Nutrition for ALS: What to Eat and Avoid to Support Daily Living

When someone is living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, it gradually weakens the muscles used for chewing, swallowing, and breathing—making nutrition a daily challenge, not just a health goal. There’s no cure for ALS, but what you eat can make a real difference in how long you stay strong, how often you get sick, and how much energy you have each day.

As ALS progresses, swallowing becomes harder. This isn’t just about discomfort—it’s a safety issue. Food or liquid going into the lungs instead of the stomach can cause pneumonia, one of the most common causes of death in ALS. That’s why nutrition for ALS, a tailored approach to eating that prioritizes safety, calorie density, and ease of consumption isn’t optional. It’s essential. People with ALS often burn more calories just to breathe and move, yet eating becomes exhausting. The goal? Get enough calories and protein without risking choking or infection. Soft, moist foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and pureed soups work better than dry, crunchy, or sticky ones. Thickened liquids help too—water alone can be dangerous when swallowing muscles weaken.

Many people with ALS lose weight fast, even if they’re eating. That’s because their body works harder just to function. Protein intake needs to go up—not just to maintain muscle, but to fight infections and heal. Dairy, eggs, ground meats blended into sauces, and protein shakes are go-to sources. Calcium and vitamin D matter too, since reduced movement increases bone loss risk. And don’t ignore hydration. Dehydration makes swallowing worse and can lead to urinary tract infections. If eating becomes too hard, a feeding tube isn’t failure—it’s a tool that keeps you alive and comfortable longer. Studies show people who get tubes before their weight drops too low live longer and have better quality of life.

Some supplements get talked about a lot—antioxidants, creatine, vitamin E—but none have proven they slow ALS progression. What does work? Consistent, smart eating. Avoid foods that are hard to chew or swallow: nuts, raw veggies, dry toast, tough meats. Skip sugary drinks that fill you up without giving real nutrition. Watch out for medications that cause dry mouth—those make swallowing even harder. Talk to a dietitian who knows ALS. They can help you adjust meals as things change, recommend thickening agents, and suggest high-calorie shakes you can make at home.

This collection of posts doesn’t just talk about ALS nutrition in theory. It shows you real ways people manage it: how to prep meals that are safe, how to spot when swallowing is becoming risky, what supplements might help or hurt, and how to work with your care team to keep your body fueled. You’ll find advice on dealing with choking risks, using feeding tubes wisely, and choosing foods that give you energy without frustration. These aren’t guesses—they’re lessons from people who’ve been there, and from the doctors who help them every day.