b'WWhhaattiisstthheeSScciieenncceeSSaayyiinnggaabboouuttLLiiffeessttyylleeCChhaannggeessaannddMMSS??NNuuttrriittiioonn,,eexxeerrcciissee,,aannddsslleeeeppttaakkeecceenntteerrssttaaggeeaattCCMMSSCCmmeeeettiinnggBy Cherie BinnsThe last week of May every year is the are what is to be avoided. Natural sugars fromConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers foods are ne in moderation.annual meeting. This year we got updates on The CMSC looked at the various diets thatmedications in the pipeline, stem cell therapies, were touted to improve or even cure MS pregnancy and breastfeeding with MS, and such as the Paleo Diet, the Wahls Diet, theaging with MS. However, lifestyle changes that Mediterranean Diet, the Swank Diet, glutenaecttheconditiontookcenterstage. We free diets and the American Heart Associationheard that people with MS are not meeting diet. There is one thing in common with all ofrecommended nutritional guidelines in 85 them, and that is there are no processed foodspercent of cases. Part of this nutritional decit in any of them. They all consist of freshlycould be attributed to the huge emphasis on preparedwholefoodsderivedfromplantdiet and supplements coming from individuals and/or animal sources. Other than that, nothingwithin the MS community and a lack of good in any of these eating plans was found tounderstandingonhowtobestimplement improve the quality of life of people with MSbetter eating habits. Add that to those who are across the board.not meeting activity or exercise guidelines and However, there was a link between what90 percent of people with MS are negatively people ate and how other illnesses respondedaected just in these two areas. and came under control. If people with cardio-N vascular diseases such as high blood pressureNuuttrriittiioonnThis year, for the rst time, we are hearing reduced their salt intake, their BP controlsome specic guidelines for people with MS and improved and their MS symptoms also seemedtheir food intake. Sugar is strongly implicated to be better controlled. The same held true forin inammation, which can cause damage in diabetes. Diets lower in overall sugars andthe central nervous system during an attack calories brought blood sugar levels down andor slowly over time. Inammation is a major inammation decreased. People felt bettercause of pain from all causes. So, it is something and functioned more easily. Many also lostthat, by reducing our intake, we have the ability weight, which positively aected fatigue levels.to improve symptoms. What we heard was The takeaway was there is no diet that helpspeople with MS are avoiding fresh fruits, dairy MS per se, but individuals may see benet withproducts, and breads and cereals because one eating plan over another. Also controllingthey contain sugar so they are not getting the comorbidities and getting them well-managedrecommended vitamins and nutrients from improved the quality of life of the individualthese food sources. Processed, rened sugars with MS. Vitamin D is the only supplement37 msfocusmagazine.org'