Healthy Diets for People With MS

A low-fat diet is extremely helpful for people with multiple sclerosis. Following a well-balanced diet is an area where a person affected by MS can be in control in regard to the unpredictable chronic disease. There are at least two specific diets for those with multiple sclerosis.

The Best Bet Diet

The best bet diet rules for controlling MS are to avoid dairy, gluten, legumes and refined sugar as described in the following:

Dairy
Avoid all animal milks, butters, cheeses and yogurts. Replace with rice milk or low-fat coconut milk.

Gluten
Avoid wheat, rye, oats and barley. These grains can be replaced in the diet with rice, corn, quinoa and other grains and flours that are gluten-free.

Legumes
Avoid beans, peas and lentils, especially soy. All other vegetables are allowed.

Refined Sugar
Sugar should be avoided. Alternative sweeteners, honey, maple syrup, fruit sugar and stevia are acceptable.

The Swank MS Diet

Dr. Roy Swank discovered that a low-fat diet, very low in saturated fats and polyunsaturated oils, helps MS patients live healthy and productive lives when adhering to the following diet rules:

Dairy, Eggs & Cereals
All dairy products must be non-fat or contain no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per serving. The white of the egg contains no fat; therefore three eggs per week are acceptable, but no more than one per serving. Whole-grain, bread products and cereals with the least amount of saturated fat like Cheerios, Shredded Wheat, Wheaties, Puffed Rice and Grape Nuts are also allowed.

Pasta & Rice
Pastas and rice are allowed, but whole grain pastas are preferred.

Beverages
Caffeine increases nervousness, insomnia and frequent urination. Beverages with caffeine should be limited to a maximum of 3 cups daily. If an increase in symptoms occurs, do not consume caffeine. A glass of wine or a cocktail with the evening meal is allowed.

Condiments
Mustard, ketchup, relish, barbecue sauces, taco sauces, sweet and sour sauces, herbs and spices are allowed. Mayonnaise contains unsaturated fatty acids.

Fruits & Vegetables
A variety of vegetables and fresh fruits are encouraged.

Fish & Meats
All white fish and shellfish are allowed. Skinned, trimmed white chicken or turkey meat are also acceptable.

Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds are good sources of natural oils and essential fatty acids which help to maintain a good energy level.

Snacks
Snack crackers containing no shortening, butter, margarine or processed oils are allowed. Angel food cake does not contain egg yolks or shortening and can be used as a pleasing dessert.

Food to Avoid
Any boxed or canned food containing processed oil, shortening or butter and exceeding 1 gram of saturated fat per serving should be avoided. Processed meat such as ground turkey, chicken, and luncheon meats should also be avoided. During the first year on the diet, red meat is not allowed, including pork.

Supplements
Vitamin supplements recommended are 1 teaspoon cod liver oil, 1 multiple vitamin with minerals, 1,000 milligrams vitamin C and 400 IU vitamin E.