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Solsona EM, Tektonidis T, Reece JC, Simpson-Yap S, Black LJ, Rad EY, Coe S. Associations between diet and disease progression and symptomatology in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of observational studies. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 87:105636. [PMID: 38678968 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many people with MS (pwMS) modify their diet after diagnosis, there is still no consensus on dietary recommendations for pwMS. A number of observational studies have explored associations of diet and MS progression, but no studies have systematically reviewed the evidence. This systematic review aimed to provide an objective synthesis of the evidence for associations between diet and MS progression, including symptoms and clinical outcomes from observational studies. METHODS We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic database searches were performed for studies completed up to 26 July 2023 using PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase (Ovid), and Scopus, followed by citation and reference list checking. We included studies using diet quality scores or dietary indices. Studies assessing individual foods, nutrients, or dietary supplements were excluded. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the risk of bias of included studies. RESULTS Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 20 were cross-sectional and 12 prospective. The most frequent outcomes assessed were disability (n = 19), quality of life (n = 12), fatigue (n = 12), depression (n = 9), relapse (n = 8), anxiety (n = 3), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes (n = 4). Based on prospective studies, this review suggests that diet might be associated with quality of life and disability. There were also potential effects of higher diet quality scores on improved fatigue, disability, depression, anxiety, and MRI outcomes but more evidence is needed from prospective studies. CONCLUSIONS Observational studies show some evidence for an association between diet and MS symptoms, particularly quality of life and disability. However, the impact of diet on other MS outcomes remains inconclusive. Ultimately, our findings suggest more evidence is needed from prospective studies and well-designed tailored intervention studies to confirm associations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeanette C Reece
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Steve Simpson-Yap
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lucinda J Black
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Shelly Coe
- Oxford Brookes Centre for Nutrition and Health, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Cerci D, Vitzthum K. [Smoke-free in Psychiatry - A Qualitative Analysis of Staff Perspectives]. PSYCHIATRISCHE PRAXIS 2024; 51:157-162. [PMID: 37989202 DOI: 10.1055/a-2184-3979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with mental illness are more likely to be nicotine-dependent and they have a shorter life expectancy as a result of smoking. Although guidelines recommend smoking cessation support, this is rarely provided by psychiatric staff who often view the implementation of smoke-free policies critically. METHOD We undertook inductive thematic analysis of the free-text fields of a staff survey on smoking. RESULTS Feedback on the topic was often emotional and related to the areas patient care, staff and the protection of non-smokers. Participants were often concerned that smoking cessation could worsen the patient's psychiatric condition or lead to aggressive behavior. CONCLUSIONS There is no scientific evidence for these concerns. It is important to counteract false assumptions by providing the appropriate training on smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Cerci
- Klinik für Forensische Psychiatrie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock
| | - Karin Vitzthum
- Institut für Tabakentwöhnung und Raucherprävention, Vivantes Klinikum Neukölln, Berlin
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Wills O, Probst Y, Haartsen J, McMahon A. The role of multidisciplinary MS care teams in supporting lifestyle behaviour changes to optimise brain health among people living with MS: A qualitative exploration of clinician perspectives. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14042. [PMID: 38576113 PMCID: PMC10995448 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare professionals have an important role in advocating for the adoption of a brain-healthy lifestyle for optimal multiple sclerosis (MS) care. Nonetheless, studies to date have mainly focussed on the consumer perspective. Herein, we aimed to explore the current practices of how healthcare professionals support protective, lifestyle-related behaviour changes to optimise brain health among people living with MS (plwMS), and their perspectives of professional roles. METHODS Australian healthcare professionals were recruited via study advertisements, purposive and snowball sampling, to participate in an online, semi-structured and audio-recorded interview. Clinicians were eligible if they had a minimum of a tertiary Bachelor's degree and 12-months experience working with plwMS, access to the Internet and sufficient time to participant. An inductive, data-driven form of reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken before thematic categorisation of the quotes from transcripts. Data analysis was guided by the methods of Braun and Clark and the study's underpinnings drew on the constructs of the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). RESULTS Six physicians, 10 MS nurses, 18 allied health professionals, one exercise therapist and one alternative therapist were interviewed. Three primary themes encompassing the perceived role of healthcare professionals in supporting a brain-healthy lifestyle were identified: (1) the empowering role, (2) collaborative role and (3) communicative role. External factors/forces including time constraints, professional expertise, training and skill set, power dynamics, consumer readiness, health literacy, self-efficacy and motivation are at play, and affect how/when healthcare professionals may support behaviour change to optimise lifelong brain health for plwMS. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals recognise their critical role in encouraging and supporting the adoption of a brain-healthy lifestyle to optimise lifelong brain health for plwMS. However, discord is evident when they underestimate the complexity of translating knowledge of lifestyle-related behaviour change(s) into action. Greater awareness must be made in recognising and addressing the bidirectionality of external factors such as those in the SCT, that may influence how behaviour change occurs. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Healthcare professionals volunteered to be interviewed as part of the data collection phase of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Wills
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yasmine Probst
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Anne‐Therese McMahon
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
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Manche S, Probst Y. Exploring the socio-ecological factors impacting lifestyle management of multiple sclerosis: A scoping review. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 79:104958. [PMID: 37708822 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, neurodegenerative disorder affecting over 2.9 million people worldwide. First line care revolves around disease modifying therapy and supporting people living with MS to manage their disease. Early management often sees lifestyle modification as people living with MS try to gain a sense of control. Lifestyle management is an evolving area of care with variable strength of evidence for different lifestyle factors. OBJECTIVE To explore factors that impact on the self-management of MS with a socio-ecological focus. METHODS A scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for a systematic search was conducted across six databases with 9241 articles identified and 51 included in the review. The results were analysed in conjunction with the socio-ecological model considering the categories: individual, interpersonal, organisational, community, and public policy. RESULTS A map of health behaviour (lifestyle) factors extending across all levels of the socio-ecological model revealed a complex web of pathways to behavioural patterns impacting MS self-management. Factors followed a cascading effect towards either of two key principles: (1) self-identity or (2) accessibility. These principles in-turn impact on an individual's self-efficacy, and hence, effectiveness of MS self-management strategies. CONCLUSIONS MS care is highly individualised to the personal context and circumstances of the individual, with consideration towards suitable management strategies required. Healthcare professionals must consider these lifestyle influences and coordinate an approach to assisting people living with MS to self-manage their disease in relation to their personal circumstances. Person-centred care addressing both barriers and motivators to health behaviour changes is key to effective MS self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Manche
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Yasmine Probst
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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Fidao A, Jelinek G, Simpson-Yap S, Neate S, Nag N. Engagement with three or more healthy lifestyle behaviours is associated with improved quality of life over 7.5 years in people with multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3190-3199. [PMID: 37338134 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) report reduced quality of life (QoL). Engagement with healthy lifestyle behaviours, including consuming a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and adequate vitamin D exposure, is associated with higher QoL. We aim to assess whether individual lifestyle behaviours are more beneficial to QoL than others, and whether there are additive benefits to QoL by engaging in multiple healthy behaviours concurrently. METHODS Data from pwMS who completed an online survey at baseline, and at 2.5-, 5- and 7.5-year follow-up, were analysed. Behaviours assessed were consumption of a no-meat/dairy-plus-omega-3 supplementation diet, meditation practice, physical activity, non-smoking, and vitamin D exposure. Mental QoL (mQoL) and physical QoL (pQoL) were assessed by the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQOL-54) questionaire. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess associations of individual behaviours at baseline and follow-up time points with QoL, as well as between number of behaviours and QoL. RESULTS At baseline, healthy diet and regular physical activity were associated with higher mQoL (5.3/100 and 4.0/100) and higher pQoL (7.8/100 and 6.7/100). Prospectively, diet was positively associated with mQoL, and physical activity with both mQoL and pQoL. At baseline, engagement with ≥3 behaviours was positively associated with mQoL and pQoL, with additive positive associations for each additional behaviour. Prospectively, engagement with ≥3 behaviours was positively associated with mQoL and pQoL, with strongest associations observed with engagement with five behaviours. CONCLUSION Consumption of a healthy diet, and regular physical activity, are both potential interventions to improve QoL. Engagement with multiple lifestyle behaviours may provide additional benefits and should be encouraged and supported for multiple sclerosis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fidao
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - George Jelinek
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Steve Simpson-Yap
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Clinical Outcomes Research Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandra Neate
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nupur Nag
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Guo Z, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Ding C, Li M, Xu L, Jin J. Associations among risk perception, health efficacy, and health behaviors for cardiovascular disease: an application of risk perception attitude framework. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1201789. [PMID: 37771673 PMCID: PMC10525708 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1201789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is currently a pervasive prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk worldwide and an inadequate amount of action is being taken to promote healthy lifestyle habits. The risk perception attitude (RPA) framework, which classifies individuals based on their risk perception and efficacy belief, enables us to predict their preventive behaviors. We applied the RPA framework to analyze CVD prevention behaviors among Chinese adults and extended its application to CVD objective risk. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed in two sites in Zhejiang Province, from March to August 2022, which contained self-reported CVD risk perception, objective CVD risk, efficacy belief, physical activity, healthy diet, and covariates. We used the RPA framework to categorize participants into four groups, then analysis was conducted to estimate inter-group differences in healthy behaviors. We further conducted a hierarchical logistic regression analysis with individuals' health behaviors as the dependent variable, using three blocks of independent variables. Results Among 739 participants, healthy physical activity and healthy diet had significant differences among four RPA groups, post hoc tests clarified that the proportion of respondents with healthy PA in the responsive group (61.6%) was significantly higher than that in the other three groups. Risk perception and efficacy belief significantly predicted health behavior against CVD; the relationship between absolute CVD risk and health behavior was moderated by efficacy belief. Conclusions Early CVD risk screening is crucial, but tailored support and a proper understanding of personal risk are essential to promote healthy behaviors. Developing communication and behavioral counseling intervention strategies on the basis of the RPA framework has the potential to promote healthy behaviors for CVD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiting Guo
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Public Health Department, Changxing County People’s Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuanqi Ding
- Emergency Department, Changxing County People’s Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Mei Li
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), Hangzhou, China
| | - Linyan Xu
- Nursing Department, Lishui University School of Medicine, Lishui, China
| | - Jingfen Jin
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), Hangzhou, China
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Vitzthum K, Cerci D. A Qualitative Investigation of Staff Feedback on an Online Learning Module on Smoking Cessation in a German Healthcare Company. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1774. [PMID: 37372892 PMCID: PMC10298186 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Quitting smoking is a powerful way for patients to improve their own wellbeing and to significantly reduce the risk of health problems. Evidence shows that health professionals can effectively intervene in order to prevent and stop tobacco smoking in their patients. Online learning modules have proved to be effective in terms of transferring knowledge and skills. In an urban community hospital setting in Germany, a novel e-learning course for staff on the treatment of tobacco dependence was implemented in 2021. In this study, we analyzed free-text feedback of participants completing this online module in order to examine the feasibility and acceptance of this new format. We were able to reach a reasonable proportion of staff. Our qualitative analysis showed that most feedback was positive and described the module as well-designed and helpful. Some staff, however, expressed extremely negative views and did not see smoking cessation support as essential to their role in healthcare. We argue that in order to achieve a shift in attitude in healthcare staff, a change in German policy is required which includes the creation of smoke-free environments and the adherence to smoke-free policies on hospital sites. Furthermore, the provision of smoking cessation support in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and a true understanding of the role of all healthcare professionals in promoting health of patients and staff will be essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Vitzthum
- Institut für Tabakentwöhnung und Raucherprävention, Vivantes Netzwerk für Gesundheit GmbH, 13407 Berlin, Germany
| | - Deniz Cerci
- Klinik für Forensische Psychiatrie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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Oyake K, Yamauchi K, Inoue S, Sue K, Ota H, Ikuta J, Ema T, Ochiai T, Hasui M, Hirata Y, Hida A, Yamamoto K, Kawai Y, Shiba K, Atsumi A, Nagafusa T, Tanaka S. A multicenter explanatory survey of patients' and clinicians' perceptions of motivational factors in rehabilitation. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2023; 3:78. [PMID: 37280319 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00308-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient motivation is an important determinant of rehabilitation outcomes. Differences in patients' and clinicians' perceptions of motivational factors can potentially hinder patient-centered care. Therefore, we aimed to compare patients' and clinicians' perceptions of the most important factors in motivating patients for rehabilitation. METHODS This multicenter explanatory survey research was conducted from January to March 2022. In 13 hospitals with an intensive inpatient rehabilitation ward, 479 patients with neurological or orthopedic disorders undergoing inpatient rehabilitation and 401 clinicians, including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language-hearing therapists, were purposively selected using inclusion criteria. The participants were asked to choose the most important factor motivating patients for rehabilitation from a list of potential motivational factors. RESULTS Here we show that realization of recovery, goal setting, and practice related to the patient's experience and lifestyle are the three factors most frequently selected as most important by patients and clinicians. Only five factors are rated as most important by 5% of clinicians, whereas nine factors are selected by 5% of patients. Of these nine motivational factors, medical information (p < 0.001; phi = -0.14; 95% confidence interval = -0.20 to -0.07) and control of task difficulty (p = 0.011; phi = -0.09; 95% confidence interval = -0.16 to -0.02) are selected by a significantly higher proportion of patients than clinicians. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that when determining motivational strategies, rehabilitation clinicians should consider individual patient preferences in addition to using the core motivational factors supported by both parties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Oyake
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tokyo Bay Rehabilitation Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Katsuya Yamauchi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Seigo Inoue
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tokyo Bay Rehabilitation Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keita Sue
- Department of Rehabilitation, JA Nagano Kouseiren Kakeyu-Misayama Rehabilitation Center Kakeyu Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hironobu Ota
- Rehabilitation Center, Aichi Medical University Medical Center, Aichi, Japan
| | - Junichi Ikuta
- Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation, Nakaizu Rehabilitation Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiki Ema
- Department of Rehabilitation, Suzukake Central Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Ochiai
- Rehabilitation Center, Juzen Memorial Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Makoto Hasui
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, JA Shizuoka Kohseiren Enshu Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuya Hirata
- Department of Rehabilitation, Suzukake Healthcare Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Ayaka Hida
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kakegawa Higashi Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kenta Yamamoto
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toyoda Eisei Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kawai
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tenryu Suzukake Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Shiba
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hamakita Sakuradai Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Akihito Atsumi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hamamatsu-Kita Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuyuki Nagafusa
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Psychology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan.
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Involvement of the Intestinal Microbiota in the Appearance of Multiple Sclerosis: Aloe vera and Citrus bergamia as Potential Candidates for Intestinal Health. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132711. [PMID: 35807891 PMCID: PMC9269320 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological and inflammatory autoimmune disease of the Central Nervous System in which selective activation of T and B lymphocytes prompts a reaction against myelin, inducing demyelination and axonal loss. Although MS is recognized to be an autoimmune pathology, the specific causes are many; thus, to date, it has been considered a disorder resulting from environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Among the environmental factors hypothetically involved in MS, nutrition seems to be well related, although the role of nutritional factors is still unclear. The gut of mammals is home to a bacterial community of about 2000 species known as the “microbiota”, whose composition changes throughout the life of each individual. There are five bacterial phylas that make up the microbiota in healthy adults: Firmicutes (79.4%), Bacteroidetes (16.9%), Actinobacteria (2.5%), Proteobacteria (1%) and Verrucomicrobia (0.1%). The diversity and abundance of microbial populations justifies a condition known as eubiosis. On the contrary, the state of dysbiosis refers to altered diversity and abundance of the microbiota. Many studies carried out in the last few years have demonstrated that there is a relationship between the intestinal microflora and the progression of multiple sclerosis. This correlation was also demonstrated by the discovery that patients with MS, treated with specific prebiotics and probiotics, have greatly increased bacterial diversity in the intestinal microbiota, which might be otherwise reduced or absent. In particular, natural extracts of Aloe vera and bergamot fruits, rich in polyphenols and with a high percentage of polysaccharides (mostly found in indigestible and fermentable fibers), appear to be potential candidates to re-equilibrate the gut microbiota in MS patients. The present review article aims to assess the pathophysiological mechanisms that reveal the role of the microbiota in the development of MS. In addition, the potential for supplementing patients undergoing early stages of MS with Aloe vera as well as bergamot fibers, on top of conventional drug treatments, is discussed.
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