A recent study suggests a ketogenic diet might just be safe for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by improving their quality of life. A ketogenic diet consists of foods like meat, fish, eggs, heavy cream, butter, oils, and non-starchy vegetables like pea pods, carrots, broccoli, and peppers.
Study author J Nicholas Brenton, MD and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, said, “A ketogenic diet, which is high in fats, adequate in protein, and low in carbohydrates, allows the body to utilise fat as its primary source of energy instead of sugars, thus mimicking a fasting state.”
“A ketogenic diet helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes and improve seizure control in people with epilepsy. However, it has not been well-studied in people with MS. Diet changes can be an inexpensive way to improve overall health, so our study explored whether eating a ketogenic diet is safe, tolerable and beneficial for people living with MS,” he further added.
The team studied 65 people diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. They consumed a ketogenic diet for six months and were instructed to consume two or three ketogenic meals per day consisting of one to two servings of low-carbohydrate proteins such as eggs, fish or meat alongside two to four tablespoons of fat, such as butter, oil, avocado, ghee or heavy cream, and one to two cups of non-starchy vegetables such as cucumbers, leafy greens or cauliflower.
A total of 83 per cent of participants adhered to the diet for the full study period. Participants completed tests and surveys prior to the start of the diet and again at three and six months while on the diet to measure the level of disability and quality of life. Researchers found that not only did participants have less body fat after six months, they also had a decline in fatigue and depression scores.
Participants had an average physical health score of 67 at the start of the study compared to an average score of 79 at the end. Participants had an average mental health score of 71 at the start of the study compared to an average score of 82 at the end. Researchers also took blood samples and found participants had improvements in the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.
“Our study provides evidence that a ketogenic diet may indeed be safe and beneficial, reducing some symptoms for people with MS, when used over a six-month period,” said Brenton. “However, more research is needed because there are potential risks associated with ketogenic diets, such as kidney stones, digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies. It is important that people with MS consult with their doctor before making any big changes to their diet, and that they be regularly monitored by a physician and registered dietitian while on a ketogenic diet,” he added.
