shelaghsc
02-22-2009, 07:59 PM
I am new with MS and would welcome any suggestions on diet, exercise and suppliments. I am going to be starting the Copaxone treatment, but would like to look at all areas. I want to stay as proactive as possible. Thanks.
Sponsor
MSNik
02-22-2009, 10:43 PM
First welcome to the board and welcome to the world of disease modifying drugs. Ive been on Rebif for 3 years..
Diet and Nutrition, including supplements are important, but not nearly as important as some think. My MS Specialist feels that placing too much emphasis on either, can be contra-productive because you miss out on the good things in life! He says "everything in moderation" and dont make yourself miss out on any foods you love- because its tough enough having MS. I kind of agree. However, Ive also spoken to many nutritionists who emphasize that certain supplements are so important...you can read more on healthboards by searching MS and Diet or MS and supplements and youll get all kinds of responses.
Here is what most people will tell you to look into and honestly, what I do for myself. Take fish oil. A good quality pharmaceutical grade fish oil. Buy it in a health food store or vitamin shoppe. For now on, if you see it at your local grocery store or Walmart, its probably not cold pressed, pharmaceutical grade or worth buying. All oils high in Omega 3--6--9 are important, so that means you might also want to take some flax seed oil or evening primrose oil capsules along with fish oil, to make sure you are getting the right amounts. These oils are important for brain health as well as important for heart health.
Take B12, if you have had your levels checked by a doctor. Dont over-do B12. 400-500 mgs a day is a good supplement. Take Calcium with Magnesium. Its a good supplement and necessary for overall health. Take a multi vitamin- and take vitamin D. You shoudld make sure it is D3, or Calcipheron as it is known. Its the vitamin D absorbled by the body. If you have numbness or tingling, things like Tumeric can help...its also a supplement. What you DO NOT want to take are things which stimulate the immune system. No eccineachea or diet aids- caffeeine isnt good for you if you over-do it. A normal cup or two a day wont hurt you. Anything that stimulates immune system, or immune boosting, stay away from.
As for exercise, whatever you can handle is recommended. Trying NOT to overheat the body is key...so swimming is highly recommended, but if you do it inside at a YMCA or GYM, make sure the water isnt above 73 degrees. Many pools are kept hotter. Heat is bad. So, aerobic exercise should be done in moderation...over heating the body can definately result in a relapse of symtoms. Yoga and Pilates are highly recommended- all kinds of stretching and toning is good...as are balance exercises. I use a yoga ball and do tapes in my basement, as well as walking on a treadmill....and I have a fan blowing on me at all times, which really helps. IN the summer, the cold pool in my yard is awesome; however, in the winter, I avoid any indoor sports and stick to my temp controlled basement.
I hope this gives you a place to start....welcome to the board.
Nikki
Diet and Nutrition, including supplements are important, but not nearly as important as some think. My MS Specialist feels that placing too much emphasis on either, can be contra-productive because you miss out on the good things in life! He says "everything in moderation" and dont make yourself miss out on any foods you love- because its tough enough having MS. I kind of agree. However, Ive also spoken to many nutritionists who emphasize that certain supplements are so important...you can read more on healthboards by searching MS and Diet or MS and supplements and youll get all kinds of responses.
Here is what most people will tell you to look into and honestly, what I do for myself. Take fish oil. A good quality pharmaceutical grade fish oil. Buy it in a health food store or vitamin shoppe. For now on, if you see it at your local grocery store or Walmart, its probably not cold pressed, pharmaceutical grade or worth buying. All oils high in Omega 3--6--9 are important, so that means you might also want to take some flax seed oil or evening primrose oil capsules along with fish oil, to make sure you are getting the right amounts. These oils are important for brain health as well as important for heart health.
Take B12, if you have had your levels checked by a doctor. Dont over-do B12. 400-500 mgs a day is a good supplement. Take Calcium with Magnesium. Its a good supplement and necessary for overall health. Take a multi vitamin- and take vitamin D. You shoudld make sure it is D3, or Calcipheron as it is known. Its the vitamin D absorbled by the body. If you have numbness or tingling, things like Tumeric can help...its also a supplement. What you DO NOT want to take are things which stimulate the immune system. No eccineachea or diet aids- caffeeine isnt good for you if you over-do it. A normal cup or two a day wont hurt you. Anything that stimulates immune system, or immune boosting, stay away from.
As for exercise, whatever you can handle is recommended. Trying NOT to overheat the body is key...so swimming is highly recommended, but if you do it inside at a YMCA or GYM, make sure the water isnt above 73 degrees. Many pools are kept hotter. Heat is bad. So, aerobic exercise should be done in moderation...over heating the body can definately result in a relapse of symtoms. Yoga and Pilates are highly recommended- all kinds of stretching and toning is good...as are balance exercises. I use a yoga ball and do tapes in my basement, as well as walking on a treadmill....and I have a fan blowing on me at all times, which really helps. IN the summer, the cold pool in my yard is awesome; however, in the winter, I avoid any indoor sports and stick to my temp controlled basement.
I hope this gives you a place to start....welcome to the board.
Nikki
shelaghsc
02-22-2009, 11:57 PM
Thank you so much for the information. It is very helpful.
MSJayhawk
02-23-2009, 12:19 AM
I am new with MS and would welcome any suggestions on diet, exercise and suppliments. I am going to be starting the Copaxone treatment, but would like to look at all areas. I want to stay as proactive as possible. Thanks.
I try to stay with the Swank Diet. My doctor has me on a passive exercise program that has really helped me rehab my legs. It works the whole body too.
I try to stay with the Swank Diet. My doctor has me on a passive exercise program that has really helped me rehab my legs. It works the whole body too.
Bearygood
02-23-2009, 12:29 PM
Hi, shelaghsc. MS is a very individualized disease in that how it OR something will affect one person is not necessarily the same way it will affect another. Even with things heat, while not uncommon, not all of us are heat intolerant.
Opinions are also individualized and in MINE, it is best to do as much research as you can and reach your own conclusions. Some may say caffeine is bad and then you will read that there are studies that say it might actually be beneficial to people with MS.
Same goes for supplements. There is a lot of information to wade through but it's worth your time. You can do a search on this board and there are many other good places to get information. Personally, I think it's important in understanding the reasons behind things you hear you should and shouldn't ingest. Specifically in regard to supplements, make sure you tell one of the doctors who cares for you what you're taking and how much -- or even discuss it with them beforehand. Not all supplements are just okay to take without regard to the amounts, etc.
I think the best thing anyone can do is become better educated by learning on your own. You can get guidance on the boards but I encourage you to keep researching.
As MSJayhawk mentioned, there are also diets out there that are worth looking into, like Swank, Best Bet, etc. Even most of us who don't follow them to a 't' are familiar with the principles of the diet and even things like that make us more knowledgeable about MS. I'm sorry you have it and none of us WANT it but you will find out pretty quickly that it is a very interesting disease!
Good luck to you.
Opinions are also individualized and in MINE, it is best to do as much research as you can and reach your own conclusions. Some may say caffeine is bad and then you will read that there are studies that say it might actually be beneficial to people with MS.
Same goes for supplements. There is a lot of information to wade through but it's worth your time. You can do a search on this board and there are many other good places to get information. Personally, I think it's important in understanding the reasons behind things you hear you should and shouldn't ingest. Specifically in regard to supplements, make sure you tell one of the doctors who cares for you what you're taking and how much -- or even discuss it with them beforehand. Not all supplements are just okay to take without regard to the amounts, etc.
I think the best thing anyone can do is become better educated by learning on your own. You can get guidance on the boards but I encourage you to keep researching.
As MSJayhawk mentioned, there are also diets out there that are worth looking into, like Swank, Best Bet, etc. Even most of us who don't follow them to a 't' are familiar with the principles of the diet and even things like that make us more knowledgeable about MS. I'm sorry you have it and none of us WANT it but you will find out pretty quickly that it is a very interesting disease!
Good luck to you.
glamour girl
02-24-2009, 01:11 AM
Hello and welcome. My supplements regime is the same as Nikki, except for the turmeric. Haven't tried that.
Just try to eat healthy. as for excersise i do go to the gym. When joing see if you can get a assesment with a trainer who knows about MS. You dont want to go hard or you can easly over do it.
I pinched a nerve in my back this morning just from sneezing. So i decided not to work out at the gym today. went for a liitle walk insted. Still gotta keep the legs going.
Healthy days to you.
DX with MS 2001
Avonex since 2001
Just try to eat healthy. as for excersise i do go to the gym. When joing see if you can get a assesment with a trainer who knows about MS. You dont want to go hard or you can easly over do it.
I pinched a nerve in my back this morning just from sneezing. So i decided not to work out at the gym today. went for a liitle walk insted. Still gotta keep the legs going.
Healthy days to you.
DX with MS 2001
Avonex since 2001
TylerMS88
02-24-2009, 09:11 AM
I have been on Copaxone for the last 8-9 years. It has worked really well for me. I was on Betaseron before that for 9-10 years. Regarding diet and excercise. First, i will mention climate as I live in Florida, humidity has its affects on me, even a hot shower. Your location in San Francisco should be helpful for you, not extremely hot or cold. I do my excercising in the early morning to avoid the heat. I also excercise when I feel best, in the morning and I stay on an active routine. I have found that pool therapy is helpful for me. The waters buoyancy helps with balance and the water helps with resistance. The pool jets are an enjoyable muscle message when you're done. You will have to find your limits because if you overwork your body, your MS could exacerbate. Try to keep a log or journal of all your activities including sleep (naps) so you have something to go back to if there are problems. This is very important when it comes to diet as well! There may be things that trigger an MS episode the journal will help you and the doctor to pinpoint. A healthy diet should consist of all the major food groups, try to avoid pre-packaged items. Fresh fruits, vegetables and leans meats depending on your tastes are a must. Good luck and I hope this helps!
shelaghsc
02-25-2009, 12:13 AM
Thank you for all the great information. I have started a low-impact aerobics and yoga class. Once summer is here I can swim in our pool as I hear that is the best exercise.
Shelagh
Shelagh
shelaghsc
02-25-2009, 12:16 AM
I like your idea of finding a trainer that is familiar with MS. I will also check out the Swank Diet as I have about 30 pounds to lose. I saw his book on Amazon.
Shelagh
Shelagh
taosdaphne
02-25-2009, 06:00 PM
I've been on Copaxone for about a year, and it took at least six months before I could tell if it;s working. It is. I haven't fallen in months and walk unaided for short periods. If my balance and my back issues ever resolve, I hope to be able to walk longer.
I agree w. everything everybody has said about nutrition and exercise, but would add this. I was literally on the verge (appt made) to have a suprapubic catheter put in because I was having just dreadful incontinence problems. But first I used myself as an experimental animal. :) I gave up ALL carbonated beverages (incl. sparkling waters AND I gave up all artificial sweeteners. Bingo. Zero incontinence problems, and I think I'm ready to go back to real undies rather than paper throwaways.
I was talking to my adored pain doc about this, and he said that anything that gave a sweet taste--including stevia--told the brain, yummy! sweet carbohydrates! But then there aren't any carbs to dissolve so brain says Uh,oh! Carbs are missing! I must have two helpings of pasta, not one! So the doc says use honey or raw, uprocessed sugar, and I'll lose weight. Haven't seen weight loss yet, but my hunger has dropped to nothing. I frequently forget about lunch! And since I can't cook safely anymore and my partner hates cooking, we are doing a lot of microwave instant dinners, usually from Kashi or from Amy's. Kashi makes some esp good dishes, all w.o preservatives and other yucky additives.
I agree w. everything everybody has said about nutrition and exercise, but would add this. I was literally on the verge (appt made) to have a suprapubic catheter put in because I was having just dreadful incontinence problems. But first I used myself as an experimental animal. :) I gave up ALL carbonated beverages (incl. sparkling waters AND I gave up all artificial sweeteners. Bingo. Zero incontinence problems, and I think I'm ready to go back to real undies rather than paper throwaways.
I was talking to my adored pain doc about this, and he said that anything that gave a sweet taste--including stevia--told the brain, yummy! sweet carbohydrates! But then there aren't any carbs to dissolve so brain says Uh,oh! Carbs are missing! I must have two helpings of pasta, not one! So the doc says use honey or raw, uprocessed sugar, and I'll lose weight. Haven't seen weight loss yet, but my hunger has dropped to nothing. I frequently forget about lunch! And since I can't cook safely anymore and my partner hates cooking, we are doing a lot of microwave instant dinners, usually from Kashi or from Amy's. Kashi makes some esp good dishes, all w.o preservatives and other yucky additives.
Bearygood
02-25-2009, 06:56 PM
Very interesting! I'm with you on the artificial sweetener and additive thing (as you know, not everyone shares that belief) but Stevia??? So...what your doctor is saying is that any sweet taste signals the brain and then to compensate for the lack of carbs it expects, it makes one susceptible to overeating? Never heard that before. Please let me know if I'm getting this right. Hmm.
I'm also a big fan of Agave. All natural and it DOES have carbs but the glycemic index is fairly low (lower than honey).
And GOOD FOR YOU, Daphne!!! I love hearing stories like this! I'm a big believer in these types of things but it's always nice to have your faith renewed with another success story!
I'm also a big fan of Agave. All natural and it DOES have carbs but the glycemic index is fairly low (lower than honey).
And GOOD FOR YOU, Daphne!!! I love hearing stories like this! I'm a big believer in these types of things but it's always nice to have your faith renewed with another success story!
shelaghsc
02-25-2009, 11:21 PM
I am glad to hear that the Copaxone is working for you. I am keeping a positive mind that I will do well with the treatment and have good results.
Shelagh
Shelagh
Lisa_P
02-26-2009, 01:39 PM
My MS Specialist has had me on 400 IU Vitamin D-3 every day for almost a year and I swear it has been such a boon. He tells me I HAVE to get exercise, but I'm a typical American lazy-bones... So instead of a few times a week I think I exercise a couple of times a month! I wear out too easily to sustain it. My BAD! I'm going to start trying just 15 mins. a day, but... Never tried the Swank diet thing, but I understand it's primarily about anti-inflammatory stuff. Isn't there a diet out there called the Perricone Diet? Something like that.
Anyway! That's my 2 cents!
Anyway! That's my 2 cents!
Bearygood
02-26-2009, 02:58 PM
I'm taking a lot more D3 than that, Lisa, and my levels are still within normal range. I'm due for another blood test soon to check it.
Re: diets, the most popular ones for MS are the Swank and Best Bet -- there are other diets now as well but they use a lot of the same principles. They do tend to be anti-inflammatory and also anti-allergenic. Sometimes you can also do well on your own by understanding which foods do what. Common culprits are sugar (this includes all white flour products), fat, dairy and gluten. Some diets even suggest excluding all citrus. In arthritis (also considered inflammatory/autoimmune) it is suggest to avoid all nightshade vegetables. There are also things you can try to INclude, like walnuts, ginger and turmeric (all anti-inflammatory foods) and other things for brain health (like blueberries).
An interesting list to check out is the glycemic index for foods. While the lists were primarily created in consideration of diabetes, the information is very useful if you're trying to eat anti-inflammatory.
Re: diets, the most popular ones for MS are the Swank and Best Bet -- there are other diets now as well but they use a lot of the same principles. They do tend to be anti-inflammatory and also anti-allergenic. Sometimes you can also do well on your own by understanding which foods do what. Common culprits are sugar (this includes all white flour products), fat, dairy and gluten. Some diets even suggest excluding all citrus. In arthritis (also considered inflammatory/autoimmune) it is suggest to avoid all nightshade vegetables. There are also things you can try to INclude, like walnuts, ginger and turmeric (all anti-inflammatory foods) and other things for brain health (like blueberries).
An interesting list to check out is the glycemic index for foods. While the lists were primarily created in consideration of diabetes, the information is very useful if you're trying to eat anti-inflammatory.