Healthcare

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Diet | Mass General Brigham

Mass General Brigham
Mass General Brigham•Feb 17, 2026

Why It Matters

Adopting an anti‑inflammatory, Mediterranean‑style diet can modestly reduce MS flare‑ups and improve patients' daily functioning, easing both personal and healthcare system burdens.

Key Takeaways

  • •Anti-inflammatory foods can ease MS-related inflammation and symptoms.
  • •Mediterranean diet offers heart, brain, immune, and weight benefits.
  • •Avoid saturated fats, processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol.
  • •Simple, nutrient-dense meals aid energy and reduce swallowing difficulty.
  • •Consult a registered dietitian for personalized MS-friendly nutrition plan.

Summary

The video explains that while disease‑modifying drugs are essential for multiple sclerosis (MS), dietary choices can also influence inflammation and symptom severity. It emphasizes that no single scientifically proven MS diet exists, but adopting anti‑inflammatory eating patterns—particularly a Mediterranean‑style regimen—offers broad health advantages. Key recommendations include emphasizing plant‑based foods, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, low‑fat dairy, and probiotic‑rich items while limiting saturated fats, red and processed meats, full‑fat dairy, ultra‑processed snacks, sugary beverages, and alcohol. The presenter notes that weight loss from eliminating junk foods may itself improve how patients feel, underscoring the diet’s role in managing both inflammation and overall wellness. Nancy Olivera, a registered dietitian, illustrates practical steps by preparing an MS‑friendly breakfast of low‑fat Greek yogurt, berries, whole‑grain granola, walnuts, and chia seeds, and she advises softer, nutrient‑dense options like protein smoothies for those with swallowing challenges. She also stresses enlisting family support, batch cooking, and using low‑sodium canned or frozen foods to simplify meal preparation. The takeaway for patients and caregivers is clear: modest, sustainable dietary adjustments—ideally guided by a dietitian—can lessen flare‑ups, boost energy, and improve quality of life, reducing reliance on more intensive medical interventions.

Original Description

Did you know that nutrition can make a difference in managing MS symptoms? Nancy Oliveira, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian, describes how choosing anti-inflammatory foods may ease the inflammation brought on by MS and shares a quick MS-friendly meal recipe.
This information in this video is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and should not be used in place of professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment from your physician or another qualified health provider that may be available to you.
0:00 – Intro
0:15 – How MS causes inflammation and symptoms
0:30 – How nutrition can help manage symptom flare-ups
0:48 – Is there an approved diet for MS?
1:14 – Meal plans
1:22 – Foods that may help MS
1:45 – Foods and drinks to avoid with MS
2:08 – Make an MS-friendly breakfast
2:35 – Tips to manage nutrition and get support when you have MS symptoms
3:26 – Small diet changes make a difference
3:34 – Tailored meal plans
#MGB #MassGeneralBrigham #MultipleSclerosis
About Mass General Brigham:
Mass General Brigham combines the strength of two world-class academic medical centers, five nationally ranked specialty hospitals, 11 community hospitals, and dozens of health centers. Our doctors and researchers accelerate medical breakthroughs and drive innovations in patient care. They are leaders in medical education, serving as Harvard Medical School faculty and training the next generation of physicians. Mass General Brigham’s mission is to deliver the best, affordable health care to patients everywhere. Together, we transform the health of our communities and beyond.
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