Are there foods to avoid with MS?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation that damages the central nervous system. For many people living with this condition, managing symptoms often involves exploring a variety of strategies, including a crucial focus on diet. A key question many face is: are there foods to avoid with MS to help reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being?

Quick Summary

This article explores the connection between diet and multiple sclerosis, focusing on foods linked to inflammation that patients should consider limiting or avoiding. It discusses specific food categories, compares different MS-centric diets, and provides practical dietary tips for managing symptoms and supporting overall health.

Key Points

Inflammatory Foods: Processed and red meats, refined carbs, sugary drinks, high-fat dairy, trans fats, and excess salt are linked to inflammation and may exacerbate MS symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Choices: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fatty fish (for omega-3s), whole grains, and healthy fats (like olive oil) can help reduce inflammation.
Fat Concerns: Saturated and trans fats should be limited, while healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are beneficial for nerve health.
Personalized Approach: There is no one-size-fits-all 'MS diet.' What works for one person may not work for another. It's crucial to pay attention to your body's individual response to different foods.
Holistic Strategy: Dietary changes are most effective when combined with other healthy lifestyle factors, including regular exercise, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Professional Guidance: Before starting a restrictive diet, it's important to consult with a doctor or dietitian to ensure you meet all your nutritional needs and to develop a safe and sustainable plan.

The Connection Between Diet and Multiple Sclerosis

While there is no single food or diet that can cure multiple sclerosis, research increasingly suggests that dietary choices can significantly influence inflammation, gut health, and overall well-being, which may, in turn, impact MS symptoms. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help manage common MS issues like fatigue, constipation, and maintaining a healthy weight. In contrast, a diet high in processed foods and unhealthy fats can promote systemic inflammation. Many dietary recommendations for MS focus on an anti-inflammatory eating pattern, which is beneficial for managing the disease's inflammatory nature.

Foods to Limit or Avoid with MS

Certain foods are known to promote inflammation, a core component of MS pathology. By reducing or eliminating these items, individuals may be able to better manage their symptoms.

Processed and Cured Meats: Items like bacon, sausage, deli meats, and ham are often high in saturated fats and sodium. Some studies suggest red meat can contain inflammatory compounds.

Refined Carbohydrates: This includes white bread, pasta, and pastries. These foods are low in fiber and can cause blood sugar spikes, potentially increasing inflammation and fatigue.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Sodas, sports drinks, and sweetened teas are sources of excess sugar. High sugar intake can increase inflammation and disrupt gut health.

High-Fat Dairy Products: Some individuals with MS report sensitivity to dairy, particularly full-fat varieties, which may exacerbate symptoms. Low-fat alternatives are often recommended.

Trans and Saturated Fats: Found in margarine, shortening, and many fast and fried foods, these fats are highly inflammatory and should be limited. Opt for healthy fats like those in olive oil and avocados instead.

Excessive Salt: Some research suggests a link between high sodium intake and increased inflammation, though the overall findings are mixed. Nonetheless, limiting salt is a heart-healthy choice for everyone.

Recommended Foods to Support MS Health

Instead of focusing only on restriction, emphasizing nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods is a productive strategy for managing MS symptoms.

Fruits and Vegetables: A wide variety of colorful produce is rich in antioxidants and fiber. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Examples include leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables.
Fatty Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines can help reduce inflammation and support nerve health.
Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and quinoa are high in fiber, which is important for gut health and can help manage constipation.
Nuts and Seeds: These offer healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Flaxseeds and walnuts, in particular, provide omega-3s.
Lean Protein: Sources such as chicken breast, fish, and legumes provide the building blocks for tissue repair without excessive saturated fat.
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Fermented foods like yogurt and kefir can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to immune function.

Comparative Table: MS Diet Approaches


Dietary Approach	Key Restrictions	Focus Foods	Potential Benefits	Potential Drawbacks
Swank Diet	Low saturated fat (under 15g daily); limited red meat and fatty dairy.	Fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains.	Historically associated with slower disability progression in long-term adherents.	Very restrictive, older research is not a controlled trial.
Wahls Protocol	Grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nightshades.	High intake of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish.	Some studies suggest reduced fatigue and improved quality of life.	Extremely restrictive; potential for nutritional deficiencies without careful planning.
Mediterranean Diet	Processed foods, added sugars, red meat, saturated fats.	Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, fish, some dairy and poultry.	Well-researched for heart health, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential cognitive benefits.	General dietary advice, not tailored specifically for MS.
Ketogenic Diet	Very low carbohydrates.	High fat, moderate protein.	Emerging evidence for potential benefits with fatigue and depression in some patients.	Highly restrictive, difficult to sustain, risk of vitamin deficiencies and high cholesterol.

Making Sustainable Dietary Changes

Changing dietary habits can be challenging, especially while managing MS symptoms like fatigue. Rather than attempting a radical overhaul, a gradual, mindful approach is often more sustainable and effective.

Start Small: Begin by swapping one inflammatory food for a healthier option. For instance, replace white bread with whole-grain bread or processed snacks with a piece of fruit.
Meal Prep: Batch-cooking meals or preparing components in advance can save energy on days with high fatigue.
Optimize Your Kitchen: Arrange frequently used cooking utensils and ingredients in an accessible layout to minimize effort.
Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to how different foods affect your symptoms. Keep a food diary to track potential triggers.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps with fatigue and common digestive issues like constipation.

The Role of Lifestyle in Diet and MS

Diet is one piece of a larger lifestyle puzzle. Regular physical activity, stress management, and sufficient sleep are also vital components for managing MS. Exercise, for example, can improve mood and combat fatigue. A holistic approach that integrates a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet with other healthy lifestyle choices can significantly improve quality of life. Remember, no single food is the cause or cure for MS, but informed dietary choices are a powerful tool in symptom management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while no food must be universally avoided by all people with MS, evidence suggests that a number of food types, particularly those that promote inflammation, are worth reducing or eliminating from the diet. High-fat dairy, processed and red meats, trans fats, refined sugars, and excessive salt are primary candidates for limitation. These should be replaced with a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats from fish and plant sources. Ultimately, a personalized approach developed in consultation with a healthcare professional is the best way to tailor dietary changes to individual needs and health goals.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant dietary or lifestyle changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no single, scientifically proven MS diet that works for everyone. However, many find an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in whole foods and low in processed items, beneficial for managing symptoms and supporting overall health.

Not necessarily. While some individuals report that full-fat dairy may trigger inflammation, others tolerate it well. Some MS-centric diets limit or avoid it, but low-fat dairy can be a source of important nutrients. Monitoring your personal reaction is key, and discussing it with a doctor is recommended.

Some studies suggest that high salt intake may increase inflammation and disease activity, while other research is inconsistent. It is generally recommended to limit salt consumption for overall heart health, a particularly important consideration for people with MS.

Processed meats are often high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to systemic inflammation and potentially worsen MS symptoms. While not a direct cause, it is recommended to limit or avoid these foods as part of an anti-inflammatory diet.

Focus on healthy, anti-inflammatory fats, such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These are found in oily fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados. They support nerve health and help reduce inflammation.

The Wahls Protocol is one of several restrictive diets that some people with MS find helpful for managing fatigue and quality of life. However, it's very restrictive and may not be right for everyone. Less extreme diets, like the Mediterranean diet, can also offer significant benefits without eliminating entire food groups.

To combat fatigue, focus on whole grains and lean proteins for sustained energy. Avoid quick energy spikes and crashes from refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks. Meal prepping and eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help manage energy levels.