Diet

[greaterexp]

I am hoping there may be some who have some history of using the Swank diet for awhile. I searched, but found little discussion here about it. I mentioned it to my neurologist, but she said she couldn't say much about, not being very familiar with it. I realize that cutting fat, mainly saturated fats, would be better for my health anyway, but is it worth the change as far as MS is concerned?

[Aldasia1]

greaterexp , it's amazing how the medical community know less as possible about dieting when it relates to MS. I've been following the Wahl's Protocol, whereas, I don't ingest sugars, pastas, milk( only organic types-- almond,etc) , and bread. This diet has 3 levels and the last one is the ketogenic stage.

In addition to the Wahl's Protocol, the author of the book and/ or former doctor was diagnosed with Secondary MS has joined forces with Bastyr University. Bastyr University is conducting a complementary and alternative healthcare medical research. I recommend the Bastyr study because they're studying the link between health eating and multiple sclerosis minimal progression.

m.bastyr.edu/research/studi...

[greaterexp in reply to Aldasia1]

Thank you for the info and link. I'm a little familiar with the Wahl Protocol, but not the Bastyr research. There is so much to learn!

[greaterexp]

Thank you for the info and link!

[plosed06]

I have been on Swank diet since April. No relapses! Could be diet or could be aubagio. There is group on Facebook for swank diet. Good info there. Group is called the swank ms diet and lifestyle. Request permission to join.

[erash]

I have a MS can do webinar that I will find and post later that gives info about n many of these diets

[greaterexp in reply to erash]

Thanks! You always find great information and are so kind to share it! Your perspective as a NP is so helpful!

[positiveness]

Hi, I hope you're doing well today. I have tried what is called the MS diet for about seven months, but did not see a difference in my MS. Being That We are all Different though, may have a Positive affect on you if You try The Swank's diet, but you will have to try it. I just try to consume healthy foods and drinks.

[greaterexp in reply to positiveness]

Thank you. I hope you're doing well, too. A good diet makes good sense no matter what, doesn't it? I think I'm done with all the Christmas sweets and am ready for getting back to healthier foods.

[N2Praise]

Hi Greaterexp. I am a 54 year old woman who was just recently diagnosed with MS a month ago, but my first symptoms began in September. As soon as my neuro told me that this could be MS, I started researching, and I came across the Swank Diet. I was very interested in trying this diet, and I purchased the book. It has some helpful information in it, but like one of the other posts stated, I could have gotten most of this information from online.

Several years ago, I knew that certain foods I ate triggered certain symptoms in my body, so I started eliminating those foods. First the red meats (had already stopped eating pork and shellfish due to my faith), then the sugars, gluten, soy, dairy, and some others. I felt so much better! I do believe there are certain foods that cause an allergic reaction in the body, which activates the immune system, which causes an auto-immune attack. Although I could never find a doctor who would even hear me. I was always told "that is not possible" or "maybe you're depressed."

Recently, I came across a site where a young woman who has been living with MS for 5 years and controlling her symptoms with diet. I seemed to have so much in common with her. (msdietforwomen.com)

I have decided to forego taking any of the drugs and will control the progression of my disease with the foods I eat. Some people in my close circle don't think I'm making the right decision, and that I should take the treatments. Everyone has to do what they think is best for them.

I hope you find the answers you're searching for and make the decision that is right for you. Wishing you the very best!

[greaterexp in reply to N2Praise]

I think I would like to try both diet and medication as I can tolerate it. I am waiting for the doctor to get my newly approved Rx to the required pharmacy. I think reducing fats would be wise just for heart/circulatory health, but want to feel as though the severe restrictions would be worth it for the MS. Science doesn't have all the answers, but I don't believe diet alone is a panacea. I hope I'm right in thinking there is some middle ground.!

[N2Praise in reply to greaterexp]

That's great. I'm glad that you found what you think would work best for you and I totally respect your decision. It's only been a few weeks that I've reduced my fat intake and the only thing I really miss are French fries 😊! By the way, would you mind sharing what med you'll be starting?

[greaterexp in reply to N2Praise]

I'll start Copaxone. I pray your resistance to French fries has wonderful results! I have great admiration for those who have strong will power and can truly stick to a healthy diet! I've never been overweight, but I have a weakness for sweets. My exercise comes more from dusting the elliptical than using it. I need to change that, too.

[dmaskal1]

You can find a copy of a recent publication entitled ‘Low-fat, plant-based diet in multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial‘ which describes the effect of the Sank diet on patients with MS at this web site msard-journal.com/article/S....

[greaterexp in reply to dmaskal1]

Thank you so much for the link! What a knowledgable group!

[agapepilgrim in reply to greaterexp]

greaterexp when I did my research I became convinced it is the foreign unknown particles we send to our gut that don't get digested that destroy our myelin or cause all autoimmune diseases, even cancer. So I decided to combine the Wahl Protocol, Swank diet, MS diet for women, Whole 30, Dr Weil anti-inflammatory diet. Their commune denominator:: if it's from an organic plant eat it.. If it's made in a plant, don't eat it. Whatever it is -grains, legumes, dairy, meats-if GMO was involved don't eat it (on employee at Whole Goods told me there is no GMO free corn in America). If it doesn't spoil in 3 days, it probably has preservatives or chemicals or dyes- don't eat. So, fill you body with clean whole fresh veggies and fruits first, 6 cups. If still hungry eat free range country eggs, chicken, grass fed beef. Pacific clean USA seafood. Organic Greek yogurt with 5 cultures. Makes for a simple diet. List 40 lbs, my bloated stomach, don't need Prilosec. Sautéed a lot of those veggies (greens) in coconut oil and almonds and sweet onions. I actually crave it now. Feel gut cleaner!!

[greaterexp in reply to agapepilgrim]

Sounds reasonable. I'm thinking that I should continue eating healthy foods, mainly organic fruits and vegetables, fish, lean poultry, and very limited saturated fat. I totally fell off during Christmas, but I enjoyed every second of baking and eating with grandkids. I'm back on track again...mostly. I will still have an occasional sweet something, but not all day every day!

[Karen-x in reply to dmaskal1]

dmaskal1 I like that website. Very interesting research information. Some is beyond my true comprehension, having no medical background at all, but I can get the main concepts. Thanks for the link!

[erash]

multiplesclerosisnewstoday....

thought I posted this the other day but cant find. good overview diets by neuro

[greaterexp in reply to erash]

I received that email, but tucked it away to watch later. I'm so glad you reminded me about it. I thought it was very interesting and had lots of good information. It's obvious that there is an awful lot more study that needs to be done.

[bavery207 in reply to erash]

@erash , I just finished listening to the webinar on diet and MS. Thank you for posting that info. Although it did not give any definitive answers, that's what I wanted to know. I appreciate a source that discussed several ofd the diets in one place,