Multiple sclerosis: Does diet have an impact on MS? Carenity members share their opinions!

95 members responded to our survey in France, the United States and the United Kingdom 

We conducted a survey from 14 to 30 June 2021 involving members from the Carenity community who are living with multiple sclerosis in France, the UK and the US. We asked them if their diet had changed since diagnosis. 

The average respondent was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 14 years ago. 

More specifically:

100% of respondents have changed their diet since diagnosis

All members interviewed indicated that they have modified their diet since they were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

57% have decided to change their diet as a result of researching the disease, 16% have done so on the advice of their doctor and 9% on the advice of other patients.

42% of respondents changed their diet for one of the following reasons:  

• Because of a secondary health condition, 
• To avoid putting on weight as their activity level decreases,
• As a reflex, because their tastes and digestion has changed,
• For overall well-being. 

The benefits that members derive from this change in diet are as follows: 

Diet plays a key role in the overall well-being of members affected by multiple sclerosis 

The changes that members have made in their eating habits are as follows:

Members are also eating much more fruit and vegetables, most of which are organic and in season. Many have completely eliminated sugar from their diet.

Expert advice on diet for multiple sclerosis patients

So far, there is no scientific evidence to show a correlation between diet and slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis. 

However, the medical profession tends to agree that a balanced diet promotes general health.  

Thus, for patients with multiple sclerosis, diet contributes to physical well-being and helps prevent the onset of other health conditions. 

Experts recommend a varied diet, enriched with fruit and vegetables, and a reduced intake of meat and fat. 

Weight gain, as well as bowel and bladder problems, which usually accompany multiple sclerosis, can be positively influenced by diet. 

In day-to-day life, the experts recommend the following practices:

• Consume meat no more than twice a week and choose lean meats such as veal, beef, rabbit or lamb. 
• Consume a small amount of fats and avoid cold meats.
• Eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day and opt for leafy green vegetables. 
• Give preference to vegetable proteins over animal proteins. 
• Use heart-healthy oils such as olive oil or rapeseed oil. Avoid sunflower oil, corn oil, safflower oil and grapeseed oil, as well as margarine made from these oils. 
• Finally, it is recommended that you drink enough water: 2 to 2.5 litres per day. 

A varied and balanced diet can therefore have a real impact on the general well-being of multiple sclerosis patients and reduce the risk of developing a secondary illness. 

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