MS And Diet
Diet and nutrition is paramount for anyone that has MS and any other chronic illness. Health problems from a bad diet and or nutrition could lead to an increase in problematic symptoms of any chronic disease. I know that a well balanced and maintained diet are good for me. Now, if only I could not be so lazy in regards to this. Not lazy in the terms of just eating whatever I want. My problem is that I am always on some cooky diet to beat a seemingly undefeatable battle with trying to lose steroid weight. And by the way, is that even possible to lose steroid weight after being on and off mega steroids for almost six years? Just asking.
But, I am noticing that I am getting older and the extra weight is causing me some problems that I didn't have, say, in my 20's and 30's. I have elevated cholesterol and my blood pressure is slowly creeping up. So, no I am much more invested. MS specialist recommend that people with MS follow the same low fat, high fiber diet as the general public. High fiber is a must due to many medications do cause constipation.
- I have heard of some diets that are said to refuse or allow a person with MS to be symptom free. One diet that I am interested in buying is the Swank MS Diet. http://www.swankmsdiet.org/. The Swank MS Diet was discovered by Dr. Roy Swank. The premise of this diet is that a low-fat diet, very low in saturated fats and polyunsaturated oils, helps MS patients live healthy and productive lives. Also low in red and other fatty meats, high in grains, fruits and vegetables, it is simple to follow and in many cases alleviates chronic symptoms. Ofcourse, this MS Diet would be great for the general public to aid in obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and ofcourse MS.
Here is a quick reference to the Swank MS Diet. I am definitely ordering my book today and along with this and watching my carbs, maybe I could not only lose weight, but radically reduce my symptoms, especially my pain.
QUICK REFERENCE
- Saturated fat should not exceed 15 grams per day.
- Unsaturated fat (oils) should be kept to 20-50 grams per day.
- No red meat for the first year.
- After the first year, 3 oz. of red meat is allowed once per week.
- Dairy products must contain 1% or less butterfat unless otherwise noted.
- No processed foods containing saturated fat.
- Cod liver oil (1 tsp. or equivalent capsules) and a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement are recommended daily.
