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Various diets have been recommended over the years, but the following MS healthy eating plan has proved most beneficial for the majority of people.
The aim is to eat less fat, particularly saturated fat (generally hard animal fat). However, you still need adequate amounts of polyunsaturated fat (soft vegetable based fats and fish oils). Polyunsaturated fats are made up of smaller units known as essential fatty acids (EFAs). Our bodies are unable to manufacture them. They have many important functions; for example they are vital to the immune system, brain and nervous system. substances which have many important functions. For example, they
There are two main groups of EFAs known as the 'Omega 3' and 'Omega 6' groups.
Oily fish are rich sources of two EFAs in the Omega 3 group. Some pure vegetable oils, such as Sunflower and Safflower oils, are rich sources of the Omega 6 group (including linoleic acid). The body uses linoleic acid to make another Omega 6 - arachidonic acid. Liver is an excellent source of arachidonic acid.
This way of eating is low in fat and should include foods rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Following the healthy eating plan will benefit the whole family, (children under 5 years will need more fat and less fibre). Similar dietary recommendations are made for reducing the incidence of heart disease, certain cancers and for the treatment of diabetes.
Healthy eating for MS is based on research:
- The incidence of MS varies from country to country. It seems to be lower where polyunsaturated fats are eaten in preference to saturated.
- Scientific research has shown that those who followed the healthy eating plan carefully had fewer, less severe relapses. General health either improved or stayed the same.
- People with MS tend to have an altered pattern of fats in the blood. This can be corrected, as long as the healthy eating plan is followed.
Dieticians give expert advice to tailor your diet to your life style. They provide information on suitable foods, recipes and meals, and what to look for on food labels. If you want to lose or gain weight, or are unable to follow certain parts of the healthy eating plan, it is a good idea to consult a dietician.
You may need information on supplements or possible food allergy or intolerance. Long term motivation can be a problem so regular reviews are available. Reviews also provide an opportunity to tell you about any new changes recommended or different foods available. Computer dietary analysis, providing a printout of your average nutrient intake compared to dietary reference values, can also be helpful. This is available at some therapy centres.
Which Foods Should I Choose
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