While many special diets have been proposed for people with MS, none have been proven to prevent MS or affect the way it may develop.

Be wary of special diets, as some may be expensive or even harmful. It is recommended that people with MS follow the same high-fibre, low-fat diet recommended for all adults.

Benefits of a well-balanced diet

Eating nutritionally balanced meals helps the body operate to its full potential. This is particularly important for people living with a long-term, unpredictable condition like MS. Many people find they can improve their quality of life and sense of well-being by focusing on aspects of health that can be controlled and changed – such as diet. When combined with appropriate exercise, diet can help:

• Control weight
• Decrease fatigue
• Maintain regular bowel and bladder function
• Minimize the risk of skin problems
• Keep bones healthy and strong
• Maintain healthy teeth and gums
• Strengthen the heart
• Improve muscle strength and range of motion
• Increase flexibility

The table below from Canada's Food Guide shows how many servings you need from each of the four food groups every day.