Multiple Sclerosis Nutrition and Symptoms

Fight MS with broccoli, bananas and other healthy foods.

It's time to step up to the dinner plate. When you have multiple sclerosis you may be at higher risk for certain health complications, like bone loss, weight gain and bladder issues. The good news is that healthy nutrition can work wonders for your overall wellbeing and may help minimize some MS symptoms. Of course, before changing your diet, the best resource is your doctor or a registered dietitian.

You should consult your healthcare provider before changing your diet.

 

See More Videos Watch this MS nutrition tips video on making smarter food choices

 

Below, you'll find common MS symptoms and how diet plays an instrumental role.

Fatigue

• Impact in MS: This most prevalent symptom reported by people with MS, fatigue affects nearly every aspect of daily life.
• Contributing factors: Poor nutrition, inadequate fluid intake and iron deficiency.
• Consider: A balanced diet that includes foods from every group on the USDA MyPlate every day. Specifically, foods rich in iron, such as chicken, fish, turkey, beans, and certain vegetables. Adequate fluids will prevent dehydration, so aim for at least 6-8 cups of fluid per day.
• Avoid: Sugar-loaded energy drinks. These give you a quick sugar rush but don't lead to sustained energy. Only consume fast food, "junk" foods, and processed foods in moderation. They load you up with calories — not nutrition.

Bone loss

• Impact in MS: Increased chances of a fracture.
• Contributing factors: Inactivity, steroid use, inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake, smoking, and hormonal changes after menopause.
• Consider: Foods containing calcium and vitamin D. Have 3 servings of dairy foods per day if you're 19 to 50 years of age; 4 servings if you're over 50. At any age, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about weight-bearing exercises that you can do.

Constipation

• Impact in MS: Constipation can result in abdominal discomfort and put you at higher risk for diseases of the colon.
• Contributing factors: Decreased activity, a low-quality diet, inadequate fluid intake and insufficient dietary fiber intake.
• Consider: More activity, adequate fiber (25-30 grams per day) by including whole grains, vegetables, fruit and beans in your diet, and enough fluids.

Bladder problems (including incontinence, frequency, hesitancy, dribbling)

• Impact in MS: Urinary tract infection or bladder infection; interference with everyday life (work, sleep, recreation, etc.).
• Contributing factors: Consuming diuretic foods (asparagus, tea, coffee).
• Consider: Limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can be bladder irritants. However, cutting back on your fluids can cause further complications. Try strategically planning your fluid intake based on your schedule. For example, drink more during times of the day when you are home or close to a bathroom.
• Aim for: 6-8 glasses a day of water to avoid urinary tract infections.

Weight gain

• Impact in MS: Hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, to name a few.
• Contributing factors: Decreased activity, limited mobility, eating calorie-dense foods (such as junk food, fast food).
• Consider: Taking in nutrient-dense instead of calorie-dense foods. Choose foods low in fat, as fat is calorie-dense. Plan ahead. Keep nutrient-dense foods — dried fruits, nuts, low-fat cheese, or high-fiber cereals — handy. Exercise.
• Avoid: Food and drink high in sugar, which provides calories, but offers minimal nutrition.

Difficulty swallowing and/or chewing (dysphagia)

• Contributing factors: Fatigue can exacerbate swallowing problems.
• Consider: Taking smaller bites, chewing foods thoroughly and taking your time eating. Have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Eating a large meal can tire you out, making you prone to swallowing difficulties or even choking by the end of the meal. To avoid choking risks, eat tougher-to-chew foods at times of day when you have more energy. Eat softer foods at the end of the day. If certain textures are difficult for you, modify the textures of problem foods.
• Avoid: Big meals and foods that are tougher to chew, especially when you are fatigued.