In last week’s post, MS and Diet: Should you eat low-fat to treat your MS?, we discussed the news that a clinical trial will be conducted to determine the impact of a low-fat diet on MS progression, disability, and quality of life. Below is an introduction to the three most popular diets which take the low-fat approach and each of their corresponding websites.
The Swank MS Diet:
“The Swank MS Foundation is a private charity that provides information and resources on the Swank Low Fat Diet, vitamin supplements, and life-style changes beneficial to patients with Multiple Sclerosis, as well as their families and friends, as pioneered by Roy L. Swank, M.D., Ph.D.”
The website features information regarding the diet itself, the history Dr. Roy L. Swank’s research, and a forum where patients can exchange recipes, discuss issues surrounding MS, and share their experience with the diet.
About the Diet - Quick Reference
- Saturated fat should not exceed 15 grams per day.
- Unsaturated fat (oils) should be kept to 20-50 grams per day.
- No red meat for the first year.
- After the first year, 3 oz. of red meat is allowed once per week.
- Dairy products must contain 1% or less butterfat unless otherwise noted.
- No processed foods containing saturated fat.
- Cod liver oil (1 tsp. or equivalent capsules) and a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement are recommended daily.
The McDougall Program:
“Physician and nutrition expert who teaches better health through vegetarian cuisine. John A. McDougall, MD. has been studying, writing and ‘speaking out’ about the effects of nutrition on disease for over 30 years. Dr. McDougall believes that people should look, feel great and enjoy optimal health for a lifetime. Unfortunately, many people compromise their health unknowingly through poor dietary habits.”
This website has many pages to explore, two of which I was glad to have found - the Free Program Outline, which covers the information of his low-fat, starch-based approach to eating, and Nutritional Foundations: A Lesson in Basic Nutrition. There is an active forum which is certainly not limited to those living with multiple sclerosis, which contains lively discussion and many recipes.
About the Diet - Quick Reference
- Diet: A diet of plant foods, including whole grains and whole grain products (such as pasta, tortillas, and whole-grain bread), a wide assortment of vegetables, and fruit
- Spices: Plenty of spices and usually small amounts of sugar and salt to enhance the flavor of food
- Exercise: Exercise as simple as a daily walk
- No Animal Food: The exclusion of animal foods, including red meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, and fish – all of which provide toxic levels of fat, cholesterol, protein and, very often, infectious agents and harmful chemicals
- No Oils: The exclusion of ALL oils, including olive oil, safflower oil and corn oil. Oils, which are nothing more than liquid fat, increase body fat stores (obesity), depress immune function, and contribute to most common chronic diseases
