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Please Be Proactive With Your Health!
Since I have no diagnosis, but since my symptoms suggest MS, and since ALS, etc. have been ruled out. And since MS is pretty much the down side in my opinion, I have been doing this diet for almost five months now. My symptoms calmed down considerably after three months on the diet, although some people notice changes right away and some take up to 18 months to see any improvelment. It depends upon where you are in the disease process when you start.
Since so many people here aren't diagnosed yet, I wanted to let them know about this. This is not a cure of course--there is no such thing. However, if you read the study results you will see that there is overwhelming evidence that this gives you a much greater chance of not being disabled in the future IF you stick to the diet and get adequate rest.
PLEASE...take time to look into this and see if it's something you can do. It's great for heart health as well. It is simply a healthful way of eating, not some freaky thing. I pray that this might help someone here to take some control over their health!
(This is from "Diagnose-me.com)
Treatment & Prevention
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Many promising modes of treatment are being developed and tested but most remain experimental. An enormous amount of research is currently being done on the causes and processes of multiple sclerosis, and understanding of the disease continues to increase.
The Swank Diet
Dr. Roy Swank has provided convincing evidence that a diet low in saturated fats over a long period of time can slow down and in some cases stop the degenerative process in multiple sclerosis. The Swank diet calls for:
- No red meat for the first year of the diet (including the dark meat of turkey and chicken). Following the first year, 3oz of red meat will be allowed per week
- No dairy products containing 1% butterfat or more
- No processed foods containing saturated fat
- Saturated fat intake below 15gm (3 teaspoons) per day
- Unsaturated fat intake at a minimum of 20gm (4 teaspoons) and a maximum of 50gm (10 teaspoons) per day
- 1 teaspoon or 4 capsules of cod liver oil each day
The results of Dr. Swank's 34-year study from 1949-1984 are impressive. Patients diagnosed as minimally disabled showed very little progression of the disease. Only 5% of the diet group failed to survive the 34 years of the study while a remarkable 80% of those not following the diet failed to survive the same time period. Moderately and severely disabled patients progressed much better subjectively and objectively than those that did not follow the diet. The diet has been credited with preventing a worsening of the disease, greatly reducing fatigue, and dramatically reducing the death rate.
Since so many people here aren't diagnosed yet, I wanted to let them know about this. This is not a cure of course--there is no such thing. However, if you read the study results you will see that there is overwhelming evidence that this gives you a much greater chance of not being disabled in the future IF you stick to the diet and get adequate rest.
PLEASE...take time to look into this and see if it's something you can do. It's great for heart health as well. It is simply a healthful way of eating, not some freaky thing. I pray that this might help someone here to take some control over their health!
(This is from "Diagnose-me.com)
Treatment & Prevention
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Many promising modes of treatment are being developed and tested but most remain experimental. An enormous amount of research is currently being done on the causes and processes of multiple sclerosis, and understanding of the disease continues to increase.
The Swank Diet
Dr. Roy Swank has provided convincing evidence that a diet low in saturated fats over a long period of time can slow down and in some cases stop the degenerative process in multiple sclerosis. The Swank diet calls for:
- No red meat for the first year of the diet (including the dark meat of turkey and chicken). Following the first year, 3oz of red meat will be allowed per week
- No dairy products containing 1% butterfat or more
- No processed foods containing saturated fat
- Saturated fat intake below 15gm (3 teaspoons) per day
- Unsaturated fat intake at a minimum of 20gm (4 teaspoons) and a maximum of 50gm (10 teaspoons) per day
- 1 teaspoon or 4 capsules of cod liver oil each day
The results of Dr. Swank's 34-year study from 1949-1984 are impressive. Patients diagnosed as minimally disabled showed very little progression of the disease. Only 5% of the diet group failed to survive the 34 years of the study while a remarkable 80% of those not following the diet failed to survive the same time period. Moderately and severely disabled patients progressed much better subjectively and objectively than those that did not follow the diet. The diet has been credited with preventing a worsening of the disease, greatly reducing fatigue, and dramatically reducing the death rate.
Just a thought, but I wonder if this correlates with the fact that people who live in Asia don't hardly get MS, they of course have a low-fat diet. I wonder if it is the diet and not the temperature differences that are important??? Interesting & thanks for the info. Of course Asian people do get MS here in the US, but they are probably eating McDonalds like the rest of us. (I don't really----I don't eat junk food). Let us know how you are doing as your diet continues.
Terrie
Terrie
I'm sure that there are many factors in this illness. However, it seems that eating a diet very low in sat fat is helpful to two-thirds of those with early symptoms/diagnosis. There is a lot of scientific evidence to this. The doctor who conceived this diet was the Chief of Neurologoy at Oregon Health Sciences University, a well-respected facility here in the Northwest. There are many people who have been very successful with this diet. Like I said, it's not a cure, but it is a chance at living many additional years with lesser impairment. That's why I wish that people would investigate it further!
Thank you for the information. I agree that it has something to do with making MS better. For the last 4 weeks I have been on a diet where I eat Yogurt, vegetables, fruits, and salads during the day. As much as I want. Then for supper I eat either vegetables and fish or beans, rice, and fish, also with a salad and as much as I want. I stay very full plus I have continually lost 3 to 4 pounds per week. The best thing about it is I have not felt this good in a long time.
I really couldn't tell a whole lot, (except for the weight loss), energy wise for the first 2 and a half weeks but this past week has been great. I really think that it's due to the diet.
I read about it in a magazine and it's called the estrogen diet. I think that everyone is different and therefore needs to find the diet that best suits them.
The one thing that I thought would kill me was giving up my iced tea (sweet), but after the first couple of days it hasn't bothered me at all. I drink water all day and actually enjoy it. You are allowed to have green tea and black tea that is unsweetened. You mainly have to stay away from sugar and carbonated beverages. Also caffeine. I can drink anything that's organic. (like milk)
Any way I know that I'm just rambling here but at least I know what I'm trying to say.lol I hope everyone finds there own way of eating that helps them in their fight with MS or whatever ails them.
I'll be praying,
Carol
I really couldn't tell a whole lot, (except for the weight loss), energy wise for the first 2 and a half weeks but this past week has been great. I really think that it's due to the diet.
I read about it in a magazine and it's called the estrogen diet. I think that everyone is different and therefore needs to find the diet that best suits them.
The one thing that I thought would kill me was giving up my iced tea (sweet), but after the first couple of days it hasn't bothered me at all. I drink water all day and actually enjoy it. You are allowed to have green tea and black tea that is unsweetened. You mainly have to stay away from sugar and carbonated beverages. Also caffeine. I can drink anything that's organic. (like milk)
Any way I know that I'm just rambling here but at least I know what I'm trying to say.lol I hope everyone finds there own way of eating that helps them in their fight with MS or whatever ails them.
I'll be praying,
Carol
That's great that you are eating so healthy and feeling good...wonderful news!!!!
Here's the thing though. This is not a "diet" as such. It's a whole new way of eating specifically designed for MS. It is not to lose weight (although you will), it's not to feel better per se (although you will). It's to keep you from progressing in your disease.
It's not for everyone. You must be very disciplined in eating and resting. However, 2/3 of those who followed it FOR 34 YEARS progressed little if at all in their MS symptoms. That means no wheelchairs or worse.
After reading this book I have given up all the forbidden foods with joy. My husband can eat his chocolate or his beef in front of me (with my permission) and I have no desire to share it. When I look at these foods I see a wheelchair. It takes away all my desire to cheat.
If someone told you that you could stop this disease from getting worse if you gave up red meat, cookies, cakes, chocolate, butter, cream, etc. would you do it? Would it be worth it to you?
It is to me. I know that everyone must do what is right for them, but this is such serious business that I don't understand why more people won't consider it. I pray that you will!
Here's the thing though. This is not a "diet" as such. It's a whole new way of eating specifically designed for MS. It is not to lose weight (although you will), it's not to feel better per se (although you will). It's to keep you from progressing in your disease.
It's not for everyone. You must be very disciplined in eating and resting. However, 2/3 of those who followed it FOR 34 YEARS progressed little if at all in their MS symptoms. That means no wheelchairs or worse.
After reading this book I have given up all the forbidden foods with joy. My husband can eat his chocolate or his beef in front of me (with my permission) and I have no desire to share it. When I look at these foods I see a wheelchair. It takes away all my desire to cheat.
If someone told you that you could stop this disease from getting worse if you gave up red meat, cookies, cakes, chocolate, butter, cream, etc. would you do it? Would it be worth it to you?
It is to me. I know that everyone must do what is right for them, but this is such serious business that I don't understand why more people won't consider it. I pray that you will!
Just FYI, in eating the Swank Diet way I've lost 28 pounds in five months without trying at all. The weight just melted off. In fact, I am now actively trying to not lose any more weight. It was painless. It's amazing how cutting out fat and processed foods just melts off the fat. Hooray!!!
I recently ordered the Swank diet via Amazon and received it last week. I had heard great things about it, and have already begun with some of the major concepts of low-fat, no red meat, cakes/biscuits etc etc. I want to devise a plan to assist with keeping anti-inflammatory foods out of my system. The only thing that'll kill me with this is tahini - which I LOVE but which has more fat in it than peanut butter!! And cheese ......
It is indeed a whole new way of thinking about eating ... and I am up for it!! Having been only recently diagnosed (a shock) .... and going through all the fear, emotions, drug side effects etc ..... I want to make sure I nourish my body internally with the right foods and vitamins etc so I am in the best shape I can be at this time. That's the best I can do for myself. I don't want another exacerbation in a hurry.
Hey heartshome - I am right there with you on how to minimize the effects of MS in whatever ways available to us. It'll also be good for my family. Although of course they will not follow it as I have started .... lower fat and more thought about what we are putting in our bodies will be good for them too.
I'm also finding that Sprirulina and Coenzyme Q10 are already making an amazing difference with my energy levels ....
I recently ordered the Swank diet via Amazon and received it last week. I had heard great things about it, and have already begun with some of the major concepts of low-fat, no red meat, cakes/biscuits etc etc. I want to devise a plan to assist with keeping anti-inflammatory foods out of my system. The only thing that'll kill me with this is tahini - which I LOVE but which has more fat in it than peanut butter!! And cheese ......
It is indeed a whole new way of thinking about eating ... and I am up for it!! Having been only recently diagnosed (a shock) .... and going through all the fear, emotions, drug side effects etc ..... I want to make sure I nourish my body internally with the right foods and vitamins etc so I am in the best shape I can be at this time. That's the best I can do for myself. I don't want another exacerbation in a hurry.
Hey heartshome - I am right there with you on how to minimize the effects of MS in whatever ways available to us. It'll also be good for my family. Although of course they will not follow it as I have started .... lower fat and more thought about what we are putting in our bodies will be good for them too.
I'm also finding that Sprirulina and Coenzyme Q10 are already making an amazing difference with my energy levels ....
I checked out the website and it sounds pretty good. I am going to give it a try. I like the food it calls for anyway. I will have to admit that I love making cakes, and will miss them dearly.......I can do it. Thanks for the information, it is much appreciated.
Terrie
Terrie
You don't have to give up Tahini! It's a healthy oil and is acceptable on the diet as long as you keep your amount in accordance with the limits of 20-50 grams of unsat fat per day. This is really easy!
My husband is doing the diet with me so that I only have to cook one meal. (He gets his cheeseburge fix at lunch while at work!). This is such a healthy diet for your families. If you order the book, you'll see all sorts of recipes that you and your families will like. Once you get used to the details, you can convert your own favorites. It's very exciting. Believe me, you really won't miss the cake once you get going, you just feel so much better.
YOU CAN DO THIS! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOU CAN HAVE SOME CONTROL!
You have made me so very happy. I pray that others here will join us!!!!
My husband is doing the diet with me so that I only have to cook one meal. (He gets his cheeseburge fix at lunch while at work!). This is such a healthy diet for your families. If you order the book, you'll see all sorts of recipes that you and your families will like. Once you get used to the details, you can convert your own favorites. It's very exciting. Believe me, you really won't miss the cake once you get going, you just feel so much better.
YOU CAN DO THIS! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YOU CAN HAVE SOME CONTROL!
You have made me so very happy. I pray that others here will join us!!!!
Hey - yes Dr Swank has some wonderful recipes - they are excellent. Heartshome - thank you - I came to a similar realization about the tahini. Did some more reading and yes low fat does not mean no fat - and I am going to use it as a margarine or butter substitute on toast. And I make my own hummus with it so I'll keep doing that and staying within the fat range. (And he has a recipe for that too!)
I won't miss commercially prepared cakes and biscuits as I rarely eat them anyway. I have always had a savoury rather than a sweet tooth ....
However, I love the look of the options for all the different muffins!!
I am concerned about iron though and need to look at that more seriously. I was very anemic at the beginning of the year and got myself into the low normal range through iron supplementation and clean cuts of red meat. Any ideas of how to ensure a good iron intake with this diet?
I also did lots of cross checking last night on fish and the mercury levels of different types. Very interesting. because despite their benefits, and the fact that all fish have mercury - some contain quite toxic amounts! I figure if I'm going to do this - I also wanted to lessen a heavy metal toxicity load also.
I'll put a list of what I came up with in another post. I am in Australia so there are some fish more familiar/available here perhaps - but to get this list I cross-checked Australian and US health standards. I haven't put the actual levels of mercury because I just wanted a list of the least contaminated and the most contaminated.
Hope it may help ......
This list is not totally comprehensive, but has been a good start point with combining the omega-3 and reduction of mercury intake.
Fish with high mercury levels
Barramundi
Shark (flake)
Swordfish (broadbill),
Marlin,
Ray,
Gemfish,
Ling,
Catfish,
Orange roughy (sea perch)
Southern blue fin tuna.
King mackerel
Least mercury levels
Sardines
Herring,
Canned light tuna,
Cod,
Haddock,
Tilapia,
Sea bass
Shrimp
Trout
Flounder
Sole
Pollock
Bream
Flathead
Whiting
Snapper
Fish that contain very high levels of omega-3 fatty acids
Mackerel,
Atlantic salmon (canned salmon too),
*Canned tuna,
*Herrings
*Sardines (on the Swank diet though, if canned buy canned in water, not oil.)
High iron
Oysters
Mussels
Shrimp (but on the Swank diet, moderate consumption only)
Wild salmon
Fish with high mercury levels
Barramundi
Shark (flake)
Swordfish (broadbill),
Marlin,
Ray,
Gemfish,
Ling,
Catfish,
Orange roughy (sea perch)
Southern blue fin tuna.
King mackerel
Least mercury levels
Sardines
Herring,
Canned light tuna,
Cod,
Haddock,
Tilapia,
Sea bass
Shrimp
Trout
Flounder
Sole
Pollock
Bream
Flathead
Whiting
Snapper
Fish that contain very high levels of omega-3 fatty acids
Mackerel,
Atlantic salmon (canned salmon too),
*Canned tuna,
*Herrings
*Sardines (on the Swank diet though, if canned buy canned in water, not oil.)
High iron
Oysters
Mussels
Shrimp (but on the Swank diet, moderate consumption only)
Wild salmon
Regarding the fish, Dr. Swank says that all whitefish, shellfish are okay to eat as much of as you like. Oily fish like salmon, etc. are great, but you must count the fat grams and include them in your daily totals.
We eat a lot of salmon. Also Tiliapia, cod, tuna (regulare not white) sole etc. Also the cod liver oil (which you can get flavored and really isn't bad at all) provides Omega 3s or fish oil capsules. These are very important too.
Read the front section of the book so that you are familiar with the research study outcomes as well as the disease stages. This will be very useful to you!
We eat a lot of salmon. Also Tiliapia, cod, tuna (regulare not white) sole etc. Also the cod liver oil (which you can get flavored and really isn't bad at all) provides Omega 3s or fish oil capsules. These are very important too.
Read the front section of the book so that you are familiar with the research study outcomes as well as the disease stages. This will be very useful to you!
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