Have you ever wondered how the food you eat could impact your MS symptoms and overall well-being?
Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can feel like navigating an unpredictable storm. While there’s no cure for MS, there are steps you can take to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life—and one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is your diet. What you eat can have a significant impact on inflammation, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Before diving in, I want to say this first: no single diet works for everyone with MS. Each person’s body is unique, so it’s essential to work with your healthcare team to find what works best for you. Diets aren’t cures, but they can be part of a holistic approach to managing MS and feeling your best.
By the way, have we met? I’m Dr. Gretchen, a physical therapist and MS-certified specialist who’s spent nearly a decade working exclusively with people living with MS. Through my work, I’ve developed a unique approach to MS strength and conditioning that blends science, practical exercises, and a dash of encouragement to help you feel stronger, more confident, and ready to tackle life head-on. Thousands of individuals with MS have found renewed hope and real progress using these strategies—and you can too.
Let’s explore some dietary approaches that focus on reducing inflammation and supporting overall health when it comes to MS.
Think of your body as a car: the fuel you put in determines how smoothly it runs. For people with MS, diet plays an even more critical role. Certain foods can help reduce inflammation—a key factor in MS—while others may exacerbate symptoms.
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or illness, but in autoimmune conditions like MS, this response can go haywire. Chronic inflammation can damage nerves and worsen symptoms like fatigue, pain, and brain fog. By focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, you can give your body the nutrients it needs to function better.
One of the most well-known diets for managing MS is the Wahls Protocol, developed by Dr. Terry Wahls. After being diagnosed with secondary progressive MS and confined to a tilt-recline wheelchair, Dr. Wahls used her background in medicine and research to create a diet that helped her regain mobility and improve her quality of life.
The Wahls Protocol has three levels (from basic to advanced), allowing individuals to ease into the lifestyle changes gradually. It’s more than just a diet—it incorporates stress management, exercise, and sleep hygiene for a comprehensive approach.
If you’re curious to read all the specifics when it comes to Wahls Protocol, check out my post: Wahls Protocol | Does It Actually Work? Read This First.
While the Wahls Protocol is incredibly popular among the MS community, it’s not the only option out there! Here are other diets that focus on reducing inflammation and supporting overall health:
Developed by Dr. Roy Swank in the 1950s, this low-fat lifestyle aims to reduce inflammation by limiting saturated fats. This diet may be easier for those who prefer less restrictive approaches while still focusing on heart-healthy eating.
When it comes to healthy eating habits, one of the most popular (and doctor-recommended) is the Mediterranean diet. Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, this diet emphasizes whole foods rich in healthy fats and is designed to be a lifelong approach.
Created by Dr. George Jelinek, this diet was developed as part of a broader lifestyle program for MS management. Like the Wahls Protocol, OMS emphasizes changes beyond diet, focusing on overall well-being.
This high-fat, low-carb diet has gained attention for its potential neurological benefits. While the ketogenic diet shows promise for some people with MS due to its anti-inflammatory effects, it requires careful monitoring.
No matter which dietary approach you choose, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your meals can make a difference. Here are some top picks:
While adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can be incredibly beneficial, it’s equally important to pay attention to the foods that might exacerbate symptoms or contribute to inflammation. Certain ingredients can trigger fatigue, increase inflammation, or cause other unwanted effects, making it harder for your body to function at its best.
It’s worth noting that everyone with MS is different—what may trigger symptoms in one person might not affect another. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your body and notice how certain foods make you feel. Keeping a food diary can help you track patterns and identify potential triggers.
Here are some common culprits that people with MS may want to limit or avoid altogether:
Making dietary changes to support MS management doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small, consistent steps can lead to meaningful improvements over time. Start by adding an extra serving of vegetables to your meals or swapping sugary snacks for nutrient-dense options like nuts or fresh fruit. Experimenting with anti-inflammatory ingredients—such as turmeric, salmon, or leafy greens—can make eating healthy feel exciting rather than restrictive. Meal prepping and staying hydrated are also simple yet effective strategies to set yourself up for success.
It’s important to remember that no single diet is “the best” for everyone with MS. Each person’s body reacts differently, so be patient as you explore what works for you. Keeping a food journal can help you track patterns and identify foods that either trigger symptoms or make you feel your best.
Most importantly, work closely with your healthcare team when making significant dietary changes. They can provide personalized guidance to ensure your choices are safe and effective for your unique needs. By taking small steps and listening to your body, you can create a sustainable approach to eating that supports your health and helps you feel more in control of your MS journey.
Diet alone won’t cure MS, but it can be a powerful tool in managing symptoms and improving your quality of life. When combined with other lifestyle changes—like exercise, stress management, and proper sleep—what you eat can play a key role in reducing inflammation, boosting energy, and supporting overall wellness.
Whether you’re drawn to the nutrient-dense Wahls Protocol, the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, or another approach, the key is finding what works best for your unique needs. Pay attention to how your body responds to certain foods and be patient as you explore what makes you feel your best.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. By focusing on anti-inflammatory foods and making mindful choices every day, you’re taking meaningful steps toward better health. And remember: you don’t have to do this alone.
If you’re looking to learn more about how to fuel, move, and overcome your symptoms of MS, my YouTube channel, Dr. Gretchen Hawley, is the perfect place to start! I offer a wealth of information from the perspective of a physical therapist and MS specialist and collaborate with some of the top people in this field!
Do you have any further questions on MS diet strategies? Please feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to walk confidently again without constantly worrying about tripping, falling, or dragging your foot? Enter the Cionic Neural Sleeve! Read about my perspective on the Cionic Neural Sleeve as a physical therapist here!
Have you ever wondered how the food you eat could impact your MS symptoms and overall well-being? It absolutely can! Read dietary approaches that focus on reducing inflammation and supporting overall health when it comes to MS here!
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com