The Best Diet and Foods for Multiple Sclerosis

Many people living with multiple sclerosis have become discouraged because it seems like no matter what, symptoms just don’t get any better. Then there are the relapses, and symptoms just get worse. Or, even worse yet, new symptoms arrive.

While there’s no cure for MS, yet, there are various choices to make to try and gain some control.

One of these ways revolves around what you choose to eat.

There are many proponents of ‘treating MS’ with certain foods or diets. Most center on the fact that MS is an inflammatory condition; therefore, the recommendation is to stay away from foods which that cause inflammation. Such foods can potentially increase the incidence or severity of MS symptoms, according to Brett Osborn, DO, a board-certified neurological surgeon in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Everyday Health)

Let’s take a few minutes and review some of these diet plans and see if any strike you as something you’re at least willing to try.

Anti-inflammatory foods for MS

In the article, 8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Multiple Sclerosis, we learn of ‘easy fixes’ for your MS diet.

Emphasis is put on fatty acids. Quite simply, Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while some omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation. Some studies suggest that elevated intakes of omega-6 fatty acids may play a role in pain, as well.

Unfortunately, the typical American diet tends to contain 14 to 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. (University of Maryland Medical Center)

Again, back to the Everyday Health article, we learn that Omega-3 fatty acids are also shown to be heart-healthy.

To help in the treatment of your MS, 'fatty' fish, such as trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel, etc. are all high in omega-3 fats.

Examples of other foods high in Omega-3’s include fruits, vegetables, turmeric, ginger, avocados, and certain plant-based oils, like flax, rapeseed, soya and walnut.

Since the examples of anti-inflammatory foods listed above is not enough to plan daily menus, we will look to another source for meal examples.

The Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program

Professor George Jelinek, MD, founder of this program, was diagnosed with MS in 1999. After doing intensive research on his disease, his “Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Recovery Program” (OMS) came into being.

Now, more than 15 years later, it’s still on the table as a viable option for those who choose to become actively involved in fighting their MS.

Aside from the program's inclusion of exercise, stress management, sunlight, and medication when needed, the core of Dr. Jelinek’s MS program is deciding what you’re going to put into your mouth.

Personal details on Dr. Jelinek

We learn from the OMS site that Dr. Jelinek’s mother also lived with MS. He speaks of his Mom as becoming “totally incapacitated by the disease, and unable to care for herself.”

When the physician learned he also had MS, he decided he would do all he could to stay as active as possible during the years he had left. And thus, his research on MS and diet began.

Dr. Jelinek was a professor in Emergency Medicine and editor-in-chief “of a major medical journal.”

When visiting his site, you will have the opportunity to see the physician face-to-face as he personally shares information about the condition of multiple sclerosis and the OMS program.

Read on to learn more about healthy eating habits with multiple sclerosis.