What is the best diet for inclusion body myositis?

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Affecting approximately one-third of people with myositis, difficulty swallowing is a common and often challenging symptom of Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). For those grappling with the condition, the question of what is the best diet for inclusion body myositis is crucial for symptom management and maintaining overall health.

Quick Summary

A balanced, anti-inflammatory, protein-rich diet, adapted for any swallowing difficulties, is essential for managing Inclusion Body Myositis. Focusing on whole foods, healthy fats, and proper hydration supports muscle health and overall well-being while avoiding processed foods.

Key Points

Anti-inflammatory Diet: Focus on a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole foods, similar to the Mediterranean diet, to help reduce systemic inflammation.
Prioritize High-Quality Protein: Ensure sufficient intake of lean proteins to counteract muscle wasting (atrophy) associated with IBM. Good sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes.
Manage Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia): Use strategies like modifying food textures, eating softer foods, blending meals into smoothies, and ensuring adequate hydration to manage swallowing issues safely.
Address Medication Side Effects: For those on corticosteroids, adjust your diet by limiting salt and sugar while increasing calcium and vitamin D intake to manage potential side effects like weight gain and bone weakening.
Avoid Processed and Sugary Foods: Limiting foods high in processed sugar, saturated fats, and sodium can help reduce inflammation and prevent complications associated with IBM.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always work with a doctor or dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that accounts for your specific symptoms, medications, and health status.

While there is no single, curative diet for Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), adopting a strategic nutritional plan can significantly help manage symptoms, support muscle health, and improve quality of life. The core of such a diet revolves around reducing inflammation, ensuring adequate protein intake to combat muscle wasting, and modifying textures to address swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Consulting with a healthcare provider and a registered dietitian is essential for a personalized approach that takes into account individual needs and medical treatments.

The Cornerstone: An Anti-Inflammatory Approach

Chronic inflammation is a key feature of IBM, and dietary choices can either exacerbate or help manage it. Many experts recommend an anti-inflammatory diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Recommended Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Fatty Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Excellent choices include salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring. Aim for at least three servings per week.
Fruits and Vegetables: These are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber that fight inflammation. Focus on a variety of colors, such as leafy greens (spinach, kale), berries, and broccoli.
Healthy Fats: Monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and avocados are beneficial. Nuts and seeds (walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed) provide both healthy fats and fiber.
Spices and Herbs: Turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and cinnamon have natural anti-inflammatory effects.
Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains over refined ones to reduce inflammation and maintain stable blood sugar. Good options include brown rice, oats, quinoa, and whole wheat products.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Processed Foods and Refined Sugars: Items high in sugar and refined starches (like white bread, pasta, and sugary drinks) can increase inflammation.
Saturated and Trans Fats: Found in fatty meats, fried foods, and many baked goods, these fats promote inflammation.
Excess Sodium: High salt intake can contribute to fluid retention, especially for those on corticosteroids.

Prioritizing Protein for Muscle Health

Muscle weakness and atrophy are hallmark symptoms of IBM, making adequate protein intake a primary nutritional goal. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Individuals with chronic illnesses may require more protein than the average sedentary adult to counteract catabolism.

Good Protein Sources

Lean Meats and Poultry: Skinless chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef or pork.
Fish and Seafood: Provides lean protein and anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
Eggs: A versatile and complete protein source.
Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), and cheese are excellent sources of protein and calcium. Choose lower-fat and lower-sugar options where possible.
Plant-Based Proteins: Beans, lentils, soy products (tofu, edamame), nuts, and seeds.

Navigating Dysphagia: Swallowing Management Strategies

Dysphagia is a significant and potentially dangerous complication of IBM. It's crucial to work with a speech pathologist to develop strategies for safe swallowing and maintain proper nutrition.

Texture and Consistency Modifications

Soft and Moist Foods: Choose softer, wetter foods over dry, crumbly ones. Foods like moist meats, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and well-cooked vegetables are easier to manage.
Pureed and Blended Foods: For more severe dysphagia, pureeing vegetables into soups, blending fruits into smoothies, or mashing foods can help. Adding nut butter or Greek yogurt to smoothies can boost protein and calories.
Hydration: Drink fluids frequently and consider alternating between liquids and solids to ease swallowing. Thickening liquids may also be recommended by a healthcare professional.

Managing Medication Side Effects Through Nutrition

Many people with myositis, though not all IBM patients, may be prescribed corticosteroids, which can have significant side effects like weight gain, elevated blood pressure, and increased blood sugar. Dietary modifications can help mitigate these effects.

Diet Tips for Corticosteroid Side Effects

Limit Salt: Reduce intake of processed foods and added salt to manage blood pressure and fluid retention.
Control Sugar Intake: Restrict refined sugars and concentrated sweets to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Increase Calcium and Vitamin D: Steroids can weaken bones over time. Focus on dairy products and fortified foods rich in these nutrients.

Dietary Approaches Under Investigation

Research into novel therapeutic strategies for IBM is ongoing, with some preliminary findings suggesting potential benefits from specific dietary interventions.

Ketogenic Diet

A 2020 case study reported significant clinical improvements in an IBM patient who followed a modified ketogenic diet. The patient experienced a reduction in swallowing difficulties, pain, and depression, along with stabilized muscle inflammation and a slowed rate of muscle atrophy. The diet was theorized to suppress inflammation and improve cell bioenergetics. While this single case is promising, larger trials are needed, and any consideration of a ketogenic diet should be done under strict medical supervision.

A Personalized Nutritional Path

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the best diet for inclusion body myositis. The optimal approach is personalized, combining a general anti-inflammatory diet with specific modifications for symptoms like dysphagia and medication side effects. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, adequate protein, and careful management of specific challenges, individuals with IBM can use nutrition as a powerful tool to support their health and well-being. Regular check-ins with a healthcare team, including a dietitian, are crucial for adapting the diet as the condition evolves.


Nutritional Goal	Anti-Inflammatory (Beneficial)	Pro-Inflammatory (Limit/Avoid)
Carbohydrates	Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats), fruits, vegetables, legumes	Refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, pastries), sugary cereals
Fats	Omega-3 rich sources (fatty fish, chia/flax seeds, walnuts), Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado)	Saturated fats (fatty meats, butter), Trans fats (margarine, baked goods), Fried foods
Protein	Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, plant-based proteins (beans, tofu)	Processed meats (bacon, sausage)
Other	Ample water, colorful fruits & veggies, anti-inflammatory spices (turmeric)	Sugary drinks (soda, fruit juice), excess salt

Conclusion

Navigating Inclusion Body Myositis requires a comprehensive management plan that includes diet as a critical component. By adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in lean protein and nutrient-dense whole foods, individuals can address inflammation and support muscle health. Symptom-specific strategies, particularly for dysphagia, can help ensure adequate nutrition and prevent complications. Regular consultation with healthcare professionals ensures the diet remains safe, effective, and tailored to the individual's needs, maximizing well-being in the face of a complex disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is best to avoid processed foods, high-sugar snacks and drinks, refined carbohydrates (like white bread and pasta), excessive salt, and foods high in saturated and trans fats, as these can promote inflammation.

Protein is extremely important for IBM patients. Adequate intake is essential to help maintain existing muscle mass and counteract the muscle wasting (atrophy) that is a characteristic of the disease.

While some supplements like creatine and fish oil have been studied, evidence is limited, and they should not be taken without first consulting a physician. The Myositis Association mentions that a balanced diet is generally recommended over supplements, though some may be beneficial.

Dysphagia can be managed by modifying the texture of foods to be softer, moister, or pureed, and by drinking fluids during meals. Consulting a speech pathologist for personalized strategies is highly recommended.

A single case study has shown promising results in a patient with IBM on a modified ketogenic diet, with improvements in symptoms and slowed muscle atrophy. However, more research is needed, and this approach should only be considered under strict medical supervision.

Weight management for IBM patients should be approached carefully. Those with dysphagia may need to prevent unintentional weight loss, while overweight patients should focus on gradual, protein-rich weight loss to avoid losing muscle mass. Consultation with a dietitian is crucial.

An anti-inflammatory diet helps reduce chronic inflammation in the body, which can calm the immune system and potentially lessen the impact of the disease on muscles. This can lead to improved overall well-being and symptom management.