Question: I am 62, and have been living with MS since the age of 30. Are there specific foods that benefit the nervous system more than others? I'm afraid that the meals that are prepared in the nursing facility I am in may not be the best for me.
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
You may be right. But what can you do? Be pro-active. Start by selecting fresh vegetables and fresh fruit at every meal you can. Avoid overly processed or overcooked food, which may lack vitamins and nutrients because of heat or poor preparation. Select baked, not fried foods. Eat fish and chicken, and limit red meat consumption to two or three times a week, unless your doctor has otherwise directed. Go easy on the salt and high on the fiber. Try to select foods free of preservatives and hormones.
If these are options are not available at your facility, arrange for them to be prepared specially for you or brought in from outside. Talk to your doctor and your dietician. You might need to be a little more active in this regard at your facility, or you may have to change facilities, if your demands are not addressed.
Although there is no evidence that adequate balanced facility diets have any adverse effect on those with multiple sclerosis, our nervous systems require a balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Diets with low levels of saturated fats and adequate omega-3 fatty acids are important for us all. Many supplement our diets with fish or fish oil supplements with proven benefits. Calcium and vitamin D are also very important, and may require supplementation.
Diets low in additives, preservatives, salt, and fat are recognized as more healthy choices. The manner in which food is prepared and cooked can also have a significant impact on our health or lack of it. If you have concerns about your diet, discuss this with your facility and with your doctor.
The consultant dietician at your facility needs to review what the place offers, perhaps taking your recommendations — and those of your doctor — into account.
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