Question about diet - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

tooobuzi · 02-21-2005, 07:48 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?

sunshine149 · 02-22-2005, 09:54 AM

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.

Dawn36 · 02-22-2005, 10:21 AM

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, 12:04 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, 01:06 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!