How Mediterranean Diet Can Help Multiple Sclerosis Patients?

The Mediterranean diet is a well-known dietary pattern that has been associated with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of several chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Several studies have suggested that adopting a Mediterranean diet may also be beneficial for people with MS.

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Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to damage and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but several factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits are believed to contribute to the development and progression of the disease.

Blurred vision is one of the most common symptoms. (Image via Unsplash / Frank Borosikowski)

The symptoms of the illness vary from person to person, but often include:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Weakness in arms or legs
• Difficulty walking
• Coordination problems
• Memory loss, depending on where damage has occurred within your brain or spinal cord

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How Can the Mediterranean Diet Help MS Patients?

Several studies have suggested that following a Mediterranean diet may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a hallmark of MS.

Inflammation in the CNS leads to damage and scarring of the myelin sheath, which surrounds and protects nerve fibers. As a result, nerve signals are disrupted, leading to a range of MS symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, fatigue, and difficulty with coordination and balance.

Eating a wide range of food can help manage the MS symptoms. (Image via Unsplash / Alexandr Podvalny)

The Mediterranean diet has also been associated with improved cognitive function, which is an important consideration for MS patients who may experience cognitive impairment as a result of the disease.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who followed a Mediterranean diet had better cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those who did not follow the diet.

This diet lowers the risk of cognitive decline. (Image via Unsplash / David B Townsend)

In people with progressive multiple sclerosis, researchers found that cognitive impairment was more common than in those with relapsing-remitting MS, who experience periods of remission. Other lifestyle factors that may affect the risk of cognitive impairment were also taken into consideration.

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Mediterranean Diet Food List

Here is a list of some of the foods that are commonly included in the Mediterranean diet:

Include foods that contain healthy fats. (Image via Unsplash / Jens Erik Ebbesen)

1. Fruits: The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the consumption of a variety of fruits, including fresh, dried, or canned fruits. Some of the most commonly consumed fruits in the Mediterranean diet include apples, oranges, grapes, pears, berries, and melons.
2. Vegetables: The Mediterranean diet includes a variety of vegetables, such as leafy greens, tomatoes, onions, peppers, eggplants, zucchini, and artichokes. Vegetables are often consumed raw or lightly cooked, and they are often paired with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
3. Whole grains: The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the consumption of whole grains, such as whole wheat, oats, barley, and brown rice. Whole grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
4. Legumes: Legumes, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas, are a staple of the Mediterranean diet. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
5. Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are rich in heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Some of the most commonly consumed nuts in the Mediterranean diet include almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts.

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MS patients who adopt a Mediterranean diet may benefit from the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the diet, which can help reduce inflammation in the CNS and slow disease progression.

Moreover, the diet is rich in vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining a strong immune system and healthy bones.

MS patients should consider adopting a Mediterranean diet in conjunction with other lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and stress management, to improve their overall health and well-being.