Diet

In searching for a cause for MS, which seems to be attributable partially to genetics and partially to environment, some researchers have turned to diet as a potential contributor. A Russian survey published in 1999 reported that people with MS tended to eat more meat, particularly smoked meat, prior to being diagnosed than did people without MS. Results of a Canadian survey published in 1998 also reported a possible association with increased consumption of red meat. My recommendation would be to avoid meat, particularly smoked meat, if you have MS, symptoms suggestive of MS (with a work-up by a physician in progress), or a family history of MS.

As with other chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, British researchers have suggested a theoretical connection between MS and decreased consumption of dietary omega-3 fatty acids. This theory is based on the observation that inflammation is decreased when people eat more omega-3 fatty acids, found in certain fish and fish oil. Flaxseed, green leafy vegetables, and walnuts are also good sources of omega-3s. I generally recommend eating small quantities of herring or sardines packed in tomato or canola oil every day or consuming two to four tablespoons of flaxseed daily (flax must be kept refrigerated and ground within 24 hours of use).

Also, eat plenty of fiber (in vegetables, grains, fruit, and beans) and drink lots of fluid if you are prone to constipation. If you tend to get urinary tract infections, as some people with MS do, drink cranberry juice, but avoid citrus, tomatoes, antacids, and potatoes, which can make the urine more alkaline.