Diet & Gut
When I first was diagnosed with MS ten years ago, the nurse told me that "diet has nothing to do with MS." After my first appointment with my MS neurologist, I asked him about diet. He said that he didn't know too much about diet and MS because they don't teach anything about diet in medical school. He said that some people like to think that diet can affect MS because it's the one thing that they can control: what goes into their body.
I showed my neuro a popular book about moderating autoimmune disease through diet and lifestyle, "The Paleo Approach," He said that he hadn't read it, but his patients who follow that diet all report improved results; the problem is that most people aren't able to stick with the diet. I agree; most people will do anything to justify eating the foods that they've grown to like. Look how many pepole are overweight because of diet and lifestyle. But if you are willing to do wthatever it takes to exert control over your disease, you will change your diet and lifestyle. In a nutshell, MS is a disease of inflammation. The gist of AIP (autoimmune protocol) is to inimize pro-inflammatory foods and maximize anti-inflammatory foods.
Six years after those initial meetings with my doctor, I saw him give a lecture on the current state of MS and what we know about it. Mostly, he talked about all the new medications. But he did say that there's conclusive evidence that diet can affect this horrible disease. That was almost a 180 from his earlier position.
Adapted Ketogenic Diet and Neuroprotective Benefits in Multiple Sclerosis
December 22, 2021
An adapted ketogenic diet (AKD) reduced serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels at 6 months in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis(MS), according to study findings published in Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation.
Multiple sclerosis: Dietary fiber and probiotics may improve symptoms
February 23, 2021
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- A recent study shows an association between the gut microbiome and symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The findings confirm prior research suggesting that MS is an autoimmune disorder, which may be related to gut health.
- Taking steps to improve gut health could help individuals with MS manage the symptoms associated with the condition.
See the complete artlice in JAMA: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/multiple-sclerosis-dietary-fiber-and-probiotics-may-improve-symptoms
Recommended books about diet and MS:
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The Paleo Approach. Dr. Sarah Ballantyne
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The Plant Paradox, Dr. Stephen Gundry
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Insights and Therapeutic Implications
"Recent research suggests that the gut microbiota, a diverse microbial population found in the gastrointestinal system, may substantially impact the cause and development of various diseases. The discovery of altered gut microbiota composition in people with these illnesses is one of the most critical lines of evidence connecting gut microbiota dysbiosis to neurodegenerative diseases. "