Acıbadem Fulya Hospital Neurology Specialist Physician Faculty Member Yıldız Kaya drew attention to the importance of healthy and adequate nutrition for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and made nutritional recommendations.
MS, which is defined as a common disorder of the central nervous system caused by inflammation and loss of nerve cell sheath, is seen in 0,4-1 out of every thousand young adults in Turkey. Dr. Kaya explains the most important symptoms of MS; fatigue, gait disturbances, sometimes arm and/or leg weakness and numbness, urinary incontinence, body pain, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders, vision loss, dizziness.
Stating that the cause of MS disease is unknown and it is seen in 1 out of every thousand young adults in Turkey, Dr. Kaya said, “Although the exact cause of MS is not known, it is 1,5-2 times more common in women than in men. Cigarette consumption increases the risk of attack of the disease; Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of development. made a statement.
Needs personalized treatment
Talking about the treatment process of MS disease, Dr. Kaya said, “In the treatment of MS, cortisone treatment is applied during the attack period when the patient's complaints begin, while different immunomodulatory treatments that change the course of the disease are preferred in the later stages. While there are daily tablet forms in drug treatment, some patients also have intravenous treatment options. As a result of this personalized treatment, disability due to MS is significantly reduced.” he said.
7 nutritional recommendations for MS patients
Stating that patients are advised to have adequate and balanced nutrition instead of a special diet, Dr. Kaya states that increasing the intake of fiber-rich foods, lipoic acid and vitamin D positively affects the course of MS.
Dr. Kaya lists important nutritional recommendations for MS, which has a close relationship with diet:
Don't neglect vitamin D
"Vitamin D; It is a protective vitamin against cell formation, cellular transmission and cell death in the nervous system. In recent years, when Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and MS diseases are examined, it is stated that vitamin D levels may be environmental and genetically affecting factors. According to the vitamin D levels in the blood of MS patients, vitamin D should be added to their treatment in case of deficiency.
Make sure to drink enough water
Consumption of adequate water by MS patients is important in reducing the side effects of the treatments they receive and in terms of intestinal problems that may develop. It also reduces the risk of urinary tract infection, which increases in some MS patients due to bladder problems that develop due to the disease.
Don't neglect protein
It is recommended for MS patients to increase their diet with white meat and fish, and to consume red meat for a maximum of 2 days a week. Every day, raw or cooked vegetables and fruits, olive oil, low-fat dairy products and nuts such as hazelnuts and almonds are among the foods that should be given importance in nutrition.
Avoid a low-fat diet
Fat plays a role in the body's energy needs. It is also necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Other complaints such as fatigue and anemia may occur due to energy and vitamin deficiency in diets that are low in fat and without eggs and dairy products.
Eat salt-free during the attack period
MS patients should pay attention to a salt-free diet at that time in order to avoid the side effects of the cortisone treatment used especially during the attack period. In addition, it is recommended to take plenty of fruits and vegetables to increase potassium, and to feed with milk and dairy products and dry legumes for calcium support.
Boost your gut microbiome
Stating that complementary therapies such as vitamin support in the treatment of MS come to the fore with drug therapy, Dr. Kaya states that protecting the gut microbiota and giving priority to anti-inflammatory foods.
Noting that MS is an immune system disease, Dr. Kaya, in particular, states that patients should avoid Western-style diets that are low in fiber and contain high fat and sugar, because this type of diet can adversely affect the course of MS by increasing the harmful bacteria in the gut, increasing inflammation in the whole body and nerve cells.
Eat a Mediterranean style
In recent studies; Mediterranean type nutrition and MIND diet are given importance among healthy nutrition methods especially in the prevention and control of neurological diseases. The MIND diet, like the Mediterranean diet, includes green leafy vegetables, blackberries, whole grain products, seafood, white meat and olive oil, as well as red wine.”
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