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The theory that diet may play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) was further confirmed by a study indicating that starvation may impact the progression of the disease.
In the study, starving mice with a similar condition for 48 hours resulted in fewer symptoms and fewer signs of advancement of the illness in the brain. Although they still developed the disease, their physical symptoms were less severe.
Typically, a healthy, balanced diet is recommended for those suffering from MS, a neurological condition in which the immune system attacks the coating of nerve fibers in the brain. Researchers say that a nutritional approach combined with drugs may offset the progression of the disease.
And the researchers concede that the effect they have noticed may be due to the removal of just one ingredient from the diet - but they do not yet know which one.
Although it is uncertain why starvation may be beneficial to MS, researchers mention that the effect could be due to the removal of any one ingredient from the diet--though they are not sure which one. Leptin, a chemical released by the body that reduces appetite after eating, may also be involved.
Researchers also mentioned that the positive effects seen on the animal model of MS used in the study might not necessarily extend to humans.
Journal of Clinical Investigation January 2003;111(2):241-50
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