This time, I have compiled papers on the Mediterranean diet that were presented at ECTRIMS 2024. The diet, which is high in fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, and lean proteins, has been recommended for a long time. And the good thing is that it is more of a dietary approach that emphasizes healthy eating rather than prohibitions. The six studies presented show you how small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your health and well-being. For example, the Mediterranean diet can support brain health, slow the progression of the disease, improve quality of life and even alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Let these findings inspire you to make some delicious and health-promoting changes to your diet!
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Table of Contents
1. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet influences progressive Multiple Sclerosis course
by Marco Vercellino et. al
A recent study focused on how sticking to the Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and lean proteins—might influence MS progression, particularly in patients with progressive MS. Let’s break down what they found and why it matters to you.
What Was Studied?
The researchers looked at 242 people with progressive MS. They analyzed their adherence to the Mediterranean diet using a special questionnaire (MEDAS score) and tracked their disability progression over four years. Alongside diet, they also considered other health factors like body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, and use of MS treatments.
Key Findings
Slower Disability Progression: Patients with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS score ≥ 10) had a significantly lower risk of worsening disability over the four years. This connection remained strong even after adjusting for factors like age, gender, and other health conditions.
Brain Health Was Stable: No notable differences were found in measures of brain volume or markers of neuroinflammation, suggesting that the benefits of the diet might be more about slowing physical disability rather than directly impacting brain health.
Other Health Factors: The study also recorded general health stats, showing the typical challenges faced by progressive MS patients, such as elevated cholesterol and smoking rates. These factors were considered when analyzing the diet’s effects.
Why This Matters for You
The results are exciting because they suggest that something as simple as eating more whole, unprocessed foods could help manage MS progression. While the Mediterranean diet is no miracle cure, it’s a safe and accessible way to potentially support your long-term health.
How Reliable Is This Study?
In terms of evidence quality, this was an observational study, which provides moderate-level evidence on the Cochrane scale. While it doesn’t prove that the Mediterranean diet directly prevents disability worsening, it highlights a strong association worth paying attention to. The study’s careful design and large sample size strengthen its findings, but more research is needed for definitive conclusions.
What You Can Do
Try the Mediterranean Diet: Focus on eating more vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and lean proteins like fish. Reduce processed foods, sugar, and red meat where possible.
Track Your Health: Work with your healthcare team to monitor changes in your symptoms and overall well-being as you make dietary changes.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on new research about diet and MS. The more we learn, the better you can tailor your lifestyle to support your health.
Takeaway
Eating well is a powerful way to take control of your MS journey, and the Mediterranean diet might be a step in the right direction. It’s about nourishing your body while supporting your overall quality of life. Why not give it a try and see how you feel? Small, consistent changes can make a big difference over time.
2. Mediterranean Diet is Associated with a Proxy for Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis
by Dr. Ilana Katz Sand
A recent study explores how following the Mediterranean diet could help protect brain health in people with MS. Let’s unpack what this research found and how it might apply to your journey.
What Did the Study Look At?
Researchers investigated the connection between the Mediterranean diet and brain health by studying atrophy, which is the loss of brain tissue. Using a metric called „third ventricle width“ (TVW) as a measure of brain atrophy, they explored whether people with MS who adhered to the Mediterranean diet showed better brain health.
The study included 849 adults with MS, who completed diet surveys and underwent brain imaging. Their adherence to the Mediterranean diet was scored and compared to brain measures across different types of MS (relapsing and progressive).
Key Findings
Better Diet, Better Brain Health: Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (scoring in the top quarter) was linked to smaller TVW measurements, indicating less brain atrophy.
Consistency Across MS Types: This protective effect of the Mediterranean diet was observed in both relapsing and progressive MS, reinforcing its relevance regardless of MS type.
Healthy Diet Components Mattered: Individual components of the diet, such as eating more vegetables and whole foods, were tied to better brain health.
Why Is This Important?
Brain health is crucial in MS, as atrophy is a marker of disease progression. While no diet can cure MS, this study provides hopeful evidence that following a Mediterranean diet may help slow some aspects of disease-related brain changes.
How Reliable Are These Results?
This was a retrospective observational study, meaning it analyzed data that had already been collected. On the Cochrane evidence scale, this type of research offers moderate-level evidence. While it doesn’t prove causation, the large sample size and strong statistical methods make the findings meaningful. However, more controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.
What Can You Do?
Start Small: Introduce Mediterranean diet staples like olive oil, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your meals.
Focus on Consistency: Making gradual changes to align with this diet can have long-term benefits for both overall health and MS management.
Discuss With Your Doctor: Let your healthcare provider know about your dietary plans to ensure they align with your unique health needs.
Takeaway
The Mediterranean diet is more than just a trend—it’s a practical way to support your health while managing MS. This research highlights its potential to protect your brain and slow disease-related changes, offering an empowering step you can take today. Remember, every positive choice adds up!
3. Mediterranean diet improves the quality of life in patients with Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: our experience
by Emilia Ovcharova
Recent research from Bulgaria explored whether the Mediterranean diet could enhance the quality of life for people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The findings offer an encouraging perspective—let’s dive in!
What Was the Study About?
This study focused on the Mediterranean diet, known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits, to see how it might improve physical and emotional well-being in people with MS. Specifically, it looked at:
- Body health: Through measures like body mass index (BMI) and blood lipid levels.
- Fatigue and mental sharpness: Using validated tools like the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC).
- Overall quality of life: Through MS-specific questionnaires.
Participants followed an adapted Mediterranean diet for three months, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients.
Key Findings
Improved Physical Health: Participants saw significant improvements in BMI and a reduction in triglyceride levels—both markers of better overall health.
Better Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Scores on the FSMC, which measures fatigue, and the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQOL-54) questionnaires improved significantly. This means participants felt less fatigued and more positive in their daily lives.
Positive Blood Changes: Levels of omega-3 fatty acids (like DHA and EPA) improved, which are known for their brain and nerve-protecting properties.
Why Is This Important?
This research highlights that small, manageable changes—like adopting the Mediterranean diet—could make a real difference in how you feel. By reducing fatigue and improving overall health markers, this diet may help you feel more in control of your MS journey.
How Reliable Is This Study?
While the study’s sample size was small (36 participants), the results are based on recognized health measures and provide moderate-level evidence on the Cochrane scale. The findings are promising, but larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits for the wider MS community.
What Can You Do?
- Start with Small Steps: Incorporate Mediterranean staples like olive oil, fatty fish, fresh vegetables, and whole grains into your meals.
- Track Your Progress: Notice how dietary changes affect your energy and mood—journaling could help!
- Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss how this diet fits with your treatment plan.
Takeaway
The Mediterranean diet isn’t just a trendy health tip—it’s a potential way to improve your quality of life with MS. With its focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods, this diet might help reduce fatigue, improve mental clarity, and even boost overall health markers. While more research is needed, the message is clear: what you eat can empower you on your MS journey. Why not give it a try?
4. Factors affecting psychological well-being index, adherence to medication, and Mediterranean diet in patients with multiple sclerosis
by Assoc. Professor Dr. Maryam Poursadeghfard et. al
A recent study from Iran explored how sticking to the Mediterranean diet and following your prescribed treatments might enhance your psychological well-being with MS. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Did the Study Look At?
This study included 199 people with MS who completed questionnaires about their adherence to the Mediterranean diet, their treatment routines, and their psychological well-being. The researchers also looked at factors like education, income, and family history of MS to see how these influenced the results.
Key Findings
Better Diet, Better Well-Being:
- Participants who followed the Mediterranean diet closely had higher PWB scores, meaning they felt better emotionally and mentally.
- This diet includes foods like fresh vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fatty fish—rich in nutrients that support brain and nerve health.
Treatment Adherence Helps:
- Sticking to prescribed MS treatments was also linked to better psychological well-being, showing the importance of following medical advice alongside lifestyle changes.
Other Positive Influences:
- Factors like higher education, income, and a family history of MS were also associated with improved well-being. These may point to better access to resources and support.
No Link to Disease Severity:
- Interestingly, well-being scores were not directly tied to how advanced or severe the MS was. This suggests that mental well-being can be supported regardless of your physical condition.
Why Is This Important?
This study emphasizes that lifestyle factors like diet and treatment adherence can have a significant impact on how you feel mentally and emotionally. While MS can be unpredictable, focusing on what you can control—like eating well and staying on track with treatments—can make a meaningful difference.
How Reliable Is This Study?
The study was observational, meaning it analyzed real-world data without testing cause and effect in a controlled setting. On the Cochrane scale, this provides moderate evidence, which is valuable but not definitive. However, the use of validated questionnaires and a relatively large sample size adds credibility to the findings.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re living with MS and looking for ways to feel better emotionally, consider exploring the Mediterranean diet. Combining it with your regular treatment plan might boost your overall well-being. Some steps to get started:
- Incorporate Mediterranean Staples: Add more fresh veggies, olive oil, and whole grains to your meals.
- Stick to Your Treatment Plan: Regularly take prescribed medications and follow up with your healthcare provider.
- Focus on Wellness: Small lifestyle changes can lead to big improvements in how you feel.
Takeaway
Your mental well-being matters, and simple changes—like adopting a Mediterranean diet—can support it. This research shows that taking care of yourself through diet and treatment adherence may help you feel more empowered and in control, even when living with MS. Why not try making these changes one meal at a time? Your well-being is worth it!
5. Differential DNA methylation significantly mediates the associations of Mediterranean diet with MS onset risk: results from the Ausimmune incident case-control study
by Steve Simpson-Yap et. al
If you’ve ever wondered how your diet impacted your risk of developing multiple sclerosis, there’s promising research that shows following a Mediterranean diet could play a role in reducing that risk. This study takes a deeper dive into how the diet works on a cellular level to protect against MS, and it’s all about the fascinating world of DNA and nutrition. Could be a good choice for your kids or grand children to reduce their risk.
What Did This Study Explore?
This research aimed to find out how two different versions of the Mediterranean diet (standard and a modified version focused on reducing red meat consumption) might influence the onset of MS. Researchers also looked at DNA methylation, a process that acts like a „dimmer switch“ for genes, to understand how diet could impact the body at a cellular level.
Key Findings
Mediterranean Diet Reduces Risk:
- People who followed the Mediterranean diet closely showed a lower risk of developing MS. This was especially true for a modified version of the diet that reduces red meat intake.
DNA Changes Play a Role:
- The diet influenced DNA methylation patterns, which are chemical changes that can regulate gene activity. One specific DNA pattern, called the „Yellow DNA module,“ was strongly linked to a reduced risk of MS. This pattern affects genes involved in immune system function and brain signaling.
Diet-Driven Benefits:
- About 30% of the protective effect of the Mediterranean diet was explained by these DNA changes. In simple terms, the diet seems to „talk“ to your DNA, turning on protective mechanisms that lower MS risk.
Why Is This Important?
This study shows that what you eat can influence your genetic activity and immune system in ways that may protect against MS. While MS has no single cause, combining a healthy diet with other lifestyle factors might reduce your risk or support better health outcomes if you’re living with MS.
How Reliable Is This Study?
This research is based on a case-control study, which compares people who develop MS to those who don’t. While it provides moderate-level evidence (a step below randomized controlled trials on the Cochrane scale), it’s supported by detailed genetic analysis and a large, well-characterized group of participants. This adds weight to the findings.
What Does This Mean for You?
Eat Mediterranean:
- Include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and lean protein like fish in your diet.
- Try reducing red meat and processed foods, which align with the „modified Mediterranean diet“ tested in this study.
Think Holistically:
- While diet matters, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management also support overall health.
Feel Empowered:
- This research underscores that small, consistent choices—like what you put on your plate—can have long-term benefits.
Takeaway
This study highlights how a Mediterranean-style diet may help protect against MS by influencing your body at a genetic level. While it’s not a guaranteed prevention tool, it’s an empowering reminder that your lifestyle choices can make a difference. So, why not start with your next meal? A plate of colorful veggies and a drizzle of olive oil might just be a step toward better health!
6. A Higher Mediterranean Diet Score is Prospectively Associated with Better Mental Health and Quality of Life in a National Multiple Sclerosis Cohort
by Maggie Yu et. al
If you’re living with multiple sclerosis, you know how much your daily choices can influence how you feel—physically, emotionally, and mentally. This recent study explored how the mediterrenean diet, rich in fresh, whole foods, might reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance your overall quality of life over time.
What Was the Study About?
This research tracked over 830 people with MS in the UK for six years, looking at how closely they followed the Mediterranean diet and how it affected their mental health and quality of life (QoL). The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:
- Vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.
- Healthy fats like olive oil.
- Limited amounts of red meat and alcohol.
Researchers measured participants’ adherence to the diet and evaluated their anxiety, depression, and QoL at the beginning (2016) and six years later (2022).
Key Findings
Reduced Anxiety and Depression:
- For every point higher on the Mediterranean diet adherence score, participants saw a 17% lower risk of anxiety and a 7% lower risk of moderate-to-severe depression after six years.
Better Psychological Well-being:
- Higher Mediterranean diet adherence scores were linked to a 25% reduced risk of experiencing high psychological distress (measured using MS-specific mental health scales).
Improved Quality of Life:
- Those with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet scored 3.9 points higher on QoL scales, which evaluate things like mobility, daily activities, and emotional well-being.
Why Is This Important for You?
This study shows that your food choices can do more than just fuel your body—they can support your mind too. By eating more nutrient-rich, Mediterranean-style foods, you could help reduce the psychological toll of MS, including anxiety and depression. Over time, this might also improve your overall quality of life.
How Reliable Is This Study?
The study provides moderate evidence based on a large cohort and long-term follow-up, which strengthens its findings. However, it’s observational, meaning it tracks patterns but doesn’t directly prove cause and effect. On the Cochrane scale, this makes it a strong foundation for further research, though more randomized controlled trials are needed.
What Does This Mean for Your Daily Life?
Start Small:
- Incorporate more Mediterranean-style meals, like a salad with olive oil or grilled fish with roasted vegetables.
- Reduce processed foods and aim for whole, fresh ingredients.
Focus on Mental Health:
- If you’re struggling with anxiety or mood changes, dietary improvements could complement other treatments like therapy or medication.
Make It Sustainable:
- The Mediterranean diet is not a strict regimen. It’s flexible and enjoyable, which makes it easier to stick with over time.
Takeaway
The Mediterranean diet offers more than just physical benefits—it could help support your mental health and overall well-being if you have MS. Adopting this diet is a simple, empowering way to take control of your health and give yourself the best chance at living well with MS. Remember, every small change can add up to big benefits over time. Why not give it a try? Your body—and mind—may thank you!
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
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