There is a theory that MS is less active if you can keep your immune system "relaxed". Following this theory to its logicl conclusion, the fewer allergens you expose yourself to, the more relaxed your immune system. I believe that I am at least slightly allergic to wheat and dairy products. Though I have never been tested by a medical professional, for a few years now I have eaten as if I AM allergic to these things.
If ever I needed empirical evidence that wheat gluten and cheese stress my immune system resulting in worsening MS symptoms, well, the evidence can easily be found on any holiday buffet table.
Yes, OK, I could easily avoid the cubes of Monterey Jack and bright orange mild cheddar. Ditto the Triscuits and Wheat Thins left sagging into unappetizing moistness too close to the sliced fruit. But every holiday buffet worth its allergens has at least one, and usually more than one, dip laden with cream or cheese or cream cheese. Served with herbed crostini, or pita chips, or dill-encrusted pumpernickel.
There are cheese boards sporting hunks of fermented dairy product with names like Vermont Apple-Smoked Truffled Raclette, or Family Cave Honey and Chili-Infused Cholesterol Bomba. Who could resist?
And even if I could resist, there’s always someone saying, “Just try a bite. It’s really good! It’s not gonna kill you!” or “Oh come-on Dean, it’s the holidays! Relax a little! There’s a time and a place for everything.” I suppose this includes exacerbation.
Besides, wheat and dairy are pretty much what people serve. OK, maybe you luck out and there’s a ham or a turkey. But while people don’t care how much cheese or how many crackers and cookies you eat, they look at you funny if your plate is piled high with the scarcest item on the buffet.
If it was one occasion I think it would be OK. But there’s Christmas, New Year’s Eve, the NFL playoffs, and my birthday. And once you’ve started down the slippery slope of wheat and dairy consumption, it’s hard to regain your footing.
I lost my discipline. I ate cheese. I ate crackers. I ate bread. I ate dips. I drove five hours round-trip to eat cucumber yogurt dip on black bread at a family brunch. I ordered a mango lassi during an Indian Restaurant birthday bash. I ordered crab dip at another restaurant birthday bash. I actually MADE fondue for New Year’s Eve. I am a sick woman!
No, I mean it… wheat and dairy make me sick. My nose runs and I become sluggish and symptomatic. Everything about my MS gets worse. I remind myself that I have read articles by medical professionals stating that there is no evidence diet is a factor in MS. Yes. OK. Well, apparently these medical professionals have never conducted experiments wherein MS patients were stuffed like fois gras geese on a mixture of excellent breads and a selection of artisanal cheeses.
Now, back to my careful way of eating, I am slowly recovering. But look out! The Super Bowl and then March Madness will soon be here!
Comments? Questions? Contact: dawgrl@verizon.net
