Foods to Avoid With MS

The Swank Diet is low fat diet proposed for multiple sclerosis. The diet was formulated by Dr. Roy L. Swank, neurologist and former head of University of Oregon's neurology department. His program is based on reducing animal fat and dairy products from the diet. Symptoms of MS are related to the nerve damage and inflammation that occurs in the brain or spinal cord. By cutting down the fat, the diet has an anti-inflammatory effect, thus it may help reduce symptoms of MS.

High-Fat Dairy

The Swank Diet recommends eliminating the following dairy products: whole milk, cream, butter, margarine, sour cream, ice cream with over one percent fat, ice milk, cheese with one percent or more butterfat, and creamed or partially creamed cottage cheese. Dairy products containing palm, coconut or hydrogenated oils are also not recommended. Nonfat milk and yogurt, and low fat cheeses, are allowed in any amount.

Meats

According to Swank Diet, no red meat should be eaten during the first year of the diet, and afterwards no more then three ounces of red meat weekly. The following meats have to be avoided because of their high content of fat: spareribs, goose, duck, bacon, salami, frankfurters, ground turkey or chicken, and all wieners and sausages.

Hidden Fats

Dr. Swank suggests that only 25 to 50 percent of the average person's daily fat intake are so called visible fats; it is easy to notice that foods such as cream or butter have high content of fat.

There are also hidden fats, which are the result of cooking the foods, using shortening or adding eggs to foods. Also, lean meats contain hidden fats. The intake of hidden fats can be significantly reduced by broiling or steaming the foods, rather than frying them. According to Dr. Swank, both visible and hidden fats should be avoided by individuals with MS.

Considerations

In a 1998 interview with Dr. McDougall, MD, researcher and author of "The McDougall Plan: 12 Days to Dynamic Health," Dr .Swank describes the efficacy of the low fat diet based on a study conducted at the University of Oregon. Dr. Swank found that individuals who followed a very low-fat diet soon after they were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis had a 95 percent chance of staying free from further disability.

Although Swank Diet shows promising results in MS sufferers, more research should evaluate its efficacy. According to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a low-fat and high-fiber diet is beneficial for overall health; however, the link between Swank Diet or other diets and MS is not established yet. Swank diet does not replace conventional treatment. Always consult a medical professional before starting a diet.