Multiple sclerosis - can it also be treated with diet? Certain ingredients are certainly good for the general condition of patients. What is true and what is a myth about the diet of people with multiple sclerosis?

CanSpecial DietHelp People With Multiple Sclerosis ? Multiple sclerosis is a complex, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune (autoimmune) neurological disease. It belongs to the group of neurodegenerative diseases in which there is both inflammation and disturbance of the body's immune system. The abnormal activity of the immune system is characterized by the presence of immune cells in the nervous system, which in he althy people is an isolated system. The phenomenon of immune activity in the Central and Central Nervous System in MS patients suggests a disturbance of the natural permeability of the blood-brain barrier. This means that malfunctioning defense cells can attack the tissues of the nervous system, causing inflammation and damage to the structure and function of the nervous system. The factor damaging the cells of the nervous system is also an excess of the so-called free radicals that cause oxidative stress. These changes lead to damage to the myelin membrane surrounding the nerve fibers, and thus - to inappropriate conduction of nerve impulses. The result of these changes is the occurrence of a number of symptoms, including fatigue syndrome, disorders of sensation, speech, vision, coordination disorders, limb paresis, emotional disorders and many others, most often leading to the disability of the sick person.

Multiple sclerosis and diet. MS may be associated with a poor diet

The causes of MS are not fully understood. Among the many factors contributing to the development of the disease, the relationship with lifestyle is emphasized, e.g. inadequate diet, rich in animal fats, dairy products, highly processed food, but poor in some vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids or antioxidant compounds found in plants. The development of the disease may also be associated with the state of chronic stress, smoking and infections, e.g. during childhood.

In the modern approach to treatmentIn MS, nutritional therapy is mentioned more and more often as an element supporting conventional treatment. A properly selected diet alleviates the symptoms associated with the disease, improves overall he alth and improves the quality of life of the sick. What's more, it has been confirmed that eating certain foods may exacerbate the symptoms of MS. The goal of nutritional therapy is therefore to prevent and reduce inflammation, support the proper functioning of the immune system and reduce the effects of reactive oxygen species in the body of sick people. To understand how foods can influence the course of MS and affect the course of the disease and improve he alth, it is essential to identify specific food ingredients that are crucial in regulating immune processes, reducing inflammation and affecting the he alth of nerve fibers, including the myelin sheath.

Diet in multiple sclerosis. Contraindicated products

1. Saturated fatty acids

Food not recommended in the diet of people suffering from multiple sclerosis are saturated fatty acids, the most important source of which are animal products rich in fat:

  • meat and meat preparations
  • fatty milk
  • butter
  • cheeses

A diet high in saturated fat promotes many diet-related diseases through their direct action on cells: their growth, differentiation and function. It leads to the excessive production of cholesterol, promotes inflammation and disturbances in the intestinal microflora. One of the basic recommendations in the diet of people with MS is therefore to avoid or limit most animal products, especially animal fats. Restrictions should also apply to meat products (cold cuts) fixed with nitrates, which in high concentrations can cause toxic damage to myelin.

In the modern approach to the treatment of MS, nutritional therapy is mentioned more and more often as an element supporting conventional treatment. A properly selected diet alleviates the symptoms associated with the disease, improves overall he alth and improves the quality of life of patients.

2. Gluten

Gluten present in grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats) in people with gluten intolerance and people who are hypersensitive to gluten proteins may exacerbate the neurological symptoms accompanying MS. Gliadin, one of the components of gluten, can cause the tight connections in the cells of the intestinal epithelium to loosen, causing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream. In many scientific publications, the occurrence of suchthe phenomenon is indicated as one of the factors contributing to the development of autoimmune diseases, including MS. Numerous studies also confirm the positive impact of using a gluten-free diet in the course of the disease.

3. Cow's milk proteins

A protein that could be harmful in MS is the globulin protein of the milk fat membrane, butyrophilin (BTN). It is a compound of the group of immune proteins, similar to the myelin glycoprotein. The functions of this protein are related to the activation of the cells of the immune system, which treat the myelin protein as a foreign body and attack it. Milk proteins also increase the level of insulin after meals, which in turn influences further metabolic changes involved in e.g. the formation of neurodegenerative diseases.

4. High-calorie and highly processed diet

One of the important factors that can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases is excess energy from food. A diet rich in sugars, fats, preservatives and other food additives causes disturbances in the natural balance of the intestinal microflora, which leads to chronic inflammation of the intestines and affects the functioning of the body. In addition, too much postprandial insulin from consuming excess sugars increases the production of free radicals and inflammation.

Diet in multiple sclerosis. Recommended products

Improving the he alth of people with MS can be achieved through consistent implementation of dietary recommendations - avoiding harmful products and introducing ingredients with a supporting effect. When deciding to support traditional treatment with a diet, it is worth paying attention to the following issues:

1. Prevention and alleviation of inflammation in the body

The aforementioned abnormal gut microflora is one of the most important factors causing inflammation in the central nervous system, damage to myelin tissue and contributes to the exacerbation of MS symptoms. Restoring and maintaining the microbial balance in the gut is therefore one of the most important goals of nutritional therapy in multiple sclerosis. The effect of restoring the correct intestinal microbiology can be achieved by excluding from the diet ingredients conducive to the development of undesirable microorganisms (including excessive amounts of simple sugars, s alt, highly processed food, antibiotic therapy) and by introducing live cultures of probiotic bacteria into the daily diet (drinks and fermented products - cucumbers, sauerkraut, other pickled vegetables, e.g. carrots, radishes, beverages - beetroot acid, kvass).

2. Introducing larger amounts into the dietpolyunsaturated fatty acids

Particularly from the n-3 family (EPA and DHA acids) These substances are essential for the proper development of the brain and nervous system, and have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Research confirms the beneficial effects of these acids in relieving the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It should be emphasized here that fatty acids from the n-6 and n-3 family should be consumed in the right proportions, but the problem is usually too low supply of EPA and DHA acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from vegetables, fish fat, vegetable oils are a nutritional alternative to animal fats, not recommended in the diet of sick people. Products containing significant amounts of n-3 acids are oily sea fish (e.g. wild salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines) as well as seeds and vegetable oils and vegetables (e.g. linseed, hemp seeds, pumpkin, rapeseed, linseed oil, black cumin, kale, parsley, cabbage).

On the other hand, sunflower, corn and sesame oil contain significant amounts of n-6 fatty acids, their use in the diet should be limited, as well as recently popular coconut oil containing significant amounts of saturated fatty acids. Olive oil can be a good alternative to the oils described above. Hardened vegetable fats (margarines) and fried in fat should also be excluded from the diet.

3. Adequate amount of vitamin D in the diet

Studies on the frequency of MS have shown the largest number of sick people living in a temperate climate zone. These observations were associated with their lower exposure to sunlight, and hence - low levels of vitamin D3 in the body. The research also confirmed the small amounts of sea fish consumed by the sick. Vitamin D is found in natural food sources in the form of ergosterol (from plants) or 7-dehydrocholestersol (in animal products), but the best source of vitamin D3 is its formation in the skin thanks to UV-B sunlight. Vitamin D has recently been identified as the most promising natural molecule to aid in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and multiple sclerosis. Its role of regulating the immune system in the nervous system, protective action and a number of other functions is of great importance in alleviating ailments and significantly improving the he alth of sick people. The best nutritional sources of vitamin D3 are oily sea fish, cod liver oil and fortified foods. You should also take regular vitamin D3 supplementation.

Vitamin D deficiencies canincrease the risk of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis

Source: Lifestyle.newseria.pl

4. Prevention of the formation of free radicals

The state of long-term oxidative stress caused by free radicals is of great importance in the formation of damage to the myelin sheath of nerve fibers. These compounds are involved in the inflammatory process when the natural balance between the activity of reactive oxygen species and the body's natural ability to alleviate their action and quickly repair damage is disturbed.

Bioactive natural compounds, called antioxidants, have, among others, the function of eliminating the action of free radicals and counteracting oxidative stress. Among them, the most important are vitamin C, E and polyphenols and carotenoids occurring as natural dyes in vegetables and fruits, green tea, cereals, seeds, spices, cocoa, juices and herbs. In addition to the antioxidant function, they have, among others anti-inflammatory, regulating the functioning of the immune system, accelerating wound healing, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, slowing down the aging processes of the organism.

Compounds whose bioactivity is important in improving the he alth of sick people include :

  • Quercetin - has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating and antiviral properties. It has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which reduces the level of inflammation in the nervous system and inhibits the breakdown of the myelin sheath. There is, among others in onions, apples, citrus, tomatoes and wine
  • Resveratrol - works, among others as a natural, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory molecule, found in chocolate, peanuts, blueberries, dark grapes, red wine
  • Curcumin - Among its many biological properties, its anti-inflammatory properties are the most important. It is a yellow dye used in spice mixes, e.g. curry
  • Catechins - have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity, their best source is green tea and apricots
  • Hydroxytyrosol - is an antioxidant of natural origin found in olive oil
  • Lycopene - a compound from the group of carotenoids, one of the stronger antioxidants, it is a red dye found in, among others, in tomatoes, watermelons, red grapefruits
  • Beta-carotene - an antioxidant found in green, yellow, orange vegetables and fruits, their excellent sources are carrots, pumpkin, apricots, parsley, dill
  • Anthocyanins - seal capillaries, prevent puffiness and have anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties.antioxidant. Cherries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries contain significant amounts of anthocyanins

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an ingredient found naturally in vegetables and fruits. In the human body, it performs a number of important functions, primarily supporting the functioning of the immune system. It is also a powerful antioxidant, so it soothes the effects of oxidative stress. It also takes part in the formation of messenger substances in the nervous system and performs many other functions supporting human he alth. The richest sources of vitamin C are rosehips, black currants, sea buckthorn, parsley, fresh pepper, citrus and berries. As a good source of vitamin in the daily diet of Poles C indicates potatoes and cruciferous vegetables.

6. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the strongest antioxidants, it is also involved in transmitting nerve impulses, relieving inflammation and protecting the myelin sheath. It also has anti-aging properties. Significant amounts of vitamin E are found mainly in plant raw materials: almonds, nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, vegetable oils.

7. B vitamins

B vitamins play an important role in the treatment of nervous system disorders. They participate in the processes of building the myelin sheath, growth and formation of neurotransmitters, and influence the efficient transmission of signals in the nervous system. Vitamin B6 affects, among others for the proper functioning of the nervous system, regulates immune processes and is also involved in the formation of antibodies.

One of the most important vitamins with fat B in the context of MS is vitamin B12, which i.a. participates in the production of choline, which is part of the myelin sheath. And folic acid, the deficiency of which leads, inter alia, to degenerative changes in the nervous system.

The sources of B vitamins are offal, meat and poultry, cheese, eggs, legumes and groats, baker's yeast, green vegetables, nuts, eggs. Vitamin B12 is found only in animal products.

8. Other ingredients that are important in the diet of people with MS

  • zinc - participates in the body's immune processes (meat, offal, seafood, nuts, almonds, buckwheat, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
  • selenium - is a component of enzymes that break down free radicals, protects against oxidative stress (Brazil nuts, fish and seafood, eggs, meat, walnuts, seeds, sprouts)
  • copper - It is necessary forproper functioning of the nervous system (liver, oatmeal, nuts, cocoa, sunflower seeds)
  • calcium - is involved, inter alia, in the proper transmission of nerve signals and muscle contractions. The basic source of calcium in the diet of he althy people is milk and its products, but if milk is excluded from the diet in MS, deficiencies of this nutrient are possible. The consequence of chronic calcium deficiency is, inter alia, osteoporosis and neurological disorders. Sources of calcium in a dairy-free diet include, for example, canned fish, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts and almonds. Since the absorption of calcium from plant products is low, drinking mineral water with a high calcium content can supplement the diet with calcium (e.g. Kryniczanka, Staropolanka, Muszynianka)
  • magnesium - Takes part, inter alia, in the processes of nerve conduction. Food sources are nuts and seeds, cocoa, potatoes, fish, vegetables and mineral water
  • iron - is an important component of enzymes involved in oxidation processes. It also influences the proper functioning of the cells of the immune system. Deficiency increases the risk of infection, cell hypoxia and many other bodily dysfunctions. A good source of dietary iron is liver and other offal, dry legumes, parsley, eggs, whole grain bread, green vegetables

Phytotherapy - the use of medicinal plants during the treatment of MS

Herbal medicine is a frequently practiced method of supporting the treatment of multiple sclerosis, it is recommended to use both single herbs and specially composed mixtures. Among the many medicinal plants recommended in multiple sclerosis, a few are worth mentioning as a guide and encouragement to expand knowledge and use during treatment:

  • Chinese lemon - inter alia, it inhibits degradation changes in the nervous system, improves memory, intensifies cognitive processes, thanks to the presence of a large amount of antioxidants, it improves the functioning of the immune system in a stressful situation. It soothes depressive states, fatigue, stimulates life activity
  • Bilberry (blueberry) - prevents the degeneration of nervous system tissues, including the myelin sheath. It is also anti-inflammatory and soothes the symptoms associated with MS
  • Japanese ginkgo (Ginko biloba) - Among many others, it protects the nervous tissue by preventing damage to the myelin sheaths. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and prevents swelling, including in the brain. Has a vasodilating effect in the brainlimbs, coronary vessels, which improves mental and physical efficiency
  • Fluffy claw - has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and diastolic properties on blood vessels, regulates the activity of the central nervous system and the immune system, has anti-swelling properties
  • Brazilian ginseng - has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic properties, relaxes joints and muscles, thus reducing the symptoms of muscle spasticity. Increases physical and mental performance, improves digestive processes
  • Indian ginseng (Ashwagandha) - has a normalizing effect in the body, improves memory, concentration, has an anti-stress effect. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, regulates the work of the immune system, thanks to which it can prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases
  • Ginger - helps, among others in digestive system ailments, e.g. flatulence, constipation, nausea, improves joint mobility, blood circulation and general well-being
  • Calendula - has a positive effect on the digestive system and the liver. It prevents digestive ailments that often accompany MS
  • Nettle - cleans, strengthens, regenerates, regulates and supports the work of many organs
  • Poplar buds - they accelerate tissue regeneration, are anti-inflammatory and analgesic
  • Rue herb - thanks to the content of bioflavonoids, it strengthens the effect of vitamin C, removes the symptoms of fatigue, lethargy, strengthens the body

Nutritional programs for multiple sclerosis

1. Swank's diet

Based on research by Dr. Roy Swank. The most important recommendations here are to limit animal fats and saturated fatty acids (e.g. hydrogenated margarines, coconut and palm oil) to 15g a day and to include more vegetable oils (essential fatty acids) in the diet to 30-50g a day. The diet should provide protein from fish, seafood, and lean poultry. It is allowed to use skim milk containing less than 1% of saturated fatty acids per serving. In people with severe symptoms, you should refrain from consuming caffeinated beverages. It is also recommended to supplement with fish oil, vitamin C and E.

2. Low calorie diet

Excessive consumption of calories increases the risk of disease and aggravating disease symptoms through increased production of free radicals and inflammation in the body, not only in the nervous system, but also in the intestines and other systems. Lower amount of several calories in the dietis obtained by reducing food intake or by periodic fasts. An example may be the use of the principles of intermittent fasting or the diet of low-calorie cycles - fasting mimicking diet (FMD), which recommends a several-day periodic fasting, during which the amount of caloric intake is reduced by 34-54%, it is allowed to consume a carefully selected amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat and minerals . Research emphasizes that the combination of a low-calorie diet rich in plant bioactive compounds (polyphenols, carotenoids, etc.) reduces the extent of oxidative damage and protects against further tissue damage. Research suggests that periodic low-calorie diets can slow the progression of MS.

3. The nutritional treatment of Dr. Terry Wahls, who developed nutritional recommendations for herself after conventional therapy failed. Nutritional management is based on the so-called paleo diet enriched with supplementation. The diet provides the body with ingredients that have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous and muscular systems and the proper functioning of the brain. The therapy consists in excluding grain products, vegetables with high starch content, dairy products, sugar and highly processed foods from the diet. She recommends eating plenty of colorful vegetables, including plenty of green vegetables, vegetable juices, vegetable fats, nuts and oilseeds, seaweed, fruits, fish and seafood, small amounts of meat, spices and herbs. The premise of the diet is to provide the body with a high intake of B vitamins, coenzyme Q, antioxidants and organic sulfur.

Many scientific publications also mention other diets that have a potentially beneficial effect on the course of MS. The beneficial effects of the Mediterranean, Ornish, vegetable and ketogenic diets are mentioned here.

Summary - General nutritional management recommendations for multiple sclerosis

1. Supportive nutritional therapy cannot replace conventional treatment, it should be selected individually for each patient and monitored, which is a condition of success in treatment. 2. It should take into account comorbidities, including confirmed food intolerances. 3. Eat small-volume meals 4-5 times a day at regular intervals. The last meal should be eaten about 3 hours before going to bed. 4. The diet should be based on natural, fresh, seasonal products, as little processed as possible, with a known composition. 5. It should contain all nutrients necessary for he alth, with particular emphasis on productsanti-inflammatory and antioxidant. 6. The basis of the diet should be plant products, which are a source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. 7. The diet should contain vegetable fats: olive oil, linseed oil, rapeseed oil, other oils being a good source of fatty acids from the n-3.8 family. It is recommended to eat products containing wholesome, easily digestible protein from lean poultry, fish, seafood and eggs as well as plant products, e.g. legume seeds 9. As a source of carbohydrates, choose wholemeal bread and groats. It is worth following the principles of a gluten-free diet or with a significant limitation of gluten-containing products (wheat, rye, barley and oats) 10. Pickled vegetables and non-dairy fermented drinks should be included in the diet. It is also worth supplementing with probiotic bacteria strains. 11. The caloric content of the diet should depend on body weight and should be adjusted to each person individually. 12. From the daily diet, you should exclude highly processed products, white flour, fast-food dishes, powdered ready meals, chips, sweets, breakfast cereals, ready-made cookies, carbonated drinks, alcohol and others. 13. It is recommended to follow a diet that eliminates milk and dairy products, large amounts of meat, and eliminates all animal fats: lard, butter, fatty meats, pork, fatty poultry. 14. Avoid foods that are stale, spoiled, smoked, cured, pickled, stored in brine, too sweet. 15. You should ensure adequate hydration of the body, at the level of about 2 liters a day. The best to drink are: water, green tea, fruit teas. Coffee and black tea consumption should be excluded or significantly reduced. 16. You should take care of the aesthetic serving of dishes, meals should be colorful, varied, and prepared according to the preferences of the sick person. 17. It is recommended to eat meals in a relaxed atmosphere, together with family or guardians. 18. Consider supporting the diet with supplements - vitamin D3, omega-3 acids, B vitamins, vitamin C and other, and selected herbal infusions.19. It is worth considering introducing specialized nutritional programs whose positive effect in MS is confirmed by scientific research.

Considering that diet and dietary supplements are not pharmacological drugs and cannot replace conventional MS therapy, the introduction of nutritional therapy should be treated as a complement and support to traditional treatment and not as the only treatment.

The effectiveness of nutritional intervention in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as MS,depends on the ability of some natural food ingredients to regulate the functioning of the body's cell metabolism, but most of all on the severity of the disease, accompanying symptoms and individual reactions of each sick person.

Sources:

1. Plemel, Jason R., et al. "Over-the-counter anti-oxidant therapies for use in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review." Multiple Sclerosis Journal 21.12 (2015): 1485-1495.2. Cunningham, Eleese. "Are there evidence-based dietary interventions for multiple sclerosis ?." Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 113.7 (2013): 1004. 3. Strumiłło, J, Gerszon, J, and Aleksandra Rodacka. "Characterization of phenolic compounds of natural origin with particular emphasis on their role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases." In the monograph: "Bory Tucholskie and other forest areas. Protection and minitoring ", edited by K. Gwoździński, University of Lodz Publishing House (2015): 231-246.4. Dymarska, E ;; Grochowalska, A; Krauss, H. Effect of diet on the immune system. Immunomodulatory effects of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Nowiny Lekarskie, 2013, 82.3: 222-231.5. Bubko, Irena, Beata M. Gruber, and Elżbieta L. Anuszewska. "The role of thiamine in neurodegenerative diseases." Advances in Hygiene & Experimental Medicine / Postepy Higieny i Medycyny Dos Doświadczalnej 69 (2015) 6. Joscelyn, Jennifer, and Lloyd H. Kasper. "Digesting the emerging role for the gut microbiome in central nervous system demyelination." Multiple Sclerosis Journal 12/20 (2014): 1553-1559.7. Kilborn, Sally J. Dietary assessment and self-perceived impact of food in persons with multiple sclerosis. Diss. McGill University, 2008.8. Riccio, P. "The molecular basis of nutritional intervention in multiple sclerosis: a narrative review." Complementary therapies in medicine 19.4 (2011): 228-237.9. Riccio, Paolo, Rocco Rossano, and Grazia Maria Liuzzi. "May diet and dietary supplements improve the wellness of multiple sclerosis patients? A molecular approach." Autoimmune diseases 2010 (2011) 10. Cortese, Marianna, et al. "Timing of use of cod liver oil, a vitamin D source, and multiple sclerosis risk: The EnvIMS study." Multiple Sclerosis Journal 21.14 (2015): 1856-1864.11. Konikowska, Klaudia, and Bozena Regulska-Ilow. "The role of diet in multiple sclerosis." Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine (Online) 68 (2014): 325-333.12. Dąbrowska-Bender, Marta, and Dagmara Mirowska-Guzel. "Nutrition of Multiple Sclerosis Patients - Literature Review." Polish Neurological Review 11.3 (2015): 136-151.13. Munger, Kassandra L., and Alberto Ascherio. "Prevention and treatment of MS:studying the effects of vitamin D. "Multiple Sclerosis Journal 17.12 (2011): 1405-1411.14. Maćkowiak, Kalina, and Lech Torliński." Contemporary views on the role of vitamin C in human physiology and pathology. "Nowiny Lekarskie 76.4 (2007): 349 -356.15. Krzysik, Monika, Jadwiga Biernat, And Halina Grajeta. "The influence of selected nutrients of food on the functioning of the immune system. II. Immunomodulating effect of vitamins and trace elements on the human body. "Adv. Clin. Exp. Med 16.1 (2007): 123-133.16. Habek, Mario, Iva Hojsak, and Vesna V. Brinar." Nutrition in multiple sclerosis. "Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery 112.7 (2010): 616-620.17. Jankowski, Jacek M. "Curcuma as anti-inflammatory and anticancer medicine." Advances in Phytotherapy. Ho Tranh, Łukasz, Brodkowiak, Alicja, "Adaptogens - eastern medicine or western fashion" Food Forum 4 .20 (2022): 58-63.18. Http: //rozanski.li19. Http: //ptsr.waw.pl

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