You’ve probably heard of the ketogenic (keto) diet as a way to lose weight or boost energy. But what if it could also help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by reducing inflammation and changing how immune cells function?
A recent study presented at the ACTRIMS Forum 2025 suggests that a keto diet might do just that. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that people with MS who followed a keto diet for six months had changes in their immune system that could help fight inflammation.
How Does It Work?
MS is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks the body’s own nerves. The study found that a keto diet:
- Reduced pro-inflammatory markers, like interleukin-6 (IL-6)
- Increased anti-inflammatory markers, like IL-10
- Shifted immune cells to a less aggressive state
- Changed metabolism, reducing sugar-burning (glycolysis) and increasing fat-burning (fatty acid oxidation)
Basically, the diet seemed to “reprogram” immune cells in a way that could slow MS progression.
So, Is Keto a Cure for MS?
Not yet. The study had no control group, meaning it’s unclear whether the improvements were due to the diet alone. Plus, many participants lost weight, which could have played a role.
Experts also warn that sticking to a strict keto diet long-term is tough. Some believe larger, randomized trials are needed before we know for sure if keto can truly change MS outcomes.
What’s Next?
Researchers plan to study:
- How keto affects the gut microbiome
- Whether it changes MS brain lesions
- If it’s safe to follow long-term
For now, while the keto diet isn’t a guaranteed treatment, it might be a useful tool alongside traditional MS therapies. If you’re curious, talk to your doctor before making any big diet changes!
