5 Popular Diets for Multiple Sclerosis

Though they garner some attention, more research is needed

Medically reviewed by Ashley Baumohl, MPH, RD

Several of the "MS diets" that you may come across, such as the Paleo and ketogenic diets, are actually ones that have been popularized for management of other conditions. Their impact on multiple sclerosis (MS) is mainly based on theories or on a few people's experiences.

That's not to say that increasing or decreasing your intake of certain foods and nutrients may not help your MS symptoms. It is possible. But it is also possible that it can worsen them. (There is no specific diet that has been proven to cure MS.)

The interaction between nutrition and MS appears complex, and researchers are focusing on objectively assessing the impact of diet on the disease. Studies, however, are small and evidence is still emerging.

Diet Concerns in MS

The scientific evidence to back up any diet at this time is scant, and of the information available, the results are mixed and sometimes challenging to interpret. For example, vitamin D deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with MS, but it isn't clear whether this has any practical implications in disease management.

Besides a potential lack of efficacy of certain diets, however, some dietary changes pose particular concerns for people with MS. Among them:

• Some diets may be too restrictive. If a plan is deficient in important nutrients, it can cause more harm than good. (Diets that eliminate certain foods often necessitate taking vitamins to prevent nutritional deficiencies.)

• Recommended components (for example, cod liver oil in the Swank Diet) may result in accidentally taking in toxic amounts, which can also be harmful.

• It's possible that some inflammatory foods may exacerbate MS symptoms.

Takeaway

If you would like to try making dietary changes in an attempt to better manage your MS symptoms, be sure to discuss what you're considering with your healthcare provider.

The following diets are ones that are popular in the MS community.

Paleolithic (Paleo) Diet

This diet has been promoted for overall health and weight loss for years. It gained popularity as a way to manage MS symptoms when Terry Wahls, MD, a physician who has secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, began studying its benefits.

Dr. Wahls, who was wheelchair-dependent due to her MS, credits a modified Paleolithic diet (along with physical therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation) with regaining her ability to walk again.

There are many variations of the Paleo diet—all are protein-heavy (especially animal sources) and do not include processed foods.

The Wahls Elimination (WahlsElim) Diet is a modified Paleo diet that consists mainly of vegetables, fruit, omega-3 oils, animal protein, and plant protein (for example, legumes and nuts). The diet calls for the elimination of gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Several small studies have shown a positive impact of the diet on MS symptoms, including a reduction of fatigue. The effects of the Paleo diet and the Wahls Elimination (WahlsElim) Diet are still being investigated as experts attempt to validate whether there is reliable objective evidence that they could play a role in the management of MS.

Swank Diet

The Swank Diet was discovered by Roy Swan, MD, in the mid-1950s. He reported his results 20 years later, after following his own patients on the diet. Results revealed that people who adhered to this diet were less likely to experience disability progression and death from MS-related causes.

The Swank Diet is low in fat, allowing no more than 15 grams of saturated fat and no more than 20 to 50 grams of unsaturated fat and oils per day. The diet allows up to 3 ounces of red meat weekly, and only dairy products that contain 1% or less of butterfat are permitted—so, no butter or imitation dairy products like margarine. Processed foods are not permitted.

Foods that are allowed include:

• Whole grain cereals and pasta

• Fruits and vegetables

• 1 tsp of cod liver oil and a multivitamin daily

• White fish and shellfish

• Skinned, trimmed poultry

There have been limited follow up studies assessing the Swank Diet, and these follow-up studies suggest either a small positive effect on MS symptoms or no effect at all.

Learn More: The Swank Diet and MS

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet has been found to be beneficial for people with heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and it may help prevent cancer.

This diet promotes a low consumption of saturated fats (for example, red meat, butter, and dairy products) and a high consumption of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes (for example, beans, peas, lentils, peanuts), olive oil, and fish.

Research suggests that following the Mediterranean diet may help slow the progress of the disease. One study found that following the Mediterranean diet may help lower the risk of developing cognitive impairments (such as memory loss) related to the condition.

Related: Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a strict diet based on eliminating carbohydrate intake. It has been used as a treatment for refractory epilepsy (epilepsy that does not improve with medications).

Because it is so difficult to adhere to, it is more practical for children who depend on their parents to serve them food and who cannot otherwise get snacks for themselves.

The premise behind a ketogenic diet is that the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis, as it must use fat for energy, due to the lack of dietary carbohydrate intake. Other diets with low carbohydrate intake may promote weight loss, but a very strict no-carbohydrate rule is required to achieve ketosis.

Researchers have examined a potential role for the ketogenic diet on primary or secondary progressive MS, but there is no evidence that the diet can help symptoms or effects of MS. Because it is a high-fat diet, the ketogenic diet and modified versions are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fasting Mimicking Diet

The fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) promotes intermittent fasting. There are many theories and explanations proposed regarding how this diet may work, including the idea that it could reduce the intake of the proteins that the body uses to create inflammatory cells.

Intermittent fasting is becoming popular, but it is not necessarily healthy, and it can result in lightheadedness, headaches, and dehydration.

A small study found that periodic three-day cycles (three days of fasting every seven days for three cycles) of a fasting-mimicking diet were effective in relieving symptoms in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (called the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, or EAE model). In fact, in 20 percent of the animals, there was a complete reversal of symptoms. Research is underway regarding the role of fasting in humans with MS, and whether this diet can reverse or diminish some symptoms of MS.

Related: How Can Fasting Help With MS Symptoms

A Word From Verywell

There have been efforts to identify a dietary link with MS, but at this time, there is no firm evidence that any particular diet affects MS. Nevertheless, healthcare providers recommend that if you have MS, you should avoid processed foods; manage your fat, cholesterol, and sugar intake; and try to maintain a healthy weight. If you tend to feel better or worse after consuming certain foods, it may also be wise to make related dietary adjustments with your healthcare provider's OK. Listen to your body.