Are there diets that can help relieve multiple sclerosis symptoms?

There are certainly many claims, but not a lot of research.

Anecdotally, some people swear by a low-fat diet that cuts out red meat, dairy and other saturated fats; others think that going gluten-free/sugar-free does the trick.

Specialists recommend steering clear of diets that tout a miracle cure.

Beware of regimens that exclude whole categories of foods, that might not include enough of certain nutrients or that include high doses of various vitamins.

Low-fat, high-fiber diets with plenty of fresh produce are a good idea for health and weight control.

One study involving 312 people with MS did find that those who took 10 grams of fish oil daily were less disabled and suffered fewer relapses over time compared with a placebo group.

The polyunsaturated fat in fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered healthful for anyone.

Omega-6 fatty acids from safflower and sunflower oils might also have some benefit for people with MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Be sure to check with your doctor about possible interactions between omega-3 supplements and any medication you're taking.

Ryckmanl@RockyMountainNews.com

Here's an omega-3-rich recipe from Cooking Light magazine. Find more like this at cookinglight.com.

Spice-Rubbed Roasted Salmon with Lemon-Garlic Spinach

Serves 6

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 (2 1/4-pound) skinless salmon fillet

2 cups thinly sliced onion

Cooking spray, as needed

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 (6-ounce) packages fresh baby spinach

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Remaining ingredients:

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Lemon wedges (optional)

* Preheat oven to 400 degrees

* To prepare salmon, combine first six ingredients; rub spice mixture evenly over fish.

* Place onion in an 11-by-7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

* Place fish on top of onion; bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.

* For spinach, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.

* Add half of spinach; cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add remaining spinach; cook 4 minutes or until wilted, stirring frequently.

* Sprinkle spinach mixture with rind and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in juice; remove from heat.

* Place salmon on a platter. Arrange onions and spinach around salmon. Sprinkle salmon with chopped fresh cilantro.

Nutritional information per serving: 325 cal., 13 g fat (2 g sat), 107 mg chol., 11 g carb., 40 g pro., 3 g fiber, 472 mg sodium.

Back to Top