As some readers of this blog will know i have for a long time been interested in the relationship between diet, food and multiple sclerosis.  Indeed I have covered the subject before in a couple of blog post here (https://patienttalk.org/tag/diet-and-multiple-sclerosis/) which you may find of interest.

In the past we have looked at the paleo diet (https://patienttalk.org/ms-and-diet-multiple-sclerosis-and-the-paleo-diet/)  and the gluten free (https://patienttalk.org/multiple-sclerosis-and-diet-part-two-ms-and-the-gluten-free-diet/).  But there are many others such as the Wahl[‘s diet (http://terrywahls.com/about/the-wahls-foundation/).

The aim of this blog post is two-fold.  Firstly we are interested in finding out how many of our readers are using a diet to help treat their multiple sclerosis.   So I have set up a short poll and the end of this post on the subject.  It would be great if you could take part. Secondly we are very interested in finding out more about that diet and how effective it is.  If you could share more about your diet in the comment boxes below that would be brilliant.

Thanks very much in advance.

NativeAtlantaGirl

I started AIP Paleo in January – I admit I had preconceived notions about those “Paleo Crossfit” sorts… A friend suggested it – I said I would try it for 30 days. I thought I ate healthy, but I ate a lot of Greek Yogurt and wheat… Within 3 weeks, my chronic joint pain COMPLETELY disappeared as well as chronic insomnia – I had been taking 75mg of Benedryl a night for years… so I decided to stick with it. My primary complaints – fatigue, neurological issues, and balance have not been impacted. My motivation was not to lose weight, but I have lost over 50 lbs. And I no longer crave sweets/baked goods. Even ripe pineapple is “too sweet” for my liking now. I always struggled with food, but this completely altered my relationship – it is fuel, medicine, and I no longer obsess on “bad stuff”. It was a challenge at first – I was focused so much on what I couldn’t eat… but I found a plethora of blogs and free ebooks with recipes to help me transition. I also thought it would be so much more expensive. Surprise: my grocery bill has not changed. Dairy, sports drinks, sodas are expensive! I found organic local produce at Farmers mkts is the same price or less, than regular at the grocery store. I do not shop at Whole Foods – but have sought out alternate resources. I do make my menus based on what is in season/less expensive and 90% of what I eat is local/organic/pasture-raised. I cannot believe I haven’t had ice cream, cheese, or pasta in over 10months. I realize I have spent 40 years putting food with chemicals and inflammatory properties in me – so I cannot expect it to completely reverse things in a year – but this approach is right for me. I will be patient…

Laura Petruccelli has very kindly provided us with a guest post on Seeing MS – a new and brilliant way of raising awareness of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Ms Petruccelli writes “It’s hard to fight something we cannot see.

Most symptoms of multiple sclerosis go unnoticed by everyone except the person living with them. One day they can alter your memory, the next your vision. Striking without warning and leaving no trace; they are invisible.

This thought inspired 9 photographers from around the world to start the Seeing MS campaign – a global photographic project that visualises the invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Each photographer was briefed by someone living with MS. They interpreted their symptoms in a single image inspired by their stories and experiences. From each of the images, a group of dedicated creatives from Grey Australia, Infinity squared and Limehouse worked together to create the Seeing MS app. Photo filters based on each symptom will allow the public to see and share how MS affects those living with the disease.

By inviting people to learn and experience what it feels and looks like to live with multiple sclerosis first hand, we can raise further awareness and understanding of this mysterious disease. It is hoped that doctors can use the project as a way to help the newly diagnosed find a community of people that experience life the way they do.

Help expose the invisible disease by sharing the full project or downloading the Seeing MS app at http://seeingms.com“