Please note: As an additional precaution, it is suggested that the individual also has a ELISA blood test done to identify which, if any, foods have escaped across the leaky gut in the past. The argument goes that the individual's immune system will have created an lgG antibody, as part of its defense mechanism, the presence of which can be detected during the test, when presented with a sample of the same food. The assumption being that the individual may be hypersensitive to these foods and they may be contributing to the porous nature of the gut. It would seem sensible, as part of the overall strategy, to either avoid or reduce the intake of these foods in the diet, at least for a time, to give the leaky gut a chance to heal.

2. To take a range of supplements that can have a positive effect on each aspect of the disease process. In other words,

• To reduce the risk of autoimmune reactions by "dampening down" the immune system. These include vitamin d3 (cholecalciferol), calcium, magnesium, omega 3 fish oil and vitamin E.
• To help repair the leaky gut and prevent the escape of intact food proteins into the bloodstream in the first place. These include acidophilus, grape seed extract, fish oil and enzymes.
• To strengthen and heal the blood brain barrier to prevent attacks on the myelin in the Central Nervous System. These include gingko biloba, grape seed extract, pycnogenol and co-enzyme QIO.

MS Recovery Diet
The MS Recovery Diet: Identify and Avoid Foods that Activate Your Disease is written by Ann Sawyer and Judith Bachrach.  It is an easy-to-read book which combines combines elements of the Swank Diet with the Best Bet Diet.  Ann and Judi maintain blogs and a forum on their website.

About the Diet: Quick Reference

• Suspect and investigate dairy, gluten containing grains, legumes, eggs and yeast as possible allergens and eliminate them from your diet.
• Avoid all other allergenic foods which you have identified as triggers.
• Limit saturated fats, processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Stop smoking.
• Eat fish, skinless breast of chicken or turkey, wild game or other low fat animal meat, and nuts for protein, fruits and vegetables for carbohydrates and micronutrients. Also use oils such as flax seed, olive and sunflower which are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.
• Limit use of NSAIDs and antacids. Use antibiotics judiciously. After use replace gut microbes with probiotics.
• Chew your food thoroughly. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Eat a lot of flavonoid rich foods like blueberries and cherries.
• Spend some time in the sun.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Exercise
• Reduce stress.

Before beginning any specific diet or exercise program, please consult with your physician.

Lisa Emrich is author of the blog Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA and founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers.