What foods should you avoid with muscular dystrophy? A dietary guide

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, proper nutrition is a key component for improving the overall quality of life for individuals with muscular dystrophy (MD). Knowing what foods should you avoid with muscular dystrophy is therefore crucial for mitigating complications like heart issues, excess weight gain, and inflammation.

Quick Summary

Limiting processed and fried foods, excessive sodium, saturated fats, and simple sugars is essential for managing muscular dystrophy. These dietary adjustments help control weight gain and inflammation, and protect cardiovascular health.

Key Points

Avoid Processed Foods: Limit fast food, chips, and packaged snacks high in salt and unhealthy fats to reduce inflammation and weight gain.
Control Sodium Intake: Reduce excessive salt from processed meats and canned goods to protect against cardiovascular complications.
Cut Down on Sugar: Limit sugary drinks, candies, and refined carbs like white bread to avoid energy crashes and weight issues.
Reduce Unhealthy Fats: Avoid saturated and trans fats found in fatty meats and high-fat dairy to promote better heart health.
Limit Alcohol: Decrease or eliminate alcohol, as it can negatively affect muscle function and medication efficacy.
Address Digestive Sensitivities: Work with a dietitian to identify and potentially reduce intake of high-FODMAP foods if they cause digestive discomfort.
Consult a Dietitian: Seek professional guidance for a personalized and safe eating plan tailored to your specific condition and medical needs.

Understanding Dietary Considerations with Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. While a specific diet cannot cure the condition, managing nutritional intake is vital for addressing common complications and maintaining overall well-being. Because MD can affect metabolism, energy levels, and mobility, proper diet helps control weight, manage inflammation, and support cardiac health. A diet focused on nutrient-dense foods while avoiding certain items can make a significant difference in daily life.

The Problem with Certain Food Groups

For individuals with MD, specific food groups can exacerbate existing challenges. Weight gain, a particular concern for those with reduced mobility or on corticosteroid medication, can put extra strain on muscles and the heart. Furthermore, inflammation can accelerate muscle weakness and fatigue. The key is to limit foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients, opting instead for a balanced diet rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals.

Processed and Fried Foods

Fast food, fried foods, and packaged snacks are high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and empty calories. These components can trigger inflammation and contribute to weight gain, which increases the burden on already-weakened muscles. Examples to avoid include:

Fried chicken and french fries
Packaged chips and cookies
Pre-packaged convenience meals
Many fast food items

Excessive Sodium (Salt)

High sodium intake is a serious concern, as it can contribute to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues. Since heart muscle weakness is a common symptom in many types of MD, reducing salt is a critical step to lower this risk. Foods to limit include:

Processed meats like bacon and deli meats
Canned soups and vegetables with added salt
Salty snacks like pretzels and crackers
Most frozen dinners and fast food

Added Sugars and Refined Carbohydrates

Foods high in refined sugars and flour can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes followed by energy crashes, contributing to fatigue. This includes sugary drinks like sodas and juices, as well as sweets and baked goods. Instead, choose low-glycemic foods for sustained energy. Common culprits to avoid are:

Sodas and energy drinks
Candy and sugary desserts
White bread, white rice, and pastries
Sweeteners like corn syrup, molasses, and honey

Saturated and Trans Fats

These fats are harmful to cardiovascular health and can contribute to weight gain. Limiting them helps reduce the risk of heart-related complications. Avoid or limit:

Fatty cuts of red meat, such as beef and pork
High-fat dairy products like full-fat cheese and butter
Foods containing partially hydrogenated oils, often found in baked goods

Alcohol

Alcohol can have negative effects on muscle function and may interact with medications used for MD. It is generally recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption.

Potential Digestive Triggers (FODMAPs)

Some individuals with MD experience slow digestion, which can make certain types of carbohydrates difficult to process, leading to bloating, discomfort, and nausea. A low-FODMAP diet might be beneficial, but it's important to consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes. Potential trigger foods can include:

Dairy products like milk, soft cheese, and ice cream
Wheat-based products
Certain legumes and fruits

A Comparison of Foods to Limit vs. Healthier Alternatives


Food Category	What to Avoid (or Limit)	Healthier Alternative
Processed & Fried	Fast food, chips, packaged snacks, fried foods	Lean proteins (chicken, fish), whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables
Salty Foods	Processed meats, canned soups, salty crackers	Homemade soups, unsalted nuts, low-sodium canned foods
Sugary Foods	Sugary drinks, candies, pastries, sweetened cereals	Fresh fruit, low-sugar drinks like water or herbal tea
Saturated/Trans Fats	Fatty red meat, high-fat dairy, margarine	Lean protein, healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts)

Conclusion: Making Informed Dietary Choices

Navigating a diet with muscular dystrophy involves making conscious decisions to support overall health. By avoiding or limiting processed foods, excessive sodium, and harmful fats, individuals can reduce inflammation, manage weight, and protect their heart. Hydration and fiber are also critical for managing digestive health, and working with a registered dietitian can provide a personalized and safe dietary plan. Remember, small, consistent changes can lead to a significant positive impact on managing the symptoms and progression of muscular dystrophy. For more information and resources on managing DMD, consider visiting the CureDuchenne Foundation.

The Importance of Professional Dietary Guidance

It's important to consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) for a personalized nutrition plan, as individual needs can vary based on the specific type of MD, medication use (like corticosteroids), and level of mobility. An RDN can help tailor food choices to manage weight, improve bone health (especially for those on steroids), and address any digestive issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Avoiding certain foods is important for individuals with muscular dystrophy to manage common complications. Limiting unhealthy fats and excessive calories helps control weight gain, which can add strain to muscles. Reducing salt protects heart health, while cutting down on refined sugars and processed foods helps manage inflammation and energy levels.

You should limit processed foods that are high in salt, unhealthy fats, and sugars. Examples include fast food, pre-packaged snacks like chips and crackers, canned soups, processed meats (bacon, deli meats), and many frozen convenience meals.

No, you do not need to avoid all carbohydrates. The focus should be on limiting refined and high-glycemic index carbohydrates, such as white bread, pastries, and sugary drinks, which can cause energy crashes. It is better to opt for low-glycemic, whole-grain alternatives for sustained energy.

Yes, muscular dystrophy can sometimes cause digestive issues due to slowed gut motility. Some people may find that certain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) in foods like wheat and dairy cause bloating, discomfort, or nausea. A dietitian can help identify trigger foods.

Weight gain can be managed by controlling caloric intake and avoiding calorie-dense, low-nutrient foods like processed and sugary snacks. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also be helpful. A personalized plan from a dietitian is recommended to balance energy needs with reduced mobility.

Some individuals with muscular dystrophy may have trouble digesting dairy, leading to bloating and discomfort. However, many MD patients need sufficient calcium and vitamin D for bone health. It is best to consult with a dietitian to determine if you should limit or avoid dairy based on your specific digestive tolerance and needs.

Alcohol can negatively impact muscle function and interact with medications commonly prescribed for MD. It is generally recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption to minimize these risks.

The primary benefit of avoiding these foods is reducing health risks and managing symptoms associated with muscular dystrophy. This includes minimizing inflammation, preventing excessive weight gain, and protecting cardiovascular health, all of which can significantly improve a person's quality of life.