Last Updated on November 13, 2023 by Cathy
We’ve all heard protein builds muscles. It is also the building block of bones, skin, hair, and other tissues in the body. It is essential for repairing damaged tissues and building new ones.
Everywhere you look there are protein bars, protein powders, and protein shakes. However, the body can’t store protein, any extra is used for energy or it’s stored as fat. Most people in the U.S. meet or exceed their needs for protein.
Eating a high-protein diet can have both positive and negative effects on the body. If you are wanting to build strength it’s not the extra protein you want. Exercising is what leads to muscle strength — not extra protein intake.
Risks of eating a high protein diet:
- Increased stress on kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood. Eating a high-protein diet can increase the workload on the kidneys. This can be harmful to people with pre-existing kidney disease.
- Risk of dehydration. The body eliminates waste products produced by protein metabolism through urine. A high-protein diet increases the amount of urine produced. This can then lead to dehydration if water intake is not increased.
- Risk of nutrient deficiencies. A high-protein diet may lead to a reduction in the consumption of other essential nutrients, such as fiber and certain vitamins and minerals. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and include a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
Protein and MS
Doctors recommend protein for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). They say in addition to supporting muscle health protein also:
- Helps support the immune system
- Makes you feel full longer to help prevent weight gain
- Provides the body with essential amino acids
However, eating a high-protein diet often means you’re eating a high-fat diet. A high-fat diet leads to chronic illnesses such as heart disease. That includes both animal fat and plant-based fats.
Saturated Fats in Meat
Protein itself does not contain saturated fat. It is a macronutrient that’s found in many foods, including animal and plant sources. However, some high-protein foods contain saturated fat.
Saturated fat is a type of fat that is typically solid at room temperature. It’s found primarily in animal-based foods, including meat and dairy products. It’s also found in some plant-based sources like coconut oil and palm oil.
There was a big debate on whether coconut oil was healthy several years ago. Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory and antiviral. MS is caused by both high inflammation and a virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
To Learn More About EBV read:
Consuming high amounts of saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels in the blood. This increases the risk of heart disease. People with MS have a higher risk for heart disease.
A high-fat diet can also increase the risk of osteoporosis especially if the diet is high in saturated fats and low in other nutrients. People with MS also have a higher risk for osteoporosis.
Dr. Roy Swank
Dr. Roy Swank researched the effect of diet on MS patients. In his research, he studied two groups of people with MS. One group followed a diet low in fat diet restricting saturated fat. The other group didn’t follow any restrictions.
He found that the group that followed the low-fat diet had:
- Fewer new lesions on their brains
- Significantly fewer MS relapses
- Slower progression of disability over time
He found early intervention with a low-fat diet was particularly effective. Patients who followed the diet consistently had better outcomes over time.
Dr. Swank didn’t specifically suggest that people with MS should avoid meat. Instead, he recommended limiting the intake of animal products. His low-fat diet consists of no more than 10-15% of daily calories from fat. Dr. Swank’s work provided important insights into the role of diet in managing MS. This was back in the 1950s. Today, people continue to follow his diet to help manage their MS symptoms.
You can get his book here: The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book: A Low-Fat Diet for the Treatment of M.S., Revised and Expanded Edition
Carbohydrate-rich foods
Glucose (blood sugar) is your main source of energy. You get glucose from the foods you eat. When your body doesn’t need glucose for energy it stores it in your muscles.
My son is a type 1 diabetic which is an autoimmune disease. He closely watches his glucose level when he eats and when he exercises. Exercising causes glucose to increase.
Your body breaks down carbohydrates (carbs) into sugar. Carbs fuel brain activity, muscles, and other important functions. As long as you are eating healthy carbs such as fruits and vegetables. Unhealthy carbs lead to diseases.
Benefits of healthy carbs:
- Fruits are high in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. All of these protect the body against cellular damage.
- Vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in calories, making them a great option for weight management.
Low Carb Diet
Doctors recommend people with MS follow a low-carb diet such as a Keto diet. However, it may be too restrictive for some. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies or other health problems such as:
- Constipation
- Kidney stones
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Low blood pressure
- Nutrient deficiencies
Avoid a low-carb diet if you are:
- Diabetic
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Underweight
- Or you have gallbladder, liver, or thyroid issues
Carbs are not the enemy when you are eating fruits and vegetables. The central nervous system relies on glucose from carbs.
For years I avoided most fruit. I believed it spiked my blood sugar and fed candida. Now I know better, there are studies proving fruit does not spike blood sugar levels.
“Greater consumption of specific whole fruits, particularly blueberries, grapes, and apples, is significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.” – PubMed
Benefits of glucose from fruits and vegetables:
- Builds muscles
- Critical for healing
- Feeds cells in the body
- Improves liver function
- Protects from heart disease
- Protects the adrenals
- Stops the brain from shrinking
- Supports the nervous system
Minerals for MS
Along with vitamins, minerals are also important for people with MS. They keep your bones, brain, heart, and muscles functioning. They also regulate nerve transmission and neuromuscular coordination.
People with MS are often deficient in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. By not eating enough fruit you’re not getting enough of these important minerals.
Your brain runs on glucose, minerals, and vitamins. Your brain doesn’t get its energy directly from fats.
Managing MS through a Low Fat Diet
High-fat, high-protein, and low-carb diets are popular but not preferable. Instead, a diet low in fats and high in fruits and vegetables is best. Antioxidants and phytonutrients are abundant in fruits and vegetables – these are critical for healing.
The problem with a high-protein diet is it usually means a high-fat diet. It is possible to eat more protein you just need to watch your fat intake. However, eating a diet that is low in fat is best for managing MS.
Having an MS diagnosis it’s hard not to get discouraged. But, MS is not a death sentence. Yes, there is no cure for MS but you can do something.
Your best option is to live a healthy lifestyle to manage MS symptoms. Eat healthy, exercise, stop smoking, get a good night’s sleep, and get some sunshine. This will give you the best quality of life.
You can do it!
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Images by pvproductions on Freepik, Jane Doan by Pexels, and Picjumbo
Resources:
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/steps-digestion-carbohydrates-4053.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3935387
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23990623
https://www.ed.ac.uk/ppls/news/mediterranean-diet-could-reduce-brain-shrinkage
Managing MS through a Low Fat Diet
