Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder characterized by the destruction of myelin, a protein sheath that surrounds nerve cells, allowing for the quick conduction of nerve signals between the brain and the body. When myelin is destroyed, nerve signals are interrupted, causing varying symptoms depending on the site of destruction. Along with other treatment plans, a number of diets that may lessen the damage done by MS have been suggested. One such diet, proposed by Dr. Roy Swank, is known as the Swank MS Diet. Please consult your doctor before beginning this or any other diet regimen.
Causes of MS
The cause or causes of MS are unknown, although scientists believe a combination of factors may contribute to the disease. Immunologic, environmental, infectious and vascular disturbances may each play a role. Studies show that those with MS may be genetically predisposed to the disease, although specific genes have not been identified, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Some scientists, Dr. Roy Swank among them, have believed that diet may also be a contributing factor.
Background
Dr. Roy L. Swank, who died in 2008, was a neurologist at the University of Oregon Medical School. Dr. Swank was reviewing United Nations food-intake data in the 1950s, when he found that the incidence of MS was higher in regions where the incidence of heart disease was also high. Further, both of these conditions occurred in areas where people consumed high amounts of saturated fat. As reported in an interview with California physician Dr. J. McDougall, Dr. Swank did his own surveys in Norway, and the results showed a correlation.
The Diet
Seeing a correlation between fat consumption and the incidence of MS, Dr. Swank created a low-fat diet that he believed would benefit patients with MS. While essential fatty acids are necessary for good health, saturated fats such as those found in dairy, red meat and processed foods can have adverse effects on health over time. The Swank diet is a low-fat, very low-saturated-fat (less than 10 grams per day) diet that is largely vegetarian. Some animal protein is allowed, such as skim milk, egg whites and white-meat poultry. The diet also includes nuts and vegetable oils, as well as vitamin supplements, according to the Swank MS Foundation.
Other MS Diets
Several other diets are marketed as potentially able to alter the course of MS. The Paleo Diet, a grain-free diet mimicking the diets of our pre-agricultural ancestors, is one that has been put forward. Gluten-free, yeast-free and dairy-free diets have also been suggested. Some natural health practitioners advise so-called allergic diets, eliminating common allergens and then adding them back to the diet slowly in order to determine an individual's reactions to specific foods.
Recommendations
Studies of the Swank MS diet are limited to those done by Dr. Swank himself, and the findings are largely anecdotal and involve a small numbers of patients. The National MS Society does not endorse any specific diet for MS, saying that there is a lack of research showing that any diet will alter the disease course. At present, standard diet recommendations for MS include following a common-sense, healthy diet that is high in grains, fruits and vegetables and is low in saturated fat.
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