Q. A relative of mine read about the Kousmine diet for MS and suggested that I should try it, since it is supposed to cure MS. I don’t believe it’s a cure, otherwise we’d all be on it! But does it help MS symptoms?
Matt

A. This diet stems from a Swiss physician’s belief that MS is caused by an inappropriate diet, (although this has never been proven). It consists of an initial three-day period during which the person eats almost nothing. The regimen is no meat and low fat and sugar, supplemented with a number of vitamins. There is no evidence that the Kousmine diet has any affect on MS, although a low fat diet is healthy and recommended for everyone

Q. I was recently diagnosed with MS and have been an avid jogger for the past 10 years. My family has been encouraging me to consider finding a new form of exercise. I feel ok and really prefer not to give up jogging. Will it make the MS worse?
Giò

A. There is no evidence that any particular form of exercise worsens MS, although any type of exercise that causes you to exert yourself to the point of raising the body temperature could, for some people, cause a worsening of symptoms, which is usually temporary (see Exercise in this issue of MS in Focus). Some joggers with MS find it useful to wear a cooling vest while running, although there are a number of other strategies as well. It is important that you, as newly diagnosed, maintain activities you find enjoyable and satisfying. Do not make lifestyle changes that, perhaps, are not necessary. It is also important for all people with MS to listen to their bodies and regulate activities appropriately, especially for those who experience fatigue.
Q. I’ve had a long history of taking steroids for my MS. Recently I read that people with MS are at risk of osteoporosis because of taking steroids. Is this true and if so, how can I find out if I have a problem?
Jamey

A. There seems to be a slightly higher risk for people with MS than for other people for osteoporosis, which, defined simply, means low bone mass. Low bone mass is dangerous because it makes bones more fragile, resulting in a higher risk of fracture. Chronic steroid use is only one risk factor. The others include limited physical activity and low vitamin D intake due to poor diet and limited exposure to sunlight. There is also an important genetic role for developing osteoporosis. To measure bone density, as a preventive measure, people with MS should periodically undergo a test called dual photon x-ray absorptiometry, commonly known as a bone density scan.