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A woman with long Black hair and a white blouse stands in a kitchen with fruits and vegetables in front of her.
SUNI
Diagnosed in 2018

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and Multiple Sclerosis

relapses and lesions on MRI) and related disability.Diet has a strong relationship to body weight and cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Cardiovascular risk factors:
  • Are associated with higher levels of MS activity and related disability.
  • Can lead to other health issues (or comorbid conditions), such as heart disease and stroke.
Diet affects the composition of the bacteria that live in the gut (microbiome), which in turn has important effects on the immune system that may be relevant for MS.Dietary metabolites (such as vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids that form proteins) have direct effects on the immune system and the brain." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">
Diet is important in multiple sclerosis. Lifestyle factors such as healthy eating and exercise, as well as smoking, impact the risk of getting MS and can affect how the disease progresses.A healthy diet may have a positive effect on your MS for several reasons:A steady and healthy body weight is associated with decreased risk of MS activity (such as relapses and lesions on MRI) and related disability.Diet has a strong relationship to body weight and cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Cardiovascular risk factors:
  • Are associated with higher levels of MS activity and related disability.
  • Can lead to other health issues (or comorbid conditions), such as heart disease and stroke.
Diet affects the composition of the bacteria that live in the gut (microbiome), which in turn has important effects on the immune system that may be relevant for MS.Dietary metabolites (such as vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids that form proteins) have direct effects on the immune system and the brain.
Ask an MS Expert: The Role of Nutrition in MS

No “Best Diet” for People Living With MS

research studies and hopes to offer more specific advice as they are completed.While we do not yet know that a specific diet will treat your MS, a healthy diet is likely to improve your overall health and well-being. Most MS experts agree that a healthy diet is important to the long-term health of your nervous system. Experts offer the following recommendations for good health:
  • Prepare meals at home as much as possible.
  • Incorporate colorful fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
  • Choose lean proteins and healthy fats.
  • If you eat grains, choose whole grains over refined grains.
  • Consider adding herbs and spices to add flavor to meals.
  • Avoid or limit processed foods and added sugars as much as possible.
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Scientists have not found a definitive diet that can change the course of MS. The National MS Society has funded multiple research studies and hopes to offer more specific advice as they are completed.While we do not yet know that a specific diet will treat your MS, a healthy diet is likely to improve your overall health and well-being. Most MS experts agree that a healthy diet is important to the long-term health of your nervous system. Experts offer the following recommendations for good health:
  • Prepare meals at home as much as possible.
  • Incorporate colorful fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
  • Choose lean proteins and healthy fats.
  • If you eat grains, choose whole grains over refined grains.
  • Consider adding herbs and spices to add flavor to meals.
  • Avoid or limit processed foods and added sugars as much as possible.
Ask an MS Expert: The Impact of Diet and Nutrition on MS

Additional Resources: Diet and Nutrition Guidance

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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be a source of information on multiple sclerosis related topics. Unless otherwise indicated, the information provided is based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. However, the information does not constitute medical or legal advice. For specific medical advice, consult a qualified physician. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.