A recent study has shown that following the MIND diet—rich in leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts, berries, and lean meats—can enhance the body’s antioxidant defenses among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The MIND diet combines elements of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, with the DASH diet, aimed at reducing hypertension.
Researchers observed participants over an eight-week period in which men and women modified their diets. The men experienced an increase in protein and fiber intake, potentially supporting muscle and digestive health, while women recorded notable decreases in weight, waist circumference, and lean body mass. These divergent results suggest that the diet impacts nutrition habits and body composition differently by gender.
While dietary fat and saturated fat intake decreased for both men and women, all patients continued to consume fats beyond the recommended levels. The researchers emphasized that “ensuring the recommended level of intake is important.”
Titled “Effect of MIND diet on oxidative stress markers in multiple sclerosis,” the study was published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
Growing evidence suggests that a healthy diet can slow the progression of MS, with adherence to a Mediterranean diet associated with a reduced risk of disability. Researchers in Turkey specifically examined whether the MIND diet could bolster antioxidant defenses in MS patients.
Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress, which occurs when harmful free radicals outbalance the body’s capacity to neutralize them. By mitigating these molecules, antioxidants may alleviate inflammation and potentially slow the progression of MS symptoms.
The study involved 30 patients with relapsing-remitting MS, most of whom were non-smokers (60%) and did not consume alcohol (83.3%). A striking 93.3% of participants led a sedentary lifestyle. Throughout the study, they adhered to the MIND diet while being advised to limit red and processed meats, as well as sugary, fried, and high-fat foods.
By the end of the eight weeks, total antioxidant status—indicative of the body’s overall ability to counteract harmful free radicals—increased significantly. Although specific antioxidant enzymes did not show marked increases, there was a discernible upward trend.
Body measurements among men showed no significant changes, but women noted substantial reductions in body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference. A significant decrease in total body bone-free lean mass was also observed in women, which raises concerns regarding muscle health, particularly for individuals at risk of sarcopenia, or muscle loss.
Researchers underscored the necessity of adequate dietary protein, recommending at least one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight to help avert muscle loss. In men, daily protein intake rose from an average of 0.8 g/kg to 1 g/kg; however, no significant changes were observed in the protein consumption among women.
The total average intake of dietary fiber increased significantly, fostering improved intestinal microbial balance and diminished inflammation. However, total fat and saturated fat intake remained above recommended levels, which is critical for MS patients as saturated fats—often found in fried and processed foods—are known to exacerbate inflammation and oxidative stress.
The researchers concluded, “Findings of the study showed that the MIND diet may have positive effects on increasing the defense system against disease-related inflammation and oxidative stress.”
