends) in comfortable private suites so you can enjoy your time while receiving treatment. If you’re ready to experience how we are redefining care for patients with chronic conditions, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our many convenient locations.

Treatment at IVX Health

If biologics like Remicade, Actemra or Orencia  are a part of your chronic illness treatment plan, then consider choosing IVX Health for your ongoing care needs. IVX Health makes it possible to receive your therapy in a comfortable, convenient, and private environment.

With a private suite for every patient, you can watch your favorite Netflix show or movie on the big screen TV in each room, use a laptop or other mobile device to surf the web, or simply hang out with family and friends. We always have chairs for guests, and each center has a family room that is spacious and private if you need to bring your kids to your treatment. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling – including evenings and Saturdays – at any of our convenient locations.

At IVX Health, we truly are invested in helping you live your best life. If you’re ready to experience a new kind of infusion clinic, click here to learn how to move your infusion or injection therapy to IVX Health.