Guest Blog; A Key Connection in Managing Inflammation and MS

We’re excited to introduce guest blogs here on the MSRRF website!

Every so often we’ll be sharing stories and experiences from the incredible people in our MS community — from service users and fundraisers to health professionals and partners.

Interested in submitting something? Email info@msrrf.org.uk

A Key Connection in Managing Inflammation and MS

Following my MS diagnosis and years of trying many different things, I decided to train in nutrition. I have always loved food and had a particularly sweet tooth. However, as I exercised a lot, I was able to pretty much eat what I liked. My Mum was a cookery teacher, so we always had lovely meals, and I enjoyed extra desserts and chocolate treats. My Dad was a PE teacher, so I thought being fit was healthy!

Now, as a nutritional therapist I am always fascinated in the power of food and nutrition. There are many common themes that can help all of us, but our gut microbiome, is as unique as our fingerprints. So, the foods we feed our gut bacteria can have a huge impact on our overall wellness and through gut tests we can now see if we have enough of the good bacteria…or if we have too much of the ‘bad’ bacteria.

Recent research has shown that many of us diagnosed with MS, have a damaged gut lining due to the presence of certain bacteria that eat the mucous protective layer. This damaged gut wall then allows food or bacteria to escape into the blood stream – causing an immune response and potential food allergies. Although they have yet to work out how to solve this, we can help support the gut wall with herbs like slippery elm and amino acids like L-glutamine which seal the gut lining.

https://www.scientificarchives.com/article/mucus-as-part-of-the-intestinal-barrier-in-neurological-diseases

The gut and brain are also linked and in constant communication through what’s known as the gut-brain axis. This is a powerful two-way network that connects our digestive system, immune system, and nervous system. This connection means our gut health directly influences how our brain function - affecting mood, energy, and inflammation levels. For people living with MS, supporting this gut-brain relationship can play a vital role in managing inflammation and promoting long-term wellbeing. More on this another time…

So how do we support our gut?

A balanced gut microbiome depends on fibre and probiotics working together. Fibre from BGBG’s – beans, greens, berries, grains, nuts & seeds are essential along with colourful vegetables. These are the fuel our beneficial gut bacteria need to thrive. The bacteria then produce short-chain fatty acids that calm inflammation and strengthen the gut lining.

Probiotic foods - such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and live yogurt, add friendly bacteria that enhance microbial diversity and support immune balance, both of which are crucial in reducing MS-related inflammation. Some of us however do better on a dairy free regime so sauerkraut is a favourite of mine.

While fibre and probiotics often take centre stage, polyphenols are another essential piece of the puzzle. Found in colourful plant foods such as berries, olive oil, green tea, and my favourite - dark chocolate, polyphenols act as antioxidants and feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. They help reduce oxidative stress, support microbial diversity, and promote a calmer immune response - all contributing to better brain and nervous system health.

Nourish not deprivation!

A truly balanced diet - rich in fibre, diverse plant foods, healthy fats, quality proteins, and polyphenol-rich ingredients - helps nurture our gut-brain axis, lower inflammation, and support neurological health. When our gut is well-nourished, your whole-body benefits — from clearer thinking and steadier energy to improved symptom management.

If you’d like to understand how to apply these principles into your eating regime, I offer a free zoom call.