You’ve probably heard of the keto diet. It’s been all over the news lately as celebrities and everyday people tout its physical and mental quality benefits such as weight loss and health benefits such as managing blood pressure. But what you may not know is that the ketogenic diet can also be a valuable tool for managing multiple sclerosis.
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but it’s symptoms can be managed through various treatments. Some people with MS have found that a ketogenic diet helps them manage their disease symptoms better than any other treatment they’ve tried.
In this article, you’ll understand the connection between MS and keto diet in more detail. You’ll also learn how the keto diet works and how it can help those with MS manage their disease symptoms.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects the central nervous system, which consists of the optic nerves, brain and spinal cord. The disease is caused by damage to the myelin, a protective sheath that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibres in the central nervous system. This damage interferes with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and other parts of the body, leading to a range of symptoms that can vary in severity and duration.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
MS patients may experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and balance, numbness or tingling in the limbs, and problems with vision. Other common symptoms include fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, cognitive changes, and mood changes. The disease can also cause problems with mobility and mobility-related activities such as walking and writing.
MS is typically diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50, and it is more common in women than men(almost 3 times greater risk). The exact cause of the disease is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but treatments are available to help multiple sclerosis patients reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Types of multiple sclerosis (MS)
There are four main types of multiple sclerosis:
Relapsing-remitting MS
Relapsing-remitting ms (RRMS) is the most common form of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, accounting for about 85% of all cases. People with RRMS experience periodic flare-ups, or “relapses,” of symptoms, followed by periods of partial or complete recovery, or “remissions.” Relapsing-remitting MS is most common in younger patients than older patients.
Secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)
Secondary-progressive ms typically follows an initial relapsing-remitting course. In SPMS, the disease tends to progressively worsen over time, with or without relapses and remissions.
Primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)
This type of MS is characterized by a slow but steady worsening of symptoms from the beginning, with no clear relapses or remissions. PPMS accounts for about 10-15% of all cases of multiple sclerosis.
Progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis (PRMS)
This is the rarest form of multiple sclerosis, accounting for only about 5% of cases. People with PRMS experience a steady worsening of symptoms from the start, with clear relapses along the way.
What Is a Ketogenic Diet?
Lots of people have been searching about ms and keto diet. Let’s start by talking about what a ketogenic diet is. In short, it’s a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with moderate protein that helps the body to reduce body fat. When you eat a ketogenic diet, your body enters a state of ketosis, where it begins burning fat for energy instead of glucose.
The keto diet is unique in that the vast majority of your calories come from fat, around 85-90%. By comparison, you’ll only get 6-8% of your calories from protein and a measly 2-4% from carbs(less than 20 g per day). This low intake of carbs forces your body to burn fat for energy, which typically leads to quick and noticeable weight loss.
What Are the Benefits of the Keto Diet?
A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to have several potential benefits. Some of the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet include:
Weight loss
Having a healthy weight is a dream that many people aspire to have. A ketogenic diet may help you lose weight because it can cause you to break down fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. This in turn reduces your body fat and you become lean.
Improved blood sugar control
A ketogenic diet may improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Increased mental clarity and focus: Some people may experience increased mental clarity and focus on a ketogenic diet due to the diet’s ability to increase the production of ketones, which may serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain.
Reduced risk of heart disease
A ketogenic diet may reduce the risk of medical complications such as heart disease by improving risk factors such as body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Epilepsy treatment
A ketogenic diet has been used as a treatment for epilepsy in children for over 80 years. It may help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in some people.
Potential Benefits of Ketogenic Diets for Managing MS
The keto diet is beneficial for those suffering from relapsing MS. In one randomized controlled study consisting of 65 patients, there were significant improvements in wellness and disability. During the study period, the percentage of fat mass declined from 44% to 40% of total body mass. In addition, quality of life composite scores for the average physical health score (67 vs 79, P<0.001) and the average mental health score (71 vs 82, P<0.001) improved significantly.
Some other studies further point out the benefits of the Keto diet for managing ms such as:
Reducing inflammation
The keto diet may help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is thought to play a role in the development and progression of MS. This is because when you’re in ketosis, your body produces fewer inflammatory cytokines.
Improving brain function
Some research has suggested that ketogenic diets may be beneficial for brain function, which could potentially have a positive effect on cognitive symptoms in people with MS. Keto diets increase levels of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
Improving energy metabolism
Some studies have suggested that ketogenic diets may improve energy metabolism in cells, which could potentially have a positive effect on the symptoms of people with MS This is because when you’re in ketosis, your body turns to fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
Reducing oxidative stress
Ketogenic diets may help to reduce oxidative stress in the body, which is thought to contribute to the development and progression of MS.
Protecting the myelin sheath.
This is the material that covers and protects your nerve cells. When this material is damaged, it can lead to MS symptoms.
Improving mental quality
Keto Diet may improve symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. This may be because the ketogenic diet can help to regulate the balance of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, in the brain.
Limitations of the Keto Diet for Treating MS
There are several limitations to consider when it comes to ms and keto diet:
Difficulty adhering to the diet: The ketogenic diet is a strict diet that requires careful planning and monitoring of food intake. It may be difficult for some people to stick to the diet long-term and end up affecting their physical and mental health
Risk of nutrient deficiencies: The ketogenic diet may increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, as it limits the intake of certain foods that are rich in essential nutrients.
Another potential downside of the keto diet is that it may not be suitable for people with ms who are taking certain medications. These medications, called disease-modifying drugs, can help slow the progression of MS. But they may also increase the risk of side effects when combined with a keto diet.
Possible side effects: The ketogenic diet may cause side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and constipation in some people.
Lastly, the keto diet may not be recommended for people who have certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease. If you’re considering a keto diet to treat your MS, make sure to talk to your doctor first to see if it’s right for you.
Is there a Link Between MS and Keto Diet?
You may be wondering how a high-fat diet could help people with MS. The key lies in the ketogenic diet’s relationship with fatty acids.
Normally, the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then used for energy. However, when you’re on a ketogenic , your body enters a state of ketosis, where it starts breaking down fat instead of carbs. This produces ketones, which the body can use for energy instead of glucose. This in turn reduces body fat.
What Should People With MS Eat on a Keto Diet?
So, what should you eat if you want to follow a keto diet and you have multiple sclerosis?
First, it’s important to note that people with ms should work with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for them. The specifics of what you should eat on a ketogenic diet will depend on your individual needs and goals.
Generally, a keto diet involves consuming high amounts of fats, moderate amounts of protein, and very few carbohydrates. Foods to include on a ketogenic diet for people with MS may include:
First, you’ll want to focus on getting plenty of healthy fats. This means eating healthy fats from Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, and seeds
You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting enough protein. Good sources of protein include Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and tofu
In terms of carbs, you’ll want to keep them to a minimum. This means eating mostly non-starchy vegetables like Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers.
When it comes to ms and keto diet, you’ll want to stick to Low-carbohydrate fruits. Berries, avocados, and tomatoes are lower in sugar than other types of fruit.
Finally, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You might also want to consider drinking bone broth, which is packed with nutrients that can help support a healthy immune system.
Can Keto make MS worse?
It’s important to note that the ketogenic diet is a strict diet that requires careful planning and monitoring of food intake. It may be difficult for some people to stick to the diet long-term, and there may be potential risks and side effects associated with the diet.
There is no evidence to suggest that the ketogenic diet can directly make people with MS worse. However, if the diet is not followed correctly or if it causes nutrient deficiencies or other health problems, it could potentially have negative effects on overall health and well-being.
It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach to the ketogenic diet for your individual needs and goals. It’s also important to be aware that the diet may not be suitable for everyone, and that it should not be used as a replacement for standard medical treatments for MS.
Tips for Taking the Stress Out of Following a Keto Diet With MS
Like with any chronic disease, there are going to be ups and downs, and times, when you feel like you can’t go on. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are millions of people living with MS, and many of them have found relief through the ketogenic diet.
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most out of your diet and managing any side effects:
– Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is crucial on the keto diet, as it helps flush toxins out of your system and helps your body burn fat more effectively. It also helps to prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of the diet.
– Get enough electrolytes: This is especially important if you’re doing a lot of exercises, as electrolytes help with muscle function. Make sure to get plenty of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. You can get these from supplements, or by eating foods like bone broth, dark leafy greens, avocados, and nuts.
– Eat enough fat: Fat is essential for the ketogenic diet. Healthy fats will help you feel fuller longer and help your body absorb vitamins and minerals more effectively, so make sure you’re getting plenty of healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, butter, and ghee.
– Get enough fibre: Fiber helps with digestion and can also help reduce inflammation. Good sources of fibre include leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds.
– Avoid processed foods: Eating processed foods can trigger inflammation and cause other problems. Stick to whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible.
– Get enough sleep. This is important for everyone, but it’s especially important if you’re following a keto diet. Getting enough sleep will help your body recover from the stress of following a strict diet and can help prevent MS flares.
– Exercise regularly. Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s especially important if you have MS. Exercise can help reduce fatigue, improve brain function, and improve the overall quality of life.
How Long Does It Take to See Results With Keto and MS?
This is a tough question to answer because everyone is different. Some people see results within a few weeks, while others might not see results for a few months.
That being said, most people who stick with the keto diet and stick to their goals do see some improvement in their symptoms within a few months. So if you’re thinking about trying out the keto diet for your MS, it’s worth a shot!
Conclusion
So, what is the keto diet? In short, it is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. It has been used for many years to help manage seizures in children with epilepsy who do not respond to medications. Nowadays it’s common among people who want to achieve weight loss goals and improve their physical and mental health and quality of life in general.
Although more research is needed, there is some evidence to suggest that the ketogenic diet could be beneficial for people with MS. Of course, everyone is different and you should always speak to your doctor before making any changes to your diet, but it may be worth considering if you are looking for ways to manage your MS and improve the body’s immune system.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is meant to be used for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be used as personal medical advice. So, when it comes to ms and keto diet, it’s important to talk to your doctor first to see if it’s the right decision for you.
