Treating Multiple Sclerosis through Nutrition

1. Treating Multiple Sclerosis through Nutrition Erin Hulin EDHS 4610G - Summer 2013 University of New Orleans

2. What is Multiple Sclerosis? • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. • Symptoms are unique to each individual living with MS and can range from numbness in the limbs to paralysis or vision loss. • The progress and severity of the disease is unpredictable and varies for each person. • MS is often a debilitating disease, and unfortunately there is currently no cure.

3. Today’s Treatments • There are now 10 disease-modifying agents approved by the FDA to help treat MS, but these are only meant to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the severity and number of relapses; they are not a cure. • Many treatments are injections, and all are major prescription drugs with serious side effects ranging from headaches and flu-like symptoms to a fatal brain disease called PML -progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

4. Nutrition as a Treatment • In today’s culture, medicine is typically recognized as the only type of effective treatment, but nutrition can also significantly affect the lifestyle of a person living with MS. • Nutrition is often an under-utilized tool in the fight against MS. By understanding the power of food to its fullest, MS patients can make lifestyle changes to effectively manage their symptoms.

5. What Research Says… • Beginning in 1949, Dr. Roy Laver Swank enrolled 150 MS patients in his 34-year study researching his “MS Diet” low in saturated fats (<20g/day). • The results were dramatic. Regardless of the disease severity when enrollees began, those who stuck to the diet were not drastically disabled 34 years later - 95% were still physically active. Of the 72 poor dieters, 45 of them died of MS-related causes during the study. The poor dieters who lived ended up in a wheelchair and/or bed-bound. • If people with MS can rigorously reduce their saturated fat intake, they can expect to survive and be ambulant and otherwise normal to an advanced age.

6. A Diet Beneficial to MS • A healthy diet can play a critical role in living with multiple sclerosis. • A diet beneficial to MS patients includes: • Brightly colored fruits and vegetables • Whole grains and fiber • Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids • Less fats, especially trans and saturated fats • Less dairy products like milk and cheese

7. Vital Carbohydrates for MS • Brain and muscle cells are designed to operate on carbohydrates. • Vital carbohydrates for MS include dark leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. • Fiber rich whole carbs create a sense of fullness, satisfy hunger, and minimize the overconsumption of calories. • Resistant starch like beans, corn, bananas, and brown rice is a probiotic that promotes good bacteria and suppresses bad bacteria, which will improve immune function and make it easier for the body to fight disease.

8. The Role of Fats in MS • Fats provide the structural components of cell membranes in the brain as well as myelin, the fatty insulating sheath that surrounds each nerve fiber and allows nerves to carry messages faster. Myelin sheath is often destroyed by MS. • Fats that are healthy for the brain include omega-3 essential fats found in fatty fish and whole sources of omega-6 fats like whole soybeans, raw nuts, raw seeds, and wheat germ. • Animal-based saturated fats and trans-fats are inflammatory, fattening, and disease-provoking.

9. Sources of Protein for MS • In today’s society, protein is often consumed through animal foods. Because animal foods contain saturated fat and saturated fat is detrimental to MS patients, it is important to recognize that protein is available in many other foods besides animal meat and dairy products. • In fact, plant sources of protein like whole grains, legumes, vegetables, seeds, and nuts can provide adequate amounts of essential and non-essential amino acids. • Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are good sources of protein and essential fats. • When eating meat, only the cleanest pastured meat should be eaten in moderation.

10. Dairy: What’s so Bad? • Protein in milk can cause the body to have an immune reaction that makes antibodies to the milk protein. The consumption of animal foods, especially cow’s milk, is associated with a higher risk of autoimmune diseases. • Although milk contains calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, potassium, and protein, it is not the cleanest source of these nutrients and all of these nutrients are found in other foods. • Calcium from plant foods is absorbed more efficiently than calcium from animal foods. People with MS should obtain calcium by eating vegetables like cooked collards, spinach, kale, mustard greens, or swiss chard. If necessary, they can also take a calcium supplement.

11. Herbs & Spices • Tumeric has the active ingredient curcumin and acts as a powerful inflammation inhibitor, similar to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It may help regulate the immune system which could be beneficial in autoimmune disorders like MS. • Ginger is also an inflammation inhibitor and can help with chonic inflammatory conditions. • Chia Seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3s, B vitamins, protein, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. • Flax Seeds are nature’s richest source of lignans, phytonutrients that fight free-radical damage. Ground flax seeds are rich in fiber and omega-3s.

12. Supplements • Vitamin D deficiency is a main causal factor of MS and it is difficult to get an adequate intake each day from diet and sun exposure. It is necessary for MS patients to supplement with vitamin D; the recommended amount for MS patients is 6,000 IU each day. • Adequate omega-3 fat that can be obtained through fish oil is essential to keep the immune system well-controlled. If fish is not included in the diet, it is recommended the those with MS have 3 grams per day of EPA and DHA. • Calcium is sometimes needed because MS patients should avoid dairy products, the main source of calcium for most people. To ensure adequacy without dairy, a supplement of 1200 mg accompanied by 600 mg of magnesium is needed.

13. Conclusion • Nutrition plays an important role in MS. Certain foods fight disease while others promote disease . • Understanding which foods are beneficial and which foods should be avoided can make a tremendous impact on the progression of multiple sclerosis. • People with MS should strictly follow a healthy diet in order to reduce the severity and progression of their disease.

14. References • “About MS.” National MS Society, 2011. Web 14 Jul 2013.  <http://www.nationalmssociety.org>. • Bonis, Marc P. The Old Fat Man's Guide to Health and Fitness. 3rd ed. College Station, TX: Virtualbookworm.com, 2010. Print. • Larson, Andrew and Larson, Ivy Ingram. Clean Cuisine: An 8-Week Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Program That Will Change the Way You Age, Look, and Feel. New York: Berkley, 2013. Print. • “MS Diet." Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis. Web. 16 July 2013. <http://www.overcomingmultiplesclerosis.org/Recovery- Program/Diet/>. • Nowack, Denise, RD. "Live Fully, Live Well -- Eating Well, Eating Easy." YouTube. National MS Society, 21 Oct. 2011. Web. 16 July 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Tu9GFyF0c>. • "Nutritional Supplements for MS." YouTube. Direct MS, 06 Feb. 2010. Web. 16 July 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlYvvaPm9S8>.