Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that results in the deterioration of the protective sheaths that cover your nerves. While good nutrition is vital for any chronic illness, no specific dietary guidelines have been established for multiple sclerosis like there has been for other types of diseases. Links between the condition and diet might exist however, and the Best Bet Diet, created by scientist Ashton F. Embry, aims to address some of these possible connections.
Goal of the BBD Diet
The BBD aims to improve immune system functioning by addressing "leaky gut," a condition where damage to the intestinal lining causes substances to leak from the intestines out into the bloodstream. Embry believes certain proteins in particular get into the bloodstream and activate the improper immune response that triggers destruction of the myelin sheaths.
Food Allergies
Food allergies can irritate the immune system and as part of the diet protocol, Embry recommends undergoing the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, or ELISA allergy test. It checks your blood for the presence of certain antibodies when exposed to a variety of foods and can determine food allergies. You should avoid any foods that you test positive for.
The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center in the United Kingdom explains that you can visit a doctor or send away for a test kit from a lab that performs the test. They will send instructions for obtaining a blood sample and mailing the kit back for testing.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods might increase damage to the intestinal linings and activate improper immune responses. Embry suggests completely eliminating dairy, gluten, legumes, sugar and margarine. Even if you do not test positive for food allergies to any of these items, you are advised not to include them in your diet.
If you do not test positive for yeast and egg allergies, you can eat them in moderation. Keep saturated fat to no more than 15g daily. Grains that have gluten include wheat, oats, barley rye, semolina, spelt, couscous, durum and kamut.
Acceptable Foods
The BBD mainly focuses on lean animal proteins like white meat chicken and turkey, fish and bison and fruits and vegetables of all kinds. Embry also suggests eating healthy fats to combat inflammation. He particularly recommends monounsaturated fats such as extra virgin olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fatty fish and flax seed. You can also consume gluten-free grains like corn, buckwheat, rice, quinoa and millet.
Supplementation
The BBD regimen also includes the recommendation to supplement with certain nutrients in addition to the diet. Embry explains that damage to the blood-brain barrier -- a group of capillaries that restrict certain substances in the blood from moving into the brain region -- can result in inflammation involved in multiple sclerosis. He points to animal experiments that showed certain antioxidants improved BBB functioning. They include bilberry, grape seed extract and pycnogenol. He also recommends taking a broad range of vitamins and minerals -- taking a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement can help meet daily intake goals. Do not use natural supplements without first talking to your doctor. Further, this diet is not a substitute for standard medical treatment; consult your physician before undertaking the Best Bet Diet to treat your MS.
