What's the general feeling about different MS diets?

[bentleydog]

Hello again.

I just posted the other day, but like I said in that one, I am newly diagnosed, 5 days ago actually.  I believe at this time it is relapsing remitting, but I guess time will be the real judge of that.  My scary syptoms started in December, but I actually had a relapse before that, but I didn't know it at the time.  Everything went away after just a couple weeks, so never thought anything of it (was actually pregnant at the time, and chaulked it up to carpal tunnel... wrong).  I'm sure that sounds familiar to some people.  

To the point, I guess is; what I am wondering, because I have done a fair amount of reading on it, is whether the following diets seem to help with the MS symptoms, and even possible recovery of some of the possible nerve damage?  I am looking at the Best Bet Diet, MS Recovery Diet, and the SWANK diet.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.  Anyone trying these, some personal experience would be great, but even if not on them, opinions are good to.

Thanks again
Jann

[1moore]

On your reply you said that we aren't allowed to drink wine?  Why is this?  No one has ever mentioned that to me.

[Sparkysarah]

  oops...my laptop posted before I had finished. I was trying to say that although my suggestions are applicable to anyone..I think it is especially important to take care of our bodies when we have MS and this is a holistic approach inidivdual to each of us. While I think if something works for someone then there is no harm (and the placebo effect can be just as effective as anything) I do not beleive in wasting money by someone who claims that MS can be cured as I agree with Jen. I have heard that evening primrose oil/fish oils can help myelin to remyelinate but do not believe that diet can cure nerve damage. This is just my personal view and I am all for following a healthy low fat diet...but you can do this on your own.

Cheers for now

Sarah

[Sparkysarah]

I also agree with everyone above. I was diagnosed nearly a year ago and have in the last six months changed my diet to be as healthy as I can be, lots of fresh fruit (especially red fruits and blueberries) and raw veg, anything brown (e.g rice, pasta, bread, nuts) and lean low fat meat (less red meat). I do not follow any diet but just use common sense and have started exercising twice a week gong to gym and for a swim. I have seen the benefits as my cholesterol has come down, I have lost some weight and my blood pressure is better.

None of these suggestions actually have anything to do with MS...but are about taking care of ourselves and healthy lifestyle which i

[johnniebear]

I thinks it best to eat fresh or frozen fruits & veggies-   stay away from the bad  fats & most important foods to avoid is processed foods.   I think if there was so diet the could reverse the damage then someone would have tried to patent it & make a ton of money.


Best way to eat is well balanced.


take care
Johnniebear

[sllowe]

Hi Jann,

I'm not on a special diet, but I do feel better when I'm eating healthier foods and moderate quantities/calories. I agree w/Jens. Best thing is to keep moving. Keeping your mind and body challenged is key and like Jens mentions neurons and neuroplasticity is counting on it. Though during relapse all bets are off, at least it was for me. Nothing I ate or did made me feel better :(

While any of these diets won't correct what's gone wrong - as they did not cause the disease, surely diet can have an affect on feeling better. Dealing w/MS symptoms w/out added affects of poor diet has to be some kind of helpful.

Hope others share what they are doing....

ttys,
shell

[jensequitur]

In my opinion - and many others here will disagree with me - none of the diets will help you recover nerve damage.  Your body does that on its own.  The most important thing you can do is to encourage your body to grow new neurons.  You can do this through light exercise, playing games, even learning a new skill.  I recommend all three.  

However, a low-carb high protein diet will help you feel better.  Montel recommends lots of raw food.  I think raw food is great - I can't eat a lot of it right now, because I'm on warfarin.  But lots of raw vegetables, lean meat, olive oil, nuts, avocado, and even dark chocolate will be good for you.  Unfortunately we can't really drink wine with MS - but you can drink grape juice and get the same effect.