Food

[Kathy64]

Could anybody give me some good advise on what one should or should not be eating. Are there foods to avoid and does different nutrition make any difference to MS at all

[Heartshome]

Go to your library (or amazon) and read "The Multiple Sclerosis Diet" by Dr. LeRoy Swank. He was head of Neurology at Oregon St. Univ. and studied this for many years. His findings are very exciting and his book has all his research as well as diet information and recipies. He followed patients for 34 years. Those who started his diet early in their disease and adhered to it STRICTLY, including his prescriptions for REST and STRESS avoidance, typically did not see much progression of their disease. Those who started later in the disease process were only able to hold the line. Those who did not follow the diet strictly saw extensive disease progression.

The data spoke to me. I've been on this diet for over three months, (even before a diagnosis). At first it's a bit difficult to learn a new way of eating, but now it's second nature. It follows a lot of what Mayda is saying, but there is no red meat, no cheese, no chocolate, etc. Saturated fat must be kept at less than 15 grams per day. Unsat fat at 15-50 grams per day. It is not that hard to do folks. Your health is worth it and no doctor would say that this is an unhealthy diet, as it's great for the heart as well. Learn more at www.swankmsdiet.org.

[maydas2002]

I have research a lot for specific foods and also have given some info in my classes about which foods to avoid and which ones to really hit when having MS or any neurological disease. I am still needing more input but I tell you what I have so far.

AVOID(try to): Sugars ( they are inflamatory in nature), refined foods (too many carbohydrate = sugar + many preservatives not good for you), fried food, very fatty food and starchy ones.Try to limit the ammount of red meat. Can food and high fructose sugar cantains are not very beneficial. Limit caffeine intake.

EAT (lots): fresh food, fruits ( almost all execpt i was told caribbean fruits contain too much sugar for us, eat less of those, example pasion fruit, pinnaples (pinnaples even when having antiflamatory benefits, too much is too much input of sugar) and vegetables. Eat fish (pick wisely, mostly salmon!) at least 3 times a week (it contains many omega fatty acids awesome for maintaining a healthy nervous system!!!) Eat sprouts legumes, etc. Brown rice good source of vitamin B's.


I hope this helps, I am open to more suggestions because, hey! we can all benefit from this.

Mayda