Wine, fish and coffee seem to help people with one kind of multiple sclerosis, researchers reported last night.
People with this kind of diet seem to enjoy up to seven additional years without having to use walking aids, Belgian researchers say.
The findings apply to people with relapsing-remitting disease rather than progressive MS.
The study found that people who did not drink alcohol needed walking support seven years sooner than those who drank moderate amounts. Coffee made a five year difference while fish in the diet made a seven year difference.
The findings, reported in the European Journal of Neurology, come from a study of more than 1,300 patients.
They also show a negative link between eating fatty fish and progressive MS. People with this form of condition became disabled faster than others if they had a diet rich in fatty fish.
Researcher Dr Marie D’hooghe from the National MS Centre at Melsbroek, Belgium, said: “Although our findings show a number of associations between consumption and disease progression, it is important that patients recognise that this does not imply that certain food and drinks provide a protective effect as other factors may be involved.
“Our study does, however, provide valuable pointers for future research as it reinforces the theory that different mechanisms may be involved in the progression of disability in relapsing and progressive onset MS."
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