The Right Diet for People with Muscular Dystrophy

Updated: 11/3/17

Getting muscular dystrophy isn’t a laughing matter. It’s not only frustrating for the patient themselves, but also for their caregivers who are watching them suffer from the neuromuscular disease. However, nutrition may be the best-answered prayer that can help those live as normal and healthy a life one can live while suffering from muscular dystrophy.

Recent research demonstrated that a well-balanced and nutritious diet can significantly affect the overall quality of life, particularly for those who suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Although there are a plethora of considerations that concern the caloric consumption, which includes steroid use, physical activity, and capability of ambulation, most experts in the field recommend that the daily caloric consumption must be 80% of those who don’t have Duchenne MD. In addition to that, it is also suggested to keep away from excessive intake of salt and also to take a good amount of calcium.    

Diet is essential to keeping one’s health stable despite their condition. According to the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, it’s always best for the patient to have a diet that is low in fats and carbohydrates and high in protein. It is also important to maintain a normal weight to avoid the extra burden on the weakening muscles. Weak abdominal muscles and immobility can lead patients to experience constipation. Not only should a diet that is high in protein be administered, but a diet with fresh vegetables and fruits and high in fluid fiber can also enhance digestion for many patients and help their metabolism.

According to LiveExtension, "While dietary changes are not enough to directly impact muscle degeneration, proper nutrition is essential because many patients with muscular dystrophy have limited mobility or are inactive due to muscle weakness." Nutritional value for muscular dystrophy patients helps with managing steroid usage, weight gain and obesity. Patients could also benefit from taking certain supplements and herbs to help support their diet if they are deficient in some nutrients more so than others.

Muscular dystrophy patients, especially those diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, usually lose their capability to perform simple tasks like walking, sitting up, moving or even breathing. While this condition has no cure, a diet loaded with protein, supplements, and herbs could significantly help avoid weight gain that is more common in the later stages of the disease.

It's also important to consult right away with a licensed physician once the patient feels unfamiliar symptoms. Don’t forget to review the patient's’ health history before starting a new supplement regimen. If there are any issues, such as food allergies, that a patient has, patients might have to find substitutes for their diet so that they are still getting the right amount of nutrients in their body.

Some foods that muscular dystrophy patients can use in their diet are eggs, oats, broccoli, Greek yogurt, tuna, peas, and many more. All of the foods that are recommended for muscular dystrophy are high in protein, fiber, and low in carbohydrates. However, it's also important to note that a patient, and their caregiver, must be especially careful when they are having issues with swallowing. In this case, some foods that might be harder to chew like meats should be eaten with caution.