The causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) are still unknown but it is
believed to be an autoimmune disease, when the immune system attacks
the body's own cells. This causes inflammation that damages the myelin
sheath around nerve cells, resulting in hardening (sclerosis) of the
nerves and slowing down of nerve impulses to muscles.
Some scientists and nutritionists believe the key to
understanding MS lies with nutrition, but this view is controversial.
Nevertheless, a balanced diet rich in nutrients and polyunsaturated
fats can help sufferers to control some of the common symptoms and
complications associated with the disease.
MS affects approximately 1 in 1000 people, and twice as many women as
men, usually striking between the ages of 25 and 40. It is a chronic
disease in which areas of the sheaths surrounding the nerve fibers in
the brain and spinal cord become inflamed and eventually degenerate. It
can affect the nerves involved in eyesight and speech and often leads
to a gradual loss of sensation in the limbs, reduced muscular control
and sometimes giddiness. People with MS commonly experience an
unpredictable pattern of relapses and remissions, often over many
years, with only one in five suffering severe disability. MS is not
fatal, but some people with the disease may be more susceptible to
other illnesses that can themselves be life-threatening.
Nutrition and MS
The relationship between nutrition and MS hs been under investigation
for the past 50 years. However, according to the International
Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies, none of the dietary
theories or regimens currently advocated by some doctors and scientists
has been proven to have a significant therapeutic effect. Although some
studies on the possible benefits of the omega-6 and omega-3 essential
fatty acids, used in the repair and maintenance of the central nervous
system, have suggested that supplements might slow the progress of the
disease and reduce the severity and duration of relapses, the effect is
modest and is still under investigation.
The main role of diet in MS is to enable people to manage common
problems which include fatigue, incontinence and constipation and help
them to avoid exacerbating other symptoms. Chronic fatigue in one of
the most debilitating symptoms of MS. A nutritious, low-fat breakfast
and plenty of complex carbohydrates such as jacket potatoes and brown
rice at other meals will help to keep energy levels steady throughout
the day. This can also help to keep weight under control as part of a
calorie-controlled diet. Excessive weight gain can be a problem because
of the decrease in energy expenditure associated with the condition,
especially if sufferers also become dependant on convenience foods that
are low in nutrients or eat too many comfort foods which are often high
in fat and sugar.
Excessive weight gain can further impair mobility and put a strain on
the respiratory and circulatory system, so it is important to control
the intake of calories while ensuring that the diet is well balanced
and provides a good intake of all nutrients. People with MS should seek
professional nutritional advice throughout the course of their illness.
