Advice

Brain and nerves
1

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question re diet if anyone has advice. I have recently been diagnosed with MS and waiting to commence medication. I have researched to see if diet has any impact on this condition and the internet suggests a diet low in saturated fat?(no meat, dairy etc) Does anyone have a view?

Thanks

Jo

2

I was diagnosed in the Fall of 1997 and happened to be on the then current low-fat diet (lots of rice cakes . Because at that time meds were just released and they only reduced relapses by 1/3 (still the case) I decided to shift my diet to follow the Swank. While a little difficult at first, I felt better and over time my system adjusted (skim milk and low fat meats allowed) and now detest the taste of fat if I accidently get some. At that time my neurologist said that I tested much better than my MRI showed and to "keep doing what I was doing". I've done a drug trial for 12 years (Aubagio) and continue doing well despite a MRI that doesn't look great. I cannot say that being on diet caused this but I stay on it because it makes me feel good and I certainly have been able to overcome some early problems like fatigue. I will point out that most people have to increase their oil consumption on this diet and it is not just about the fat. Dr. Swank has died and his original book may be out of print but I believe there is a website you can access. I was very lucky to find a couple of copies and you might try used bookstores/online. He makes the case for the diet in the books with experiments he carried out in Montreal during the 50s and 60s along with menu plans and diet rules so if you are interested in the science, try and find one of the books. It ws originally called The M.S. and Heart Disease Diet Book and the 77 edition was renamed The M.S. Diet Book. I have never had a relapse  since I started the diet.

3

Hi,

Thankyou for taking the time to comment. I'll look at the book you suggested, willing to look at anything. I'm pleased to hear there have been benefits for you, good luck.

Also pleased to hear you can eat skinned milk and chicken, only cheese that will be a killer for me haha...love it! Never mind lol.

Thanks again

Jo

4

Cheese is evil and although I used to like it, tastes awful now. Sometimes I just say I'm lactose intolerant so people don't dump ice cream or cheese on me. Sherbet is nice instead.