December 19, 2017
A healthy diet and a composite healthy lifestyle are associated with lesser disability and symptom burden in multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a recent study. In 2015, participants in the North American Research Committee on MS (NARCOMS) Registry completed a dietary screener questionnaire that estimates intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes, whole grains, added sugars, and red/processed meats. Researchers constructed an overall diet quality score for each individual based on these food groups; higher scores denoted a healthier diet. They assessed whether a composite healthy lifestyle measure, a healthier diet, healthy weight (body mass index <25), routine physical activity, and abstinence from smoking was associated with symptom severity. They found:
- Of the 7,639 (68%) responders, 6,989 reported physician-diagnosed MS and provided dietary information.
- Participants with diet quality scores in the highest quintile had lower levels of disability and lower depression scores.
- Individuals reporting a composite healthy lifestyle had lower odds of reporting severe fatigue, depression, pain, or cognitive impairment.
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