MS Diet Recommendations
Making smarter choices with MyPlate.
When you have multiple sclerosis, a healthy diet becomes even more critical. Due to inactivity and MS fatigue, you may be susceptible to other diseases and disorders, like obesity, constipation and depression. What can you do? Stay informed by reading the information below. And speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian about your personal nutritional needs.
"The US Department of Agriculture created MyPlate, which can help you make healthy food decisions," says Julie Barto, a registered dietitian who specializes in helping people living with MS. Learn more about each of the food groups that may be important for people with MS:
More about the
MyPlate from the USDA.
Since everyone experiences MS differently, you may have different dietary needs. To customize your own MS diet, meet with a
registered dietitian.
Digesting popular diets.
You might be tempted to start a special diet immediately, but it's better to research and speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian first. The chart below outlines some popular diets for people with MS.
Please note: These diets are not recommended or endorsed by Biogen Idec or Elan Pharmaceuticals Inc
Grains, like breads, oats and rice
Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which helps to improve digestion, relieve constipation and can give you energy.
Why grains matter:
- They provide complex carbohydrates, an important source of energy.
- Whole grains (even whole-grain breads) are an excellent source of fiber, which helps you feel fuller longer, and relieves constipation. The fiber in whole grains contributes to the 25-30 grams of fiber we should aim for in our diet every day.
- Choosing whole wheat toast instead of white toast will probably keep you full longer, because the fiber in the whole-grain bread helps slow its digestion. This can be an advantage when you struggle with fatigue and want a nutritious meal or snack that will keep you full.
Tip: Adding healthy protein (for example, having that toast with peanut butter) makes fiber foods even more of a power meal.
Avoid: White breads are processed and largely stripped of their nutritional value. That's why you should make half of the grains you eat whole grains, such as wheat, rice, or oats. Since they are less processed, whole grains contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Shoot for: 6-11 servings, or 25-30 grams of fiber daily to help with digestion. Whole grains can help you reach this goal.
Fruits and vegetables
They're loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals, which can reduce your risk of cancer and keep your weight in check.
Why fruits and vegetables matter:
- Studies have shown that they may reduce your risk of developing certain chronic diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Different-colored fruits and vegetables provide your body with a variety of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are compounds that provide various health benefits.
- They can play an important role in weight management. They're also low in calories — so by including a larger portion of them in a meal or snack, you can lower your portion of higher-calorie foods.
- They're a great source of fiber, which keeps you full longer by slowing the digestion of your food. Fiber also helps with digestion. Consuming an adequate amount of fiber can help prevent constipation.
Shoot for: The more colorful your plate is, the healthier it is.
Daily goals: 5-9 servings a day.
Watch out for: Fruit juices that are high in calories and sugar. Drinking these beverages can lead to a higher overall calorie intake, which can cause weight-gain.
Dairy
All fluid milk products and many foods made from milk are considered part of this food group. Milk and dairy foods are often high in calcium and can help prevent bone loss. So can
weight-bearing exercise.
Why dairy matters:
- Bone density starts to decline in adulthood, and people with MS can be at particularly high risk for bone loss. By consuming enough calcium, you can help to prevent bone loss.
- Most calcium-rich foods and beverages, such as milk, soymilk and yogurt, are also fortified with vitamin D, which is crucial for your body to absorb calcium.
Foods: Milk, cottage cheese and yogurt. Choose low-fat dairy foods, such as skim or 1% milk, low-fat cheese and low-fat yogurt. Lactose-intolerant? You can still meet your calcium needs with lactose-free dairy products like milk, cottage cheese, soymilk and rice milk. Also, hard cheeses, such as cheddar, contain very little lactose and yogurt is often easier to digest than milk.
Shoot for: Three servings per day from the dairy group if you are under 50 years old. You also need 400-800 IU vitamin D. If you're 50 or older, you need 3-4 servings per day from the dairy group. You also need 800-1000 IU vitamin D.
Daily goals: 3-4 servings a day.
Watch out for: Full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk, cheese and cream. They're high in calories and may contribute to higher cholesterol.
Protein
All foods made from meat, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, eggs, processed soy products, nuts, and seeds are considered part of the Protein Foods Group. Proteins build muscle and boost your immune system.
Why protein matters:
- Protein is crucial to your immune system. A diet insufficient in protein may put you at risk of illness.
- People with MS often struggle with weakness. Since your muscles are made of protein, it's important to consume enough protein.
- Including a source of lean protein from this food group in meals and snacks can also keep you feeling full longer, which in turn can be helpful to prevent over-eating. Combine a lean protein with carbohydrate food in a meal or snack to slow down the digestion of that meal or snack.
- Protein helps with blood sugar control.
Watch out for: Red meat and certain processed meats, like hot dogs and bacon. These can be high in saturated fats, which in turn can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
Shoot for: Lean meats (chicken or turkey), fish, or vegetarian proteins, like beans.
Daily goals: 2-3 servings of the above.
How to reach that goal: Have some beans in your salad, some peanut butter on your crackers, or an egg with your toast.
