Nourishing your body to help you manage your MS

Nourishing your body to help you manage your MS 

Here at MS Get a Head Start, we know that exercise and education are only part of the process of taking control of your Multiple Sclerosis. Nutrition plays a crucial role in how you feel and manage your MS symptoms.  

Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD), Accredited Nutritionist, and Director of Complete Dietetics, Emma Gore, is as passionate about nutrition as we are about exercise. Here she offers us her top three facts on how certain dietary patterns and nutrients play a fundamental role in managing MS-related symptoms and may help to delay the progression of MS.

Fact #1: Your diet can have a positive impact on MS progression 

Several studies suggest that certain dietary patterns and specific nutrients may have a positive impact on MS progression, potentially reducing inflammation, enhancing immune function, and improving overall neurological health. 

Some key nutrients and dietary patterns of focus include: 

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are anti-inflammatory compounds found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Research suggests that omega-3s might help modulate immune responses and reduce neuroinflammation, both of which are implicated in MS progression. 

• Vitamin D: Research suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may slow disease progression in individuals with MS. 

• Mediterranean Diet: A plant-based diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats has been shown to support overall immune health. Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet has been associated with improved disease outcomes and a lower risk of disability progression in MS patients. 

Fact #2: The combination of exercise + a balanced diet improves physical function with MS 

Alongside exercise programs, nutrition plays an integral role in supporting muscle and bone health and enhancing energy levels- all of which are important for individuals with MS who are working to improve physical function. A well-balanced diet that includes the right nutrients can help mitigate some of the challenges MS presents, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and impaired mobility. 

Some key dietary considerations to enhance physical function include: 

• Protein intake for muscle strength: MS can cause muscle weakness, making it important to consume adequate protein to support muscle maintenance and growth. Studies show that protein intake is essential for improving muscle strength and function, especially when combined with resistance training. 

• Carbohydrates for energy: Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy during physical activity. For MS patients, especially those with fatigue as a common symptom, ensuring adequate carbohydrate intake is crucial to sustaining energy levels during exercise. 

• Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for anyone exercising, but it is particularly important for individuals with MS, as dehydration can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue. 

Fact #3: Diet can play a significant role in managing constipation in MS 

Constipation is a common issue among people with MS due to a combination of factors such as reduced mobility, medication side effects, and neurogenic bowel dysfunction (loss of normal bowel function caused by MS). A well-balanced, fibre-rich diet, adequate hydration, and certain nutrients can help alleviate constipation by promoting regular bowel movements and improving overall digestive health. 

A tailored nutrition plan that addresses an individual's needs is therefore recommended as an essential part of a comprehensive MS treatment approach. 

“Our ultimate goal is to empower you to effectively manage your MS symptoms through sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes. By providing personalised guidance and support, we aim to enhance your overall health and wellbeing, enabling you to live your best life despite the challenges of MS.” – Emma Gore, Director – Complete Dietetics. 

Link in with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) 

The team at Complete Dietetics (based in Victoria, Australia) are specialists in nutrition management for MS and provide support to clients around the world via telehealth. Their team of Accredited Practising Dietitians (APD) provide evidence-based strategies which are tailored to each individual and address their specific symptoms and concerns to promote sustainable health improvements, and optimise MS management. To read further about what a specialist MS dietitian can help you with, and what to expect by seeing a specialist MS dietitian, please visit the Complete Dietetics website; https://www.completedietetics.com.au/multiple-sclerosis