What is a good diet for myasthenia gravis? A nutritional guide

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to recent research, alterations in gut microbiota may have a causal relationship with myasthenia gravis, suggesting diet plays a therapeutic role. Understanding optimal nutrition and tailored eating strategies is therefore crucial for managing symptoms of this autoimmune disorder.

Quick Summary

Optimal nutrition for myasthenia gravis involves an anti-inflammatory diet focused on soft, easy-to-chew foods, lean proteins, and specific nutrients to manage symptoms.

Key Points

Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Emphasize foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber to combat inflammation, a key component of MG.
Focus on Soft Foods: Choose soft, mashed, or pureed foods and use liquids to moisten dry solids to address chewing and swallowing difficulties.
Smaller, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller portions more often helps manage muscle fatigue and ensures consistent nutrient intake throughout the day.
Replenish Key Nutrients: Pay attention to calcium, vitamin D, and potassium levels, especially if taking corticosteroids or experiencing digestive side effects from medication.
Limit Processed Foods: High-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt processed foods can exacerbate fatigue and other symptoms, so they should be limited or avoided.
Support Gut Health: Emerging research suggests a link between gut microbiota and MG, so consuming prebiotics and probiotics may be beneficial for immune support.
Consult a Professional: Due to individual needs and potential medication interactions, it is crucial to work with a doctor or dietitian for a personalized diet plan.

The Role of Diet in Managing Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that causes voluntary muscle weakness, which can significantly impact a person's ability to chew and swallow. While no specific diet can cure MG, certain nutritional approaches and strategies can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve overall quality of life. A balanced, thoughtful approach to eating addresses not only muscle fatigue but also specific nutritional needs tied to the condition and its treatments.

The Anti-Inflammatory Approach

MG is characterized by inflammation, so adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can be a beneficial strategy. This eating pattern emphasizes nutrient-dense foods and avoids or minimizes those that can exacerbate inflammation. Diets like the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets align well with this philosophy. An anti-inflammatory diet for MG should focus on:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseed, and walnuts, these fats support immune health and reduce inflammation.
Fruits and Vegetables: A wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, which combat inflammation. Consider soft options like mashed sweet potatoes, ripe bananas, cooked carrots, and pureed soups.
Spices and Herbs: Turmeric and ginger have natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Essential Nutrients and Supplements

Certain vitamins and minerals are especially important for people with MG, particularly for those on specific medications like corticosteroids.

Calcium and Vitamin D: Steroids like prednisone can cause bone thinning, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is crucial for maintaining bone health. Sources include fortified milk, yogurt, eggs, fatty fish, and leafy greens.
Potassium: Medications can sometimes cause diarrhea, which can lower potassium levels. Foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, potatoes, avocados, and apricots, can help replenish stores.
Protein: Sufficient lean protein is necessary for maintaining muscle mass and strength. Good sources include chicken, fish, beans, lentils, and tofu.

Supplements should only be taken after consulting with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and necessary for your specific situation.

Managing Chewing and Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)

Many people with MG experience muscle fatigue that makes chewing and swallowing difficult, especially with tougher foods. Several strategies can make mealtimes easier and safer:

Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent fatigue.
Time meals for when you have the most muscle strength, such as an hour after medication.
Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed vegetables, yogurt, and soups.
Moisten dry foods with sauces, gravies, or broths.
Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces.
Sit upright while eating and avoid talking to reduce the risk of choking.
Consider thicker liquids if thin fluids are difficult to swallow, using commercial thickening agents.

Foods to Emphasize and Foods to Avoid

Following these general guidelines can help structure an MG-friendly diet:


Foods to Emphasize	Foods to Limit or Avoid
Anti-Inflammatory Foods - Oily fish (salmon) - Walnuts, flaxseed - Colorful fruits and vegetables - Turmeric, ginger	High-Fat and Processed Foods - Fried foods - Fast food - Processed snacks and sweets
Lean Proteins - Poultry, fish, eggs - Beans, lentils, tofu	Sugary Foods and Drinks - Soda, energy drinks - Candy, excessive desserts - Sweetened cereals
Soft Whole Grains - Cooked rice, oats, soft whole-wheat bread - Quinoa	High-Salt Foods - Salty snacks - Canned soups and vegetables - Cured meats
Gut-Health Supporters - Yogurt with live cultures - Prebiotic foods (onions, garlic)	Alcohol - Can interfere with muscle function and medication
Potassium-Rich Foods - Bananas, avocados, potatoes	Tough-to-Chew Foods - Steak, hard raw vegetables

The Importance of Gut Health

Emerging research indicates a link between intestinal microbiota and myasthenia gravis. MG patients may exhibit dysbiosis, or an imbalance, in their gut flora. Supporting a healthy gut microbiome through diet can aid immune health. Prebiotic foods, which feed beneficial gut bacteria, are one way to support this. Sources include asparagus, bananas, onions, and garlic. Including probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can also be beneficial.

Conclusion

Living with myasthenia gravis presents unique dietary challenges, but a well-planned nutritional approach can be a powerful tool for symptom management. By focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and specific vitamins and minerals, individuals can support muscle strength and immune function. Adopting eating strategies that address chewing and swallowing difficulties is also essential for maintaining adequate nutrition. Remember, every MG patient is different. Today's Dietitian Magazine provides more insights on anti-inflammatory eating patterns for MG. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian is the best way to create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs and medical treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soft foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, pureed soups, smoothies, and moist shredded chicken are all excellent choices. Cooked vegetables should be soft, and dry foods can be moistened with sauces or gravies.

It is generally advised to limit or avoid high-fat, heavily processed foods, excessive sugar, and high-salt foods, which can worsen fatigue and other symptoms. Tough, chewy foods like steak and some raw vegetables can be difficult to eat and should be modified.

As an autoimmune disease, MG involves inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in omega-3s, antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, and spices like turmeric, can help reduce overall body inflammation, potentially easing symptoms.

Depending on individual needs, supplements may be helpful, particularly for those on steroids who need extra calcium and vitamin D. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Tips include eating smaller, more frequent meals, sitting upright, eating slowly with rests, moistening dry foods, and using commercial thickeners for liquids if necessary.

Medications can have side effects that influence dietary needs. For example, corticosteroids can cause bone thinning and fluid retention, requiring more calcium, vitamin D, and less salt. Other medications may cause diarrhea, which depletes potassium.

Recent studies show that MG patients may have an imbalance in their gut microbiota. Supporting gut health with prebiotics found in foods like onions and bananas may help modulate the immune system.