Nutrition with MS

Presenter: Lilia Chavez, MHA, RDN, CLC
Date: April 11, 2026
Focus: How balanced eating supports long-term health, brain health, and multiple sclerosis (MS) outcomes.

Background
Importance of Nutrition
Balanced Diet
  - Mediterranean Diet
  - MIND Diet
  - Adaptations to various cuisines
Resources
References

Professional Qualifications:
  - Bilingual Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
  - Over 10 years of experience working with patients with chronic conditions
  - Director of Client Care at Project Angel Heart

Concept of Food: More than just fuel; it impacts various aspects of health.
Impacts of Nutrition:
  - Inflammation
  - Immune Function
  - Brain Health
  - Energy Levels

Association with Poor Diet: Linked to several chronic conditions:
  - Cardiovascular disease
  - Type 2 diabetes
  - Obesity
  - Neurodegenerative conditions
  - Increased severity of chronic illnesses such as MS

Diet Effects on Inflammation:
  - Increase Inflammation:
    - Ultra-processed foods
    - High sugar intake
  - Reduce Inflammation:
    - Fruits & vegetables
    - Healthy fats
    - Whole foods

Key Findings:
  - Higher intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to:
    - Increased disease activity in MS
    - Worse overall health outcomes
  - Characteristics:
    - Typically high in additives, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats
  - Takeaway: Quality of food is more important than calories alone.

Components of a Balanced Diet:
  - Vegetables & Fruits
  - Grains: Whole or paired
  - Healthy Fats
  - Lean Proteins
  - Adequate Hydration
Emphasis: Focus on proportions rather than perfection.

Health Benefits:
  - Reduced risk of chronic diseases
  - Better energy and mood
  - Improved cognitive function
  - Lower inflammation
  - Support for immune health

Concept: Not solely about specific foods but a dietary pattern.
Emphasis on:
  - Whole foods
  - Plant-based eating
  - Healthy fats (e.g., olive oil)
Limitations:
- Processed foods
- Excess sugar

Findings:
  - Mediterranean-style diet is associated with:
    - Younger biological age
    - Decreased risk of disability worsening over time
  - Implication: Suggests dietary factors may influence the risk of disability progression in MS.

Definition: A hybrid of Mediterranean and DASH diets.
Focus:
- Brain health
- Neuroprotection
Key Foods Include:
  - Leafy greens
  - Berries
  - Whole grains
  - Healthy fats

2025 Study Findings:
  - MIND diet is associated with:
    - Reduced fatigue
    - Lower disability in MS patients
  - Conclusion: Reinforces the connection between diet and brain health.

Shared Characteristics:
  - High in whole foods
  - Low in ultra-processed foods
  - Rich in:
    - Fiber
    - Antioxidants
    - Healthy fats
Notable Point: Different diets share the same core principles despite their different names.

Key Takeaway:
  - No single “perfect” diet exists.
  - Consistent Finding:
    - Healthier diets correlate with better outcomes, while poor diets correlate with worse disease progression.
  - Recommendation: Focus on overall dietary patterns instead of strict dietary rules.

Balanced Meal Composition:
  - ½ plate vegetables
  - ¼ protein
  - ¼ whole grains
  - Add a healthy fat

Dietary Importance:
- Diet plays a crucial role in long-term health.
- It impacts chronic disease and the progression of MS.
Dietary Patterns Discussed:
- Mediterranean and MIND diets exemplify balanced eating.
Advice: Specific foods are not as necessary as adopting diverse healthy eating habits.

Vision: Ensure that all Coloradans living with severe illness have access to nutritious food that supports health and well-being.
Mission: Provide compassionate delivery of comfort and support through high-quality nutrition services, including medically tailored meals, while advocating for the principle of “Food is Medicine.”

Vegetables:
- Good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support cellular and organ functions.
Protein:
- Prevents muscle loss, provides energy, and supports bone and tissue health.
Fat:
- Provides energy, aids in vitamin absorption, and supports hormone function.
Carbohydrates:
- Main source of energy for the brain and muscles, with a moderate amount to ensure diabetes-friendly meals.

Step 1: For New Clients
- Complete and submit a New Client Application form either online or download it.
Step 2: For Existing Clients
- Complete and submit a Health Status Update form securely online or download it.
Step 3: To check application status, contact the Client Services Team.

Overview:
- Members located across the country provide a variety of services including medically tailored meals to enhance health outcomes and promote equity.
- Commitment focus: Provide nourishment, support, and care to communities nationwide.

Key References:
  - Brice, G. et al. (2026). A scoping review of diet-focused resources to improve depression and anxiety among MS patients. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
  - Levinson, L. & Shapiro, L. (2026). Mediterranean diet may help slow MS disability. Multiple Sclerosis News Today.
  - Rao, M. (2025). Ultraprocessed Food Intake Linked to MS Disease Activity. Neurology Advisor.
  - Sand, I. K. et al. (2022). Mediterranean diet is linked to less objective disability in MS. Multiple Sclerosis Journal.
  - Wexler, M. S. (2025). MIND diet may help reduce MS fatigue. Multiple Sclerosis News Today.