tooobuzi
02-21-2005, 10:48 PM
I have heard two different things regarding diet and MS. When I asked one doctor if I might need to change my diet she said that she just recommended a good balanced diet. But then I just read today that certain foods can cause increased symptoms.
Is anyone on any special type of diet? Has anyone tried the "Zone" diet? Have any of you noticed any certain foods triggering relapses?
Is anyone on any special type of diet? Has anyone tried the "Zone" diet? Have any of you noticed any certain foods triggering relapses?
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sunshine149
02-22-2005, 12:54 PM
I avoid dairy products and wheat (gluten). I have noticed repeatedly an increase in symptoms when I eat these foods. When I was first diagnosed, I was working at a coffe shop and was drinking 2-3 lattes everyday and more often then not, a deli sandwich with bread and cheese along with the meat.
I can not eat pasta any more, it makes me sick. Same with potatoes.
I try to stick with low fat meats like chicken breasts and fish and I eat a lot of rice and spinach salads. i stick to this, my reoccuring symptoms settle down and i haven't experieced flare-ups duriing the times i eat like this.
but, it's hard, and i've fallen off the healthy food wagon many times over the past 8 years.
I can not eat pasta any more, it makes me sick. Same with potatoes.
I try to stick with low fat meats like chicken breasts and fish and I eat a lot of rice and spinach salads. i stick to this, my reoccuring symptoms settle down and i haven't experieced flare-ups duriing the times i eat like this.
but, it's hard, and i've fallen off the healthy food wagon many times over the past 8 years.
Dawn36
02-22-2005, 01:21 PM
I read a very good article about possible connections between food allergies, MS and the blood/brain barrier. Can mail you the article ifyou like. If you think the science is valid, as I do, you might then want to have your neurologist ok a blood test (not skin) for hidden food allergies. Altho i had no overt symptoms, my test results showed, among other things, that my allergy to eggs was off the charts. So i have avoided them for years now.
baddoey
02-22-2005, 03:04 PM
I've done quite a bit of research on this From what I've found it is very important for people with MS to eat a healthy diet - so what does that mean? low in saturated fat and low in processed sugers, organic when possible, lots of fruits and veggies, avoid dairy and take ginger and tumeric. A friend of mine is a vegan - and was for 4 years before his dx - he is also and avid body-builder and runner. . . so no matter how "good" you are sometimes MS just grabs you.
Arraicha
02-22-2005, 04:06 PM
I've always been recommended to stay away from caffeine, smoking and alcohol and to get as much vitamin D as I can. Of course, everyone should eat a healthy diet, not just people with MS!
tooobuzi
02-22-2005, 07:37 PM
Thank you all for all the great information. One question. Why is dairy bad? Is it the type of fat in dairy? Gosh and I LOVE ice cream, thats the pits!
Arraicha
02-22-2005, 08:30 PM
I don't think dairy is really bad as long as you chose low in fat products. Some people (MS or not) don't believe in dairy foods, though. Also, lactose intolerance is fairly common, although I don't know if the statistics are higher in people with MS.
cactus46
02-23-2005, 03:56 AM
I have a question if anyone knows. How does a high fat diet affect MS or should I say how does a low fat diet help?
I'm also curious about caffeine. I work crazy hours and need it to stay on my feet. Anyone have any info?
Julie
I'm also curious about caffeine. I work crazy hours and need it to stay on my feet. Anyone have any info?
Julie
baddoey
02-23-2005, 09:46 AM
In regards to dairy, it seems some reseach indicates that dairy has an inflamatory effect on the system. . as far as caffeine goes I think that relates to fatigue and trying to keep the body in balance - excessive caffeine isn't good for you and can put additional pressure on the immune system.
sunshine149
02-23-2005, 01:08 PM
with regards to fat in the diet. the brain is made of fatty acids and these fats are omega 3 fatty acids. most western diets are rich in omega 6 fatty acids. the body needs BOTH, however our burger and french fries culture (in the US anyway) is heavy on omega 6. the idea is to eat a diet rich in omega 3 (fish, nuts etc) so it is easier for the brain to use the fat. since it is thought that MS has something to do with blood/brain barrier.... omega 3's don't need a conversion.... olive oil is a great source of omega 3 (as is flax, fish oil and evening primrose oil) olive oil is the only oil that can be heated and it doesn't become a trans fat.... this happens with every other oil.
tooobuzi
02-24-2005, 08:47 PM
Thanks again for all the great info.
cactus46
02-25-2005, 01:17 AM
Ditto what Tooobuzi said! The information was very helpful.
Julie
Julie