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400099 tn?1282954864

nutrition question

I am on the recommended MS diet and was wondering, does anyone else follow the recommended eating plan for MS?
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1396846 tn?1332459510
I just want to add a question to Quix and Lulu,

It was mentioned that taking too Vitamin C and boosts the immune system and can be worse for MS. I was wondering if that includes drinking oranges juice. I have been on an orange juice frenzy lately not sure why but seems like I can't get enough and I know that is high in vitamin c. Am I doing more harm than good?

Paula
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572651 tn?1530999357
I'll see my neuro early next month - I'll try to remember to ask his take on this.  Thanks for the follow-up information.
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400099 tn?1282954864
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400099 tn?1282954864
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400099 tn?1282954864
Sorry I missed...hubby fell and was in hospital....again.

The MS diet was actually given to me by my neurologist last fall. He told me that studies have shown an as low fat diet as possible can slow the progression of MS. I'm on WW's and have lost about 45 pounds. He told me the guidelines on fat they use are ideal for MS patients and continued to explain the new findings. My pcp confirmed that and told me they only released the study about the time my neuro told me about it.
And yes, Quix, I may not be a doctor, but my friend's father who was with the NIH advised me about echinacea about 10 years ago and told me it can flare up anything that is autoimmune, so I avoid that like the plague. I, personally, can not take supplements (herbal) because I also have a rare autoimmune kidney desease and it is unknown what herbs will do to my kidneys. I can take food type herbs such as ginger, raspberry and the such, but all in moderation. My doctor prescribed prescription Vitamin D. I would like to find something natural for fatigue because I started ritalin today and as you can see...I'm still up.
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147426 tn?1317265632
The supplements that boost the immune system - and some do - should be avoided in MS.  According to a list I once had (it's probably around here somewhere) these run the risk of rev'ving up the MS.  Vitamin C is one.  Eichinacea is another.  

I need to find the listing.

One that is very often recommended (even though it boost immunity) is Vitamin D.  the strict docs say that you should take supplements if your level is less than 35.  The more invested Vitamin D researchers are saying levels of 50 or higher are desirable.

No diet has been show to reduce relapses or slow MS.  However, people generally feel better on a healthier diet.  So, I disagree that there is an MS Diet or an MS-recommended diet.  The assumptions on which these diets are based have been shown to be faulty.

quix
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572651 tn?1530999357
The doctor I heard earlier this week talking about bladder and bowel issues talked about supplements and vitamins  that could be harmful if taken in excess.... one of those he specifically mentioned was to not take excessive amounts of Vitamin C.

Not all supplements are bad - but the market is often unregulated, you don't know for sure what you are getting and if you are eating a proper diet, you should not be needing much in the way of supplements.  

With anything, I still say talk to your doctor.  They need to know everything you are taking whether it is prescrition durgs or over-the-counter supplements and vitamins.

I hope that clears up any confusion.  -L
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Avatar universal
Hi Lulu,

May I ask why supplements can be bad? Are there any particular ones that should be avoided?

I've been taking a lot vitamin B because provigil/nuvigil isn't helping anymore with fatigue.

Thanks
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572651 tn?1530999357
WW,  Other than eating a healthy diet, there is no proven MS diet.  Yes,  there are all sorts of diets out there that are purported to work to  control or cure MS.  These diets have been tested and scientifically proven to not work for that purpose.

From what I know the only diet that has some backing to actually working is the Ornish diet.  If you go to his website and read the information, this very strict regimen or diet, exercise, meditation, etc. has been shown to reduce artherolsclerosis (hardening of the arteries) .  

That said, most of these diets do have you eating in a healthy way, and our bodies naturally respond to eliminating sugars, white flours, refined foods, animal byproducts, etc.

You do have to be cautious of adding supplements to your diet.  Too much of some things can overstimulate the immune system and really get you into trouble.  

What MS diet are you following?   I would strongly recommend you talk this over thoroughly with your doctor.

Lulu

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