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Best Bet Diet....Has anyone tried it ? (I'm new here)

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Posted 4/26/2007 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
I was dx with RRMS in June 2006 and thought about 2 months ago I would try one of these diets that are supposed to help with the symptoms etc. I have tried the Best Bet Diet which is basically cutting out gluten, dairy, sugar and red meat. I have found it hard to stay on when I am too tired to cook, so I have not been able to give it a far chance yet....has anyone else had success with this diet or another ? I would love to hear about it. I seem to be getting worse right now and I'm looking for some answers that could help !!
Posted 4/26/2007 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Braygirl

Welcome to the board! I"m glad to see u found us and hope u'll find the support and answers u may be looking for here. I'm so sorry about u'r dx, but glad to see u'r looking into better eating and self care...that's always positive! I haven't tried the Best Bet Diet or any others, but maybe some here have and will be along soon to give u their input. Take care and be sure to let us know how u'r doing. We have live chats on Mondays each week at 6:00pm (cst) and would love to have u join us! It's a great chance to ask some questions and get real time answers..and to laugh a little too. Hope to see u there!
Posted 4/26/2007 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I haven't heard of the diet either sorry.

Great people on this site, I hope you find it as helpful as I do!

KAS
Posted 4/26/2007 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
Are you on any meds? I have RRMS as well. My first episode was one year ago. In October 2006 I went to a place called Hippocrates for one week. While there i did a raw diet, juicing, and wheatgrass. I felt great! It wasn't until just recently that I realized that for that one week I was gluten free. So, I am now giving it an honest effort. I'm not going to beat myself up if I slip but I am trying. I don't know about the Best Bet Diet. But I believe our best best is eat Fresh fruits and Fresh vegetables, Fish and Fowl Avoid sugars. Keep a diary of what you eat and how it makes you feel. It can be eye opening. I'm on Rebif and lyrica.
Posted 4/27/2007 1:27 AM (GMT 0)

Hi  Braygirl,

I haven’t tried or heard of this diet either, but just wanted to say “hello” and good for you for trying to eat healthier. Even if you do not strictly adhere to the diet, just cutting out some of the processed foods and eating lots of fruits and veggies has got to be good for your overall health. I personally try to eat reasonably healthy foods, but often fail miserably, especially when I’m not feeling well. Right now my fridge contains condiments, stale bread, wilted and spotted produce (hey, I had good intentions), Copaxone, and ladybugs. Pretty pathetic right? (Before you think I’m really weird for having the ladybugs, I think I’d better explain that they will go outside on the plants to eat the aphids. I will show NO MERCY to the aphids this year, lol). Anyway, I’m rambling…just wanted to say welcome!

Sunny

Posted 4/27/2007 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Friday p.m.

 

Greetings, fellow MS'ers:

 

There was a book published by a Dr. Swank, called "The MS Diet", a number of years ago.

 

I purchased the book @ 12-13 years ago.  It is  a very common sense, lo-fat diet book.

 

Heavy on veggies and fruits, no red meat, high on sea food.

 

My wife and I eat that type of diet anyway, so I gave the book away.

 

I heard the books success described this way....you eat a low fat diet, you lose weight, you feel better...especially MS patients.

 

John

Posted 4/27/2007 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
There's also the MacDougall diet which I think is the one that also says no dairy. It's just 4Fs: fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fish and fowl. Although there might not be a lot of medical evidence linking diet with MS I think it couldn't hurt!
Posted 4/27/2007 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Well thanks for responding guys !! I got some good input and I like what Madlou said about keeping a journal of what I eat and how it makes me feel....I have never thought of doing that and it may really help. I have heard lots now about the Swank Diet as well so I think the moral of the story is lots of fruits and veggies and then you really can't go wrong !! I'm glad I joined because it's nice to be able to read about other people going through the same thing as me and then I don't feel so alone in this. It seems that even if you have all the support in the world, (which I do), it's frustrating when nobody can really relate !! By the way, I'm on Copaxone since Feb 9/2007. Haven't noticed a difference yet but it hasn't been too long. Thanks again !!
Posted 4/27/2007 9:13 PM (GMT 0)

braygirl said...
Well thanks for responding guys !! I got some good input and I like what Madlou said about keeping a journal of what I eat and how it makes me feel....I have never thought of doing that and it may really help. I have heard lots now about the Swank Diet as well so I think the moral of the story is lots of fruits and veggies and then you really can't go wrong !! I'm glad I joined because it's nice to be able to read about other people going through the same thing as me and then I don't feel so alone in this. It seems that even if you have all the support in the world, (which I do), it's frustrating when nobody can really relate !! By the way, I'm on Copaxone since Feb 9/2007. Haven't noticed a difference yet but it hasn't been too long. Thanks again !!

You said "....I'm on Copaxone since Feb 9/2007. Haven't noticed a difference yet but it hasn't been too long."

What sort of difference are you hoping for?

Posted 4/27/2007 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Uppitycats...I guess the difference I am looking for is a reduction of relapses. I had my first relapse in June 2006 and I am on the way to having a 3rd one if things keep progressing. (I've been on heavy steroids twice now). Besides relapses I also still have a lot of exacurbations with numbness and fatigue. I really don't feel different now than I did when I was first dx, and that's what I was hoping would change !! Am I expecting too much with the Copaxone, because I really don't know too much about the medications...only from the last couple months. ??
Posted 4/27/2007 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
What I'm finding with the food diary is that I am much more aware of what I am putting into my mouth. I'm going to have to write it down. If I don't I'm only lying to myself. I am noticing a definite drag on my energy with sugar and dairy. I still need to do more research on the whole gluten thing. There are apparently buzz words which indicate the presence of flour even when it isn't mentioned.

I have been on rebif since January 2007. I guess I expected to "feel" better, maybe like I felt before MS. Uh-uh, ain't gonna happen. I'm having my first real flare up and I know the best I can hope for is fewer of these. But I'm never going to feel like I did before. No meds going to do that...YET.
Posted 4/27/2007 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Braygirl,

 

    We, my husband and I, don't really follow a diet really, just eat sensibly.  I do like Madlou's suggestion of a journal to see how that works for you, really a great idea!  Many of us here keep symptom journals as well to help keep track of how things are going.  Please keep us informed on how you are doing, and welcome to the board!

 

Kimber

Posted 4/27/2007 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Madlou...I'm like you, I guess I expected my med to "take care of the rest" and life is perfect again !! Now I am realizing that's not the case. I just read Gretchen1 post and it reaffirmed that it could really take up to one year to know if a med is working. I think what I need to do the most is eliminate/reduce the stress because I think that makes a huge difference in how I feel !! Hope things get better for you !!
Posted 4/28/2007 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum and I wish the best for you. I was first dx in Sept 2006 and started the Copaxone in January of 2007, and haven't missed a shot. I went in with the realization that there is no cure for MS and the meds are there to help with the symptoms. It's only been a month, so give it some time PLEASE keep us in the loop though. Your progress is very important to us. :-)
Posted 4/29/2007 10:51 PM (GMT 0)

Yes I can give some input re: diet.  I was dx (8/06) and in September I started the Dr. Swank Diet for MS Patients.  It was formulated in the 1970's.  It too calls for no glutens, dairy, refined sugars, red meat etc.  I have been able to stay on it successfully.  When I started the diet I weighed 159 pounds and am now 135, going from a 10/12 to my current size 4.... yooo hooo!!!  I did not do the diet to lose weight, it just happened.  I will not pretend it is easy, it is a sacrifice but within about 2 months I was pretty much hooked and it was much easier to do.  I only drink water also, no milk, juices, sodas.  I tried fresh squeezed OJ a few weeks ago and almost got sick from the sweet taste. My body has really adapted to it.

You can order the book to see the diet in it's entirety... it does allow for more things than you might think,  like all dairy is not completely excluded following certain guidelines and too alot has changed in food since the 1970's so you can find things that fit the bill that the diet might say are excluded. Stores now carry gluten free bread products.

What made it easier for me to stick with it was that I gained so much more energy.  While I still experienced fatigue, I noticed I recovered quicker and could stay that way longer. Also less bowel and bladder issues.  I have slipped here and there a handful of times in the past 7 months, had a slice of pizza, a  burger, and I paid for it with increased fatigue and pain.  So I am an advocate for the dietary therapy for symptom management.  I also incorpoate a host of supplements (under the supervision of a holistic practitioner) so that I am not lacking in any vitamins I might miss by not eating certain foods.  Also preparing in advance makes it easier.  Try to prep breakfast and lunch items the day before, just makes it a little easier to stay with.

Hope that helped.

Posted 4/29/2007 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you butterflydoodle, I'm glad you've had success following a similar diet !! That confirms to me that I just need to be more diligent and stick with it, I just need to make sure I am planning my meals in advance so I'm not tempted to "go for something easier". I will do anything at this point to feel better so I will remember your post as inspiration when I feel too lazy to cook or eat healthy. Hope you're doing well !!
Posted 4/30/2007 3:05 PM (GMT 0)

braygirl said...
Hi Uppitycats...I guess the difference I am looking for is a reduction of relapses. I had my first relapse in June 2006 and I am on the way to having a 3rd one if things keep progressing. (I've been on heavy steroids twice now). Besides relapses I also still have a lot of exacurbations with numbness and fatigue. I really don't feel different now than I did when I was first dx, and that's what I was hoping would change !! Am I expecting too much with the Copaxone, because I really don't know too much about the medications...only from the last couple months. ??

I think you're confusing "relapses", and "exacerbations", and "residual symptoms", perhaps.  Things like numbness and fatigue are "residual symptoms", or things that could well be with you always.  A "relapse" or "exacerbation" is an intensifying of "old" symptoms, and or an occurance of "new symptoms" that last for at least 24 hours.

Many of us experience numbness, fatigue, maybe tingling, weakness in limbs -- on a regular 24/7 basis. Those are not new exacerbations, or new relapses, but the external signs of internal damage to the nervous system, that won't heal (or that might heal, but very slowly).

I've been on Betaseron for more than 12 years.  I don't feel any different now than when I first started it. I experience numbness, fatigue, tingling; can't walk (my legs failed before I started on the Betaseron), have bowel and bladder problems, etc...

but I've not acquired any NEW disability, or experienced new symptoms, since starting on it.

What symptoms are you experiencing that your doctor put you on steroids?

Posted 4/30/2007 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Uppitycats....my Doctors have been putting me on steroids when I have a relapse. For me I go from being almost perfect (fatigue and numbness aside), and then when I'm on the road to a relapse, within a couple weeks my legs and stomach will go numb and it will worsen to the point I can barley walk or at least without holding onto a wall or something. This latest relapse though has affected my vision also. It takes me a couple seconds to focus on anything and I see double of everything...this is a new symptom for me. My night spasms are also back, so it's impossible to get a decent sleep. They say that the steroids are used to stop the relapse from continuing or else it may cause permanent damage. I also know that steroids can't always be used because eventually your body gets used to them (like antibiotics). I feel like it hasn't even been one year and I've already had 3 relapses so I'm getting discouraged. I do recognize now that for me, STRESS is the most harmful to my health. When I am feeling good it's when everything is going good, and then it seems now when I have a hard time, here comes the relapse. I am really trying now to work on handling stress better and I think that will make a big difference !! Thanks for writing !!
Posted 4/30/2007 8:18 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, it does sound like you're having relapses, or exacerbations (same thing.)  Usually doctors don't like to prescribe the steroids unless the relapse is causing problems with what doctors call "Activities of Daily Living", or "ADL" -- walking (like you've described), or being able to feed yourself, or dress or bathe yourself, or vision problems.

I don't know that it's a matter of "getting used" to the steroids as it is a matter that they have serious long-term side effects, over time. So doctors don't like to use them all the time, unless there is clear indication they might help. 

Very often, for reasons unknown, early in the disease process people will go through 2-3 (or more) exacerbations a year, and then level off, to fewer and fewer.  I hope that will begin to happen for you soon. You haven't been on the copaxone that long, either.  Usually doctors like for a patient to be on it for at least a year, then decide whether it is effective, or if they should switch to one of the other medications.

Stress can indeed cause your body to do all sorts of weird things. It's impossible to avoid all stress in your life...but maybe you can find ways to avoid some of it, and manage better what is left.  Take care.

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