What I’ve learned from starting a new diet to better manage MS symptoms

Now that the holiday season, with all its decadent meals, is over, I wanted to share an update on the diet I mentioned in a column last September. At the time, I was still in the elimination phase of a FODMAP diet (which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). Since then, I’ve gradually reintroduced foods one at a time to identify which ones trigger my uncomfortable symptoms.

I’m happy to report that shellfish, nuts, and most fruits and vegetables have not caused any issues. It stings a little to say, though, that most dairy products, as well as most wheat-based foods like bread and noodles, are problematic for me. I’m not lactose intolerant or sensitive to gluten; rather, it’s that lactose and high-carbohydrate foods simply don’t agree with a digestive system slowed and affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

There was a time in my life when I could eat as much bread, pasta, ice cream, and cheese as I wanted, then simply run farther or work out harder the next day. Unfortunately, my ability to burn calories through aerobic exercise is now limited by my disability. I do what I can and encourage everyone with MS to do the same, but once my ability to offset poor eating habits with exercise became restricted, my habits had to change.

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Acknowledging and overcoming hurdles

Perhaps someone only six months into a diet plan shouldn’t be giving advice — so I won’t. Instead, I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned so far, beginning with the suggestion to do what works for you. Just as MS is unique to each person, I don’t believe diets are one-size-fits-all, either. We don’t share the exact same symptoms or challenges, so the foods that trigger my symptoms may not affect you the same way. I’m focused on treating a patient, not numbers on a scale. My patient is me — and yours is you. Prioritize what makes your patient feel better.

The second thing I learned may seem trivial, but it was a key step for me: I had to fully commit to the diet and stop searching for “perfect” substitutes. No matter how well they’re made, bread or noodles from alternative ingredients never quite taste or feel like the wheat-based versions I grew up with. They simply won’t. So instead of pretending otherwise, I’ve learned to enjoy them for what they are.

The same goes for dairy-free ice cream; as long as I treat it as its own kind of frozen dessert, it’s enjoyable. While this sounds simple, it was actually one of my biggest hurdles.

The final lesson I want to share is that my diet has been successful mainly because it’s a group effort. I don’t insist that everyone in my family eliminate the same foods as I do, but I couldn’t have done this without their support. Admittedly, with my limitations, I can’t prepare my own food anyway, but I think this applies to anyone following a specific diet. Without the help and encouragement of family and friends, sticking to a diet would be nearly impossible.

It’s not one-sided, either. I may be the one with MS, but those close to me are also affected by my choices and by what I do — or don’t — eat to manage my condition. Improved regularity benefits anyone helping me get to and use the restroom, and being less bloated improves my comfort and mood, which in turn affects everyone around me. Weight loss wasn’t the goal, but I imagine it’s appreciated by those who help me transfer.

My fatigue levels also seem a bit lower — not gone, but improved. This isn’t a complaint, and as I mentioned, being svelte wasn’t my goal. Still, you’d think being tired all the time would mean I’d burned a lot of calories! Just another one of those consistent inconsistencies of MS, I suppose.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.