The founder of diet research into the cause and treatment of MS, DIRECT-MS, Mr. Ashton Embry recommends that those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, eliminate gluten grains from their diet. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or NMSS, describes MS as "A chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system." The central nervous system, or CNS, is composed of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Multiple small areas of scar tissue, or sclerosis, named plaques are seen in the CNS on MRI. Denise M. Nowack, RD of the Southern California chapter of the NMSS writes, "Eating well is a cornerstone to living well with MS."
Demyelination
Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease, where the body's defense mechanism's attack myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds the nerves in the CNS. This process is called demyelination. Nerve fibers may also be damaged in the attack. When demyelination occurs, the nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain are disturbed, leading to symptoms. Registered Dietitian, Denise M. Nowack writes, "Understanding the relationship between symptoms and diet can be an important step in maintaining optimal health."
Symptoms
According to the NMSS, "An estimated 400,000 Americans have MS." Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50. The symptoms include tingling, numbness, painful sensations. slurred speech, blurred or double vision, weakness, poor coordination and fatigue. These symptoms may come and go, appear in combinations, be mild, moderate or severe and be triggered by food allergies.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, or CD, is an autoimmune disease that is caused and treated by diet. CD is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. The body's immune system forms antibodies and attacks the broken-down products of the gluten grains. CD complications can include other autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and thyroid disorder. According to a 2001 research study conducted by Kieslich et al., "Patients with CD can present with CNS abnormalities on MRI," proving that other gluten-induced autoimmune diseases besides MS can also have visible plaques on MRI.
Testing
If you are allergic to gluten grains, you will know for sure by observation and testing. Maintaining a detailed nutritional notebook is a great starting tool. By recording what you've eaten, what food combinations you've eaten, how much you consumed, how you felt afterward, what your energy level was later and if any symptoms arose, you will receive extremely useful nutritional information. Food allergy testing can be accomplished through blood testing or skin reaction testing, to confirm the observation in your nutritional notes. The notebook and food allergy testing allows you to find out what works and doesn't work for you on an individual basis and to better plan your nutritional strategies.
Food Allergies
Food allergies elicit a wide range of symptoms. If you are allergic to gluten grains, they should be eliminated from your diet for health reasons. If you suffer from MS or CD, it is imperative that you eliminate gluten consumption. Mr. Ashton Embry of DIRECT-MS recommends, "Eliminating any foods that cause allergic reaction as determined by body reaction or testing and eliminating gluten grains for their potential to elicit autoimmune reactions."
References
- "What is Multiple Sclerosis?: General Information"; National MS Society; 2007
- "Food for Thought: MS and Nutrition: Staying Well"; Denise M. Nowack; 2008
- "Celiac Disease: A Hidden Edipemic"; Peter H. R. Green & Rory Jones; 2010
- DIRECT-MS: Diet Research into the Cause and Treatment of MS: Recommendations
- National MS Society: What is Multiple Sclerosis?
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