Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an interesting disease in that it affects less than 3 million people worldwide, but costs nearly $30 billion to treat here in the US alone.
It’s characterized by the body attacking its own nervous system, for reasons unknown, which leads to symptoms such as vision problems, pain, fatigue, and most notably, coordination problems. It effectively gets in the way of you living your life to the fullest.
While physical therapy and medication each play a role in managing the condition, we’re starting to realize that diet may play a bigger role than previously suspected. Specifically, an all-meat diet might help.
So, does carnivore diet help MS? After all, it has been found to alleviate other neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases. We’re going to help you weigh the pros and cons of carnivore diet for MS here in this guide.
The belief is that a multiple sclerosis carnivore diet may help through its ability to ease inflammation in the gut. However, some research finds that carnivore diet can actually worsen MS symptoms.
Conflicting research might leave you feeling stuck and unsure of how to proceed, so we’ll dig deeper into the link between carnivore diet and MS below to leave you with a clear understanding of whether or not it’s worth trying. Let’s start with some background information.
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.
What happens is the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering of nerve fibers. This damage disrupts the transmission of electrical signals between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms.
These symptoms can range from fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with coordination to cognitive impairments and vision problems. It makes it hard to live a normal life as MS progresses.
MS can vary in severity, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms while others may face significant disability. The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
Now, what is carnivore diet? This all-meat dietary regimen is a profound shift from the modern American diet. As the name suggests it entails eating solely animal-based foods, completely excluding all plant-based foods.
So, what can you eat on the carnivore diet? The staples of the diet consist of meat, fish, eggs, and certain dairy products like cheese on carnivore diet. That means no more fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and other plant-derived foods.
It sounds crazy, but hear us out. Is the carnivore diet healthy? Proponents believe this way of eating can lead to a range of carnivore diet benefits, including weight loss, improved mental clarity, and a reduction in inflammation.
Many people suffering from specific diseases and ailments have used the diet as a means of treatment, too - including:
- Carnivore diet for diabetes
- Carnivore diet for SIBO
- Carnivore diet for gout
- Carnivore diet for IBS
- Carnivore diet for rheumatoid arthritis
- And many more!
The focus on nutrient-dense, animal-based foods is thought to provide all the essential vitamins and minerals the body needs, without the potential inflammatory effects of plant-based foods.
This makes the carnivore diet an interesting option for managing autoimmune conditions like MS, where reducing inflammation is so important. So, does carnivore diet help MS?
Does Carnivore Diet Help MS? Examining the Link Between Carnivore Diet and MS
While we don’t know what causes MS, we do know that the gut probably plays a role. This is where following a multiple sclerosis carnivore diet becomes a compelling consideration.
So, how does carnivore diet help MS? Are there any carnivore diet side effects you need to be concerned about? Let’s get into the link between carnivore diet and MS below.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation can progress MS, accelerating the body’s attack on its own immune system and destroying the myelin sheath. As we just touched on above, though, there’s a correlation between carnivore diet and inflammation.
It’s inherently low in carbohydrates and completely eliminates plant-based foods, including those that may trigger inflammation, such as grains, legumes, and processed sugars. This alone can help support a healthier inflammatory response, but there’s more.
The diet is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly when it includes fatty fish and grass-fed meats. These nutrients are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can be particularly beneficial in managing autoimmune conditions like MS.
Neuroprotective Benefits
You might know already that adherents report better cognitive function from the carnivore diet before and after starting - but these benefits go even further. Healthy fats from animal-based foods help maintain the integrity of myelin and promote the repair of damaged nerve fibers.
Other nutrients from the carnivore diet can help with neuroprotection as well, such as vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. These support cognitive function and may help protect against the cognitive decline that can accompany MS.
Immune System Modulation
It’s believed that part of what makes managing MS so difficult is that the immune system becomes hyperactive, in turn attacking the myelin sheath.
Many plant-based foods can exacerbate this issue. For example, gluten and lectins have both been implicated in autoimmune diseases. Eliminating these problematic nutrients may reduce the immune system’s exposure to potential antigens that could exacerbate MS.
The diet helps you get ample vitamin D through fatty fish and eggs as well, which has been found to play a role in regulating immune function.
Simply put, the carnivore diet might help modulate your immune system and in turn reduce symptoms and flare-ups. But, you should understand why carnivore diet is bad in some cases as well before starting carnivore diet.
Considerations and Risks
It’s clear that there’s a link between carnivore diet and autoimmune diseases like MS, but the diet is not without its problems. Many find it difficult to adapt to its exclusionary nature, and this level of restriction may create nutrient deficiencies as well.
For example, while the diet is rich in certain vitamins and minerals, it lacks others typically found in plant-based foods, such as vitamin C and fiber. This is a valid concern, but both of these issues can be addressed through carnivore diet supplements and a smart carnivore diet plan.
There are also claims that the link between carnivore diet and cholesterol is concerning - but these have been debunked. In fact, some have reported lower levels of bad cholesterol and higher levels of good cholesterol from the diet.
You might experience some digestive discomfort and fatigue when first making the transition over to the diet. This is known as the “carnivore flu.” It’s a temporary side effect that will pass as your body adjusts, and can be alleviated with a few of our carnivore diet tips.
That being said, let’s offer some guidance on starting the multiple sclerosis carnivore diet.
Getting Started on the Multiple Sclerosis Carnivore Diet
Part of what draws people towards the carnivore diet for MS is how simple and straightforward it is. The only carnivore diet rules are to avoid plant based foods - that’s it!
But to help you make the most of the carnivore diet for multiple sclerosis, we want to cover a few essential tips below.
Begin With a Baseline Health Assessment
Being able to associate improvements in your MS symptoms from the carnivore diet requires a baseline understanding of your current health status.
Work with your healthcare provider to assess key markers such as inflammation levels (e.g., C-reactive protein), vitamin and mineral levels (especially B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, and iron), and neurological function.
Start Slow to Mitigate the Carnivore Flu
Take your time removing plant-based foods from your diet in a methodical manner to avoid unpleasant side effects. Giving your body time to adjust will mitigate digestive discomfort, fatigue, and headaches.
Make Hydration a Priority
Since you’re no longer eating plant based foods like fruits and vegetables you won’t be getting as much hydration. Plus, the high protein and fat intake can increase water loss, leading to dehydration if not managed properly.
So, make sure you’re getting enough water on a daily basis - at least 8 glasses. Boost your water’s efficiency through electrolyte supplements if possible.
Focus on High-Quality, Fat-Rich Animal Products
When following the carnivore diet for MS, it’s crucial to prioritize animal products that are not only nutrient-dense but also rich in healthy fats.
The myelin sheath, which is damaged in MS, is composed largely of fat, and supporting its repair and maintenance requires a diet high in quality fats. Here are some of the best cuts of meat for carnivore diet:
- Organ Meats: Liver, heart, and kidney are nutrient-dense and provide essential vitamins like B12 and folate, which support neurological health. Eat these at least a few times a week.
- Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised Sources: These are higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which may help modulate immune responses.
- Fatty Cuts: Ribeye, pork belly, and lamb shoulder are rich in the fats necessary for brain health.
- Bone marrow: A powerful source of fats and stem cells that can support overall health and healing
Strategic Meal Timing and Fasting
For those with MS, the timing of meals can be just as important as the food itself. Intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating can enhance the benefits of the carnivore diet by promoting autophagy - a process where the body cleans out damaged cells, which supports neurological health.
We have a more detailed guide on the carnivore diet and intermittent fasting, but play around with different eating windows. Start with a 16:8 fasting window (16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of eating) and adjust based on how your body responds.
When you do physical therapy (if you’re able to), make sure to follow up with protein and fat afterward to support rapid recovery.
Implement a Structured Supplementation Plan
We mentioned early that nutrient deficiency can be a challenge on the carnivore diet - which is why you’ll want to stock up on a few essential supplements:
- Vitamin D: Given its role in immune function and inflammation and its frequent deficiency in people with MS, this nutrient cannot be overlooked. Monitor vitamin D levels regularly and consider a supplement if you’re not getting adequate sun exposure.
- Magnesium and Electrolytes: These support nerve function and prevent cramps while helping to maintain hydration and support neurological function.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: While you can get these from fatty fish like salmon, a high-quality fish oil supplement ensures you’re actually getting enough to manage inflammation effectively.
Managing Cravings
It’s very common to start missing your old favorite foods and snacks within a few weeks of starting carnivore. That’s why you need the right carnivore diet snacks on hand.
Boiled eggs and jerky have their place, but these can get really boring. The meat chips we’ve created for you here at Carnivore Snax as the #1 choice!
They’ve been called meat pastries because of how they melt in your mouth after the initial air crunch, giving way to tantalizing flavors you’ll love. They only feature two ingredients, too - meat and salt. They’re sourced from the most elite, ethical farms so you can feel good about indulging.
We have so many different carnivore chips varieties to keep things fresh and fun in your snack arsenal, too. Here are our most popular:
Stock up on the best low carb snacks and see for yourself what keeps our customers coming back for more. Speaking of variety, though, let’s talk about the need for a diverse selection of recipes.
Keeping Meals Fresh and Fun
Perhaps the most common complaint about the multiple sclerosis carnivore diet is it gets bland and boring fast. A fair critique - but not one you can’t avoid with a well-rounded meal plan!
We have a great 30-day carnivore diet meal plan you can follow to avoid monotony. It features different types of meat, unique carnivore diet side dishes, and even carnivore desserts.
Try preparing your carnivore diet foods in different ways, too. You could use the air fryer one day and the grill the next day, then try baking your food the next day. Keep a variety of carnivore-friendly seasonings on hand.
Personalized Tracking and Adjustment
Hopefully, you find that following the carnivore diet for MS is highly effective - but you need to make sure you’re keeping track of how you feel on a daily basis to know for sure if improvements are happening.
Take note of symptoms, energy levels, cognitive function, and any flare-ups. Pay attention to how these correlate with your dietary intake, meal timing, and any supplements you’re taking.
Follow up with routine blood tests to monitor key health markers, including inflammation levels, lipid profiles, and vitamin and mineral levels. From there, you can make adjustments as needed, potentially following a more modified carnivore diet.
Additional Advice on Managing Multiple Sclerosis
There’s no denying the link between carnivore diet and MS, with so many success stories readily available online. While you should be wary about the possibility of having your MS cured by carnivore diet, it can certainly help manage the symptoms of this condition.
That being said, following the carnivore diet for MS is just one of the many treatment methods at your disposal. Here are some more:
- Prioritize Mental Health: Engage in therapy or counseling to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and joining support groups can provide emotional resilience and a sense of community.
- Focus on Cognitive Health: Keep your mind sharp with cognitive rehabilitation and mental stimulation activities like puzzles and reading. Use organizational tools to manage daily tasks and reduce cognitive load.
- Tailor Physical Activity: Work with a physical therapist to create an adaptive exercise routine. Practice energy management by pacing activities and consider using assistive devices to maintain independence.
- Improve Sleep Quality: Establish a consistent sleep routine, create a sleep-friendly environment, and address any sleep disorders to make sure you’re helping your body recover effectively.
- Plan for the Long Term: Hopefully you can become MS-free by following the carnivore diet - but this isn’t always the case. So, plan for the future and modify your home as needed to maintain independence.
These strategies, alongside your medical care, can help you effectively manage MS and improve your quality of life. Many of these can be implemented today, so take the first step by beginning the multiple sclerosis carnivore diet!
Final Thoughts on the Carnivore Diet for MS
As we wrap up our guide to carnivore diet and MS, it’s clear that this unique nutritional regimen has the potential to help by reducing inflammation, supporting neurological health, and potentially modulating immune responses.
Just remember to set your expectations - there is no cure for MS, and the carnivore diet is just one of the ways you can alleviate symptoms and start to regain control of your life.
Want to learn more about the carnivore diet and MS? Explore our blog for resources on carnivore diet on a budget, keto vs carnivore, carnivore diet testosterone, carnivore diet for women, paleo vs carnivore, carnivore diet constipation, carnivore diet breakfast, and more.
Don’t wait any longer to find out how the carnivore diet for MS can help. Set yourself up for success with our selection of snacks and get back to living your life without limits today!
