Eating a diet containing plenty of fruits and vegetables can lower fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients by raising good cholesterol levels, reports a new study.
Higher levels of blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL) -- or good cholesterol -- may improve fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients, according to a new University at Buffalo-led study.
Cocoa May Help Reduce Chronic Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Drinking a cup of cocoa every day can fight fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), a crippling neurological condition, according to a recent exploratory study.
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‘More fruits and veggies may ease fatigue and increase good cholesterol levels for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).’
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The pilot study, which investigated the effects of fat levels in blood on fatigue caused by multiple sclerosis, found that lowering total cholesterol also reduced exhaustion.
The results, published in PLOS ONE and led by Murali Ramanathan, PhD, professor in the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, highlight the impact that changes in diet could have on severe fatigue, which impacts the majority of those with multiple sclerosis.
![Sugary Drinks can Increase Severity of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms]( "Sugary Drinks can Increase Severity of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms")
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who consumed high amounts of soda and sugar-sweetened beverages are more likely to experience a severe disability, finds a new study.
Fatigue is a frequent and debilitating symptom for people with multiple sclerosis that affects the quality of life and ability to work full time. Despite its prevalence and the severity of its impact, treatment options for fatigue are limited. The medications used to treat severe fatigue often come with unwanted side effects.
"Fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis has been viewed as a complex and difficult clinical problem with contributions from disability, depression, and inflammation. Our study implicates lipids and fat metabolism in fatigue," said Ramanathan. "This is a novel finding that may open doors to new approaches for treating fatigue."
In previous studies, Terry Wahls, MD, clinical professor of internal medicine and neurology and creator of the Wahls Protocol diet, and her team of researchers at the University of Iowa, showed that a diet-based intervention accompanied by exercise, stress reduction and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is effective at lowering fatigue. However, the physiological changes underlying the improvements were unknown.
The research team examined changes in body mass index (BMI), calories, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) -- commonly known as bad cholesterol. Fatigue was measured on the Fatigue Severity Scale.
The study followed 18 progressive multiple sclerosis patients over the course of a year who were placed on the Wahls diet, which is high in fruits and vegetables. The diet encourages the consumption of meat, plant protein, fish oil, and B vitamins. Gluten, dairy and eggs are excluded.
Participants also engaged in a home-based exercise program that included stretches and strength training, NMES to stimulate muscle contraction and movement, and meditation and self-massages for stress reduction. However, adherence to the diet was the main factor associated with reductions in fatigue.
"Higher levels of HDL had the greatest impact on fatigue," said Ramanathan, "possibly because good cholesterol plays a critical role in muscle, stimulating glucose uptake and increasing respiration in cells to improve physical performance and muscle strength."
Patients consumed fewer calories and experienced decreases in BMI and triglyceride and LDL levels as well. However, these factors were found unrelated to changes in fatigue.
The results provide the basis for a larger study that could examine the effects of metabolic changes on fatigue.
Source: Eurekalert
Sugary Drinks can Increase Severity of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who consumed high amounts of soda and sugar-sweetened beverages are more likely to experience a severe disability, finds a new study.
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Fatigue is a frequent and debilitating symptom for people with multiple sclerosis that affects the quality of life and ability to work full time. Despite its prevalence and the severity of its impact, treatment options for fatigue are limited. The medications used to treat severe fatigue often come with unwanted side effects.
"Fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis has been viewed as a complex and difficult clinical problem with contributions from disability, depression, and inflammation. Our study implicates lipids and fat metabolism in fatigue," said Ramanathan. "This is a novel finding that may open doors to new approaches for treating fatigue."
In previous studies, Terry Wahls, MD, clinical professor of internal medicine and neurology and creator of the Wahls Protocol diet, and her team of researchers at the University of Iowa, showed that a diet-based intervention accompanied by exercise, stress reduction and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is effective at lowering fatigue. However, the physiological changes underlying the improvements were unknown.
The research team examined changes in body mass index (BMI), calories, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) -- commonly known as bad cholesterol. Fatigue was measured on the Fatigue Severity Scale.
The study followed 18 progressive multiple sclerosis patients over the course of a year who were placed on the Wahls diet, which is high in fruits and vegetables. The diet encourages the consumption of meat, plant protein, fish oil, and B vitamins. Gluten, dairy and eggs are excluded.
Participants also engaged in a home-based exercise program that included stretches and strength training, NMES to stimulate muscle contraction and movement, and meditation and self-massages for stress reduction. However, adherence to the diet was the main factor associated with reductions in fatigue.
"Higher levels of HDL had the greatest impact on fatigue," said Ramanathan, "possibly because good cholesterol plays a critical role in muscle, stimulating glucose uptake and increasing respiration in cells to improve physical performance and muscle strength."
Patients consumed fewer calories and experienced decreases in BMI and triglyceride and LDL levels as well. However, these factors were found unrelated to changes in fatigue.
The results provide the basis for a larger study that could examine the effects of metabolic changes on fatigue.
Source: Eurekalert
Eat Fish to reduce Risk of Multiple Sclerosis
High fish intake at least once a week or 1 to 3 times per month and daily intake of fish oil supplements can reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Salmon, sardines, albacore, tuna and lake trout are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
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 Quiz on Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects nerves and can leave the affected patient completely disabled. Test your knowledge on this condition by taking this quiz. | Advertisement
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