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    Anyone advised to change diet?

    So I went to a general neuro and he said I had a problem with my brain, but didn't know what it was. His only advice was to cut out gluten in an effort to cure myself of my symptoms. He said this despite giving me a diagnosis. He called my GP up and told her the same thing and when I went to see her she strongly supported his recommendation.

    Went to see an MS specialist shortly after (first neuro sent me) and when I told her she did not concur. Doesn't think gluten has anything to do with my health problems and did not support the gluten free diet. Only recommended more vitamin D.

    Since I am desperate to get better I have cut the gluten out. Unfortunately I have seen no improvement. My husband thinks the whole thing is ridiculous and unsubstantiated. Can't understand why they would make diet recommendations without a diagnosis. Thinks I should listen to the MS specialist only and ignore the advice of the two others.

    I am honestly so confused these days. So many conflicting opinions and advice, it's impossible to know who to trust and what to do. Anyone been given advice about dietary changes before and did it help?

    #2
    Anyone advised to change diet?

    There is a lot of info about diet and MS (the Wahl's Protocal, the Swank Diet, the Best Bet Diet). I've had MS for 23 years, and for most of that time, I was vegan. When my symptoms started getting worse (about 5-6 years ago), I tried the Wahl's diet for 6 months, but I continued to decline. My doctor said that some people are helped by making dietary changes, but not everyone is. Of course, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and exercising as much as you are able, and not eating total crap is important.

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      #3
      I would suggest that you read Dr. McDougall's ( MacDougall ) books on diet. Dr. Roy Swank, who died recently, did much work and study on diet and MS. He wrote the book on this philosophy. His study dates to the Second World War.
      I have sought the help of a 'naturopath' who is also an MD. He recommended that I follow the diet ( meal ) recipes of these doctors, as well as others.
      I found that much of these meal plans make me feel better, but my wife will not buy in. So I am kind of screwed by her attitude.
      Dr. Wahls in Iowa is conducting a clinical trial on the effects of diet on MS. If you are on good speaking terms with your medical team, you should ask your primary care doctor ..'how many hours of course study was taught to you in medical school'? Ask the same of your neurologist. They will probably answer 'nearly no time'! They will also answer the same about nutrition. I asked this of my medical team and the answers were 'nearly no time spent on diet and/or nutrition'. So to do anything regarding diet and nutrition, you will need to study and find a 'nutritionist'. You're on your own. Good luck

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        #4
        The issue I have with the diet recommendations is I don't even have a diagnosis. I have neurological symptoms/problems of an unknown origin. The neuro I went to did not even try to figure out the diagnosis, just told me to try a gluten free diet in the case gluten was "irritating my brain". In my experience doctors usually diagnose you and then recommend a treatment plan. If I had been told I had a specific disease and a certain diet was recommended I would be very receptive, but was told to go gluten free and I don't even have a diagnosis. It would be different if I was told to improve my eating, but he told me to eliminate an entire food group. Now I have eliminated the food group and I am still the same. Obviously my symptoms have nothing to do with gluten and of course I have no other treatment course at this time.

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          #5
          food sensitivities

          I recently sent an IgG dried blood spot test to Great Plains Lab (you can order one from their website. It cost $219. Your insurance might cover it).

          I found that I had high sensitivities to wheat/gluten and dairy products, as well as pecans. It doesn't mean that I am having big allergic reactions, but it is showing that I am making antibodies when I consume these foods. We certainly don't want to be making lots of antibodies with an autoimmune disease.

          I have SPMS. While I don't expect to get physically better by changing my diet, I hope to slow or stop the progression of this cruel disease. I have looked at the Swank, Wahl's, Paleo diets, etc. I had a very difficult time trying to eliminate so much and consume so many vegetables. I think checking for your food sensitivities is a good start. Little changes may add up over time. I certainly think that the food we eat has some effects the progression of this disease.

          I have only been eating gluten/wheat and dairy free meals for about 10 days. So far, the only difference is that there is less constipation, bloating, swelling and I am not having episodes of feeling freezing cold at night with tingling down my spine. I think this chilled feeling was definitely my body reacting. Thinking about every meal, just about all of the foods I was consuming had wheat/gluten and dairy in them.

          Anyhow, I will report back in a few weeks. Try to stay positive and hopeful!!!

          ** Moderator's note - Post broken into paragraphs for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print. **

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