Does diet play any role at all?

[Ant1981]

I know eating a sensible diet makes sense for everyone including ppl with no lifelong chronic illness's

But I still believe that diet is something worth pursuing cause after all what you put in your body counts for more than what doctors give credit for. Personally I believe it should get more credit.

after reading online about particular diets such as:
-swank diet
-OMS (overcoming ms) diet
-paleo diet

and others,

they all have a few a few things in common such as low saturated fats, minimal processed sugars, minimal sodium, limit dairy, limit beef, egg whites only, fish is good (wild caught/not farmed), heavy on fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and olives for omega 3 fatty acid for brain health, whole grain/wheat breads/pasta proffered and brown rice.

Do any of you take it seriously ? I read about ppl stopping this disease or even reversing it to a degree with specific diets.

is it all misleading or does it have merit at all ?

hard to believe that it doesn't play a part in someway.

just like your thoughts I'm interested cause why doctors can't say because no legimate studies providing tangible evidence, of course they will promote sensible eating but I'm incorporating small dietary customization cause it can benefit my health either way.

-best to all

[KoKo]

Hi Anthony

You may be interested in this article from the National MS Society about a clinical trial involving the study of dietary approaches and MS at the University of Iowa.

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Ab...of-Iowa-Launch

Take Care

[Mamabug]

That's a really good question.

My answer, in terms of reversing MS is, I don't know. My MS specialist doesn't believe it. I haven't tried any, because I'm skeptical and it seems like so much effort. There are parts of the diet that might be easy for me; other parts that would be difficult. I've kind of created my own diet -- mostly for general health and weight maintenance -- because I'm not sure that an MS diet would help my disease progression.
- I like meat.
- I like yolks with my eggs.
- I eat only a moderate amount of carbs.
- I don't eat a lot of rice because of the carbs, but I do prefer brown rice.
- I limit grains with wheat or rye because of the gluten. I eat low gluten because I have some gluten sensitivities. It does make a difference in symptoms related to gluten for me. Actually, I limit all grains because of the carbs.
- I like fish, but I don't eat it often.
- I don't drink much cow's milk (I prefer almond milk). I like cheese.
- I tend to eat a diet fairly high in meat and vegetables.
- I often start mornings with green smoothies, using spinach or kale and protein powder, etc.
- I do a lot of calorie-cycling -- eat "enough" two days per week, and less on other days.


I've been eating like this since I worked at weight loss, beginning in 2010; that is also when I discovered my gluten intolerance. I suspect it hasn't made a difference in my disease progression, but it's hard to know because I switched meds around the same time. I attribute my reduced severity and frequency of flares to the med change, since I mostly am not sticking closely to any MS diet.

[pennstater]

It's a big area of interest and research. I do believe gut bacteria does drive inflammation, which is part of MS.

My neuro said to follow a heart healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet. The foods you listed are similar to this.

If you try some of the diets, talk to your doc. On some, you may need to take supplements to make up for nutrients the diet nay be missing.

[Ant1981]

OMS cookbook

Well I'm gonn give the OMS cookbook and try eating out of that, I can't disregard the value of a diet outright even tho doctors and neuroscientists don't think it matters.

the meals are very nutritious and look delicious but I will run it by my doctor and use supplements and common sense.

it cant hurt eating a healthy, clean diet just need to make sure I'm not depriving myself of certain nutrients, this I will seek out my family doctors advice as he is a vegetarian as well.

I'm handling my diagnosis relatively well as my symptoms are manageable but more of an inconvenience right now, it's the first taste of this new disease I have. I'm not desperate but I've always had an interest in nutrition even before my diagnosis and love to cook with healthy organic foods. It really speaks to me and I'm passionate about it my whole adult life. I'm just sick of the "western diet" it's actually appalling how bad it's become, humans should not eat in such a way, it's just so wrong.

Anyway I'm not desperate im just searching for things I can control, essential oils, massage therapy, horse riding gait therapy, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and more. All of which highly interested me pre and post diagnosis. I'm gonna see what are good fits for me and what helps and what is useless.

you might think I'm crazy but I'm still wondering wat DMA I'll be on, cause I will be taking one cause I don't think these alternative therapies will be enough but they can supplement my treatment I'm sure.

-Best to all

[Mamabug]

I don't think you're crazy at all, Anthony. It sounds like you are newly diagnosed and you are simply looking for a combination of traditional meds and complementary alternative treatments. That's what I do too, although I've not experimented with the "MS diets".

I hope you find an MS med that is effective for you, and some useful alternative strategies to supplement it.

[Mamabug]

BTW, where in Canada do you live? I grew up in Saskatoon, met and married an American in my early twenties and have lived in Kansas since then. After 31 years with permanent residency (a green card), I became a US citizen in December 2015, so I'm now a dual citizen.

I get back to Saskatoon about once a year to visit family. Also have siblings in Edmonton, but I don't get there as frequently. And, through no connections of mine, my daughter met a Canadian. She got married in 2011 and lives in Manitoba. She was already a dual citizen because of my Canadian roots, so that made her immigration to Canada simple. I'm now the proud "Mimi" (grandma) of an almost 18 month old grandson (also a dual citizen -- already has two passports) and expecting a second grandson next month. We go to Manitoba more frequently, especially since little M was born. We've been there 4x in the past 18 months. Grandparenting is so awesome!

[Marco]

I know eating a sensible diet makes sense for everyone including ppl with no lifelong chronic illness's

Do any of you take it seriously ? I read about ppl stopping this disease or even reversing it to a degree with specific diets.

is it all misleading or does it have merit at all ?

Even healthy individuals should take their diets seriously! Far too many people, especially Americans, consume way too many calories and yet remain malnourished. When you intake garbage in large amounts your body will eventually suffer the consequences. If you eat healthy, exercise, etc your body is simply more capable of dealing with illnesses.

I would be leery about anecdotal claims of stopping/reversing MS with diet alone. MS was also described hundreds of years before aspartame was invented so aspartame (and mercury feelings alone) do not cause MS. MS is also not lyme disease no matter how many times those moronic stories circulate on social media. I digress!

Can anyone point to a single, peer reviewed study suggesting that MS can be stopped or reversed by diet alone? Nope, but they are trying -> https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Ab...of-Iowa-Launch

The reality is the healthier a person is makes coping with any illness better, so diet is important, especially to MS patients. We are fighting against inflammation so foods that increase inflammation should be minimized and foods that fight inflammation should be maximized. Foods that support a healthy gut microbiota should be also be high on everyone's diet list.

With the myriad of symptoms caused by MS patients sometimes blame unrelated health problems. For example, if a patient has fatigue it could be caused by MS, or undiagnosed sleep apnea or just poor sleep hygiene. Or a patient changes diets and drops 35 lbs and now has "more energy" does not mean they are all of sudden "beating MS fatigue."

Let MS be your wake up call to improve all areas of your life in preparation for a flare, or new symptom, that you hope never arrives.


I am also glad that you are considering a disease modifying therapy. While none are guaranteed to stop the disease they can, and do, alter the natural course of the disease when the correct medication is prescribed to the correct patient. There is certainly still a trial and error part of finding the right medication, but several of the newer drugs are helping patients into a "No Evidence of Disease Activity" or NEDA.

Treat MS like a tug-of-war where it's trying to pull you and you are trying to pull against it. Stack the deck as best you can by eating right, exercising, managing stress, medications, supplements, etc and fight for your quality of life. If you knew you would be in car wreck next Tuesday you would definitely be wearing your seat belt. With MS, the damage is expected to come so put on all of your protective gear and fight back with all you have.

[pennstater]

Marco - so glad to see a post from you! I've missed seeing your insights! I hope you are doing well.

Ant1981 - I don't think you are crazy. I think you are wise to explore alternative therapies in conjunction with medication. A healthy diet is never going to hurt you. It sounds like you are focused on controlling the things you can, which is great.

[Poppy7402]

If you go to the Overcoming MS site you can obtain Professor George Jelinek's book for only the cost of postage anywhere in the world.

The first time I read his book, I really took exception to his assertion that MS was a disease of affluence and was basically my own fault. However, in the midst of the bits I completely disagree with, there is some really interesting information, including quite a lot on the benefits of Vitamin D etc.

[ru4cats]

Ant1981

This month marks 9 years since I began my descent to the eventual diagnosis of MS in June of 2010. As a librarian (now retired!), I spent the early years investigating EVERYTHING to see what did/did not work.

I second Poppy's recommendation of George Jelinek's book. He was one of the first books I read, and I was able to eliminate several supplements that he showed had no value after research. A new book I recommend is Optimal Health with Multiple Sclerosis.

In the food area, I haven't found much difference in my symptoms. I tried eliminating gluten, but since I'm not gluten intolerant, I didn't find much difference, so now I don't focus much on monitoring that area. I just try to eat a healthy diet. I do use tart cherry juice concentrate to help with my osteoarthritis of my right knee. It is anti-inflammatory, and research has proven its value. I have lost 15 pounds to relieve pressure on my knee, and that has really helped my personal self esteem.

Others: I've tried reflexology (nope!), physical therapy (doesn't provide long term help with my MS symptoms) and massage (helped for a while but no longer). Swimming proved so beneficial my husband and I sprung for a small therapy pool (WaterWell by Endless Pools). I exercise three days a week for an hour each day, and the benefit I've received is immeasurable, IMHO. Since November I've been having acupuncture every two weeks, and I've noticed real benefit. I compare it to hot-wiring a car. Unfortunately, you need to "rewire" every couple weeks.

I, too, have missed your input, Marco! Your last paragraph is spot on!

Ant1981, I would highly recommend a DMD and recommend you look at those with the highest efficacy, i.e. the infusions, Tysabri or Ocrevus. I chose Tysabri, and am SO glad I did. The progression caused by inflammation before diagnosis continued for several years. However, it has slowed considerably and maybe even stopped in the past couple years. I'm convinced it is responsible for stopping a new symptom from progressing any further.

The goal of any DMD to prevent the accumulation of any more damage, and once the inflammation has slowed, your body has the ability (depending on your age) to repair the damage. Don't wait too long! Good luck!

[Ant1981]

Thanks for your input

Ant1981, I would highly recommend a DMD and recommend you look at those with the highest efficacy, i.e. the infusions, Tysabri or Ocrevus. I chose Tysabri, and am SO glad I did. The progression caused by inflammation before diagnosis continued for several years. However, it has slowed considerably and maybe even stopped in the past couple years. I'm convinced it is responsible for stopping a new symptom from progressing any further.

The goal of any DMD to prevent the accumulation of any more damage, and once the inflammation has slowed, your body has the ability (depending on your age) to repair the damage. Don't wait too long! Good luck!

OK that good info, I'm 36 and definitely going on a DMD as soon as I consult with my MS specialists. I'm a little worried about side effects but still I'm gonna have to do it. I'm not going to focus too much on diet as I'm losing eight but I'll follow theee simple rules:
- 10-15 g saturated fat
-just drink skim milk
-lotsa fruit and veg
-whole wheat grains and brown rice
-low sodium/low sugar or elimanate preferably
-consume wild caught salmon and olives+ cook with olive oil and use with lemon for salad dressings
-try to get organic when possible but I'm not rich.

acupuncture is something I'd like to try too.

im using aromatherapy and diffusing lavender oil and I love it. It calms me down and makes me feel good, I like how it makes me feel

-Best to all

[JerryD]

Hi Ant1981,
You ask a million dollar question that has not been fully investigated. But Dr. Swank did believe that following his dietary suggestions would make living with MS more tolerable. And he started forming his MS ideas during WWII and followed up on many of his patients for 20 or 30 years.
I think your question is very important. I would like to throw this out to you. Have you ever asked your doctor or any PCP about their study of nutrition in med school? I asked my doctor and my neurologist and they answered "very few hours of lectures were devoted to the study of nutrition" ! I asked my cousin, who is a practicing PCP, and his answer was " very little time is spent in medical school teaching med students about nutrition". There ends my investigation of this topic.
I, personally, feel that diet has a very large part of tolerating life with MS. Good luck











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