Eat healthy

Healthy nutrition and good eating habits improve your overall wellbeing and can help keep your energy levels up.

Nutrition and MS

Eating a varied and balanced diet, including vegetables, proteins, unrefined carbohydrates (whole grains, legumes, fruits, and uncooked vegetables) and some healthy oils and fats, will supply the essential vitamins, minerals and fibre your body needs.

Enjoy more servings of:

Vegetables and fruit
High fibre foods
Whole grains (e.g. wholegrain bread, brown rice, wholegrain pasta, rolled oats, muesli)
Legumes (e.g. chickpeas, lentils or dried beans)
Oily fish such as salmon, trout, sardines and mackerel (fresh, canned or frozen)

Have fewer servings of:

Full fat dairy products
Coconut and palm oils
Trans and saturated fats (healthier fats are found in extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds)
Processed meats and fatty red meat (choose lean cuts and a small portion)
Deep fried fast foods
Sweetened drinks and fruit juices
Processed foods

Specific diets designed for people with MS may help – find out more here

Our tips to keep your energy up

Eat small meals frequently

It doesn’t take much to feed your brain, a piece of fruit or a spoonful of nuts at regular times throughout the day will provide a steady supply of nutrients.

Play the long game

Unlike, sugary foods and drinks that give you a short burst of energy, whole grains and healthy unsaturated fats supply longer lasting energy and may be associated with better long-term health outcomes.

Avoid too much coffee

Caffeine can help sharpen the senses and make you feel more alert, but if drinking coffee gets in the way of a good night’s sleep, you may like to consider herbal teas, iced tea or decaffeinated coffee.

Beware energy bars

Look carefully at the ingredients on packets – energy bars may be only as nutritional as regular chocolate bars and their energy benefit is really just short and sweet.

Keep hydrated

Drinking more water is essential. Even though it may seem logical to drink less water to avoid bladder issues of MS, it actually means that your urine is more concentrated, which can lead to urinary tract infections. In general, you should drink six to eight glasses of liquid per day.

Questions you could ask your neurologist

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