A new diet to relieve some MS symptoms — and shed a few pounds
I'm just getting into it, but already have less fatigue and bloating
I’ve written in the past that I thought I could stand to lose a few pounds. Well, I finally put a little effort into it and have managed to do exactly that by making some changes to my diet.
I’d hoped that losing weight would reveal the washboard stomach of a much younger man, but I didn’t really think that would happen. The loose skin and stringy muscles of an older one are much more realistic, even if they are a little disappointing. It might seem like I won’t be getting the ideal body out of this, but since the goal of changing my diet was to ease my symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), perhaps I actually will.
I know changing my diet won’t cure me of MS, but there’s evidence that diet can affect autoimmune diseases. One way is by reducing inflammation, which appears to influence the development of MS, its progression, and worsening disability, and is also the target of many therapeutic interventions. That makes it more than worth it to explore any dietary measures that may reduce it.
Since making the change, my fatigue seems to be reduced. It may seem odd to have more energy even though I’ve eliminated sugars and most carbohydrates, but I definitely feel less sluggish and more energetic.
I also have much less bloating and am more regular. Not that long ago, I often felt full and uncomfortably bloated. Reducing how much sugar I eat and eliminating fermentable foods appear to have addressed that. By fermentable foods, I don’t mean things that are already fermented — such as yogurt, kimchi, or sauerkraut — but things that ferment in my slow, low-motility digestive system. I never thought a diet would advise against any sort of vegetable, but for now, known fermentables are out.
What to leave in, what to leave out
Under the guidance of a nutritionist, my diet began with an elimination phase in which any possible inflammation triggers, such as processed foods or potential allergens, were removed. But now I’m gradually adding things back in one at a time to see if there’s a reaction. I’m only at the beginning of this phase, but the results have been telling so far.
I won’t endorse any specific diet because I’m not qualified to, and because I won’t know what mine consists of until I finish adding things back in. But I recommend consulting a professional like MS News Today‘s Susan Payrovi, MD. There really isn’t a better way to get an expert point of view and assistance.
It’s the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, so there’s no need to get ready for beach season. With any luck, though, I’ll be ready for the upcoming baggy sweater season. That’s probably more appropriate anyway because the most disturbing thing is that my baclofen pump, which used to just be a lump in my abdomen, is starting to resemble a hockey puck in a pillowcase when I lie on my side.
That unique-to-MS problem aside, I highly recommend working with an expert to create a specialized diet that can hopefully help to reduce symptoms and improve your life with this disease. And yes, it’s been nice to lose those few pounds.
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.
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Kathleen
So happy for you. MS had taken away all my energy and though my mobility not yet improved significantly... I remain hopeful that this is still early days. RRMS and SPMS I was told by Ophthalmologist at my local clinic. I started cutting sugar and then only 20grams of carbs and now none. In 2 years have lost 35 pounds but most importantly no longer nap and able to retain info. and have more hope. My Christian faith as a follower of Jesus Christ is number one but following this way of eating has been nourishing, satsfying, and an easy path to healing my body. Took two courses through an internal medicine physician, Dr Eric Westman, who has a clinical practice and has a balanced and evidence based approach to teach and is a leader in this field of nutrition. Benjamin thrilled you are on this exploratory road to bring you increased well being! Cheering you on!
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Kathleen! Yeah the biggest part has been cutting the sugar and the carbs. I found that I don't really even miss it probably because my body knows doesn't need all those excess calories just to sit around and fidget. If anything, I almost feel like I'm eating more now, just not anything processed, or sugary. I'm filling up with proteins and vegetables and feel all the better for it. I guess that's what it's really all about too. Feeling better. My multiple sclerosis is still here, but I don't feel as weighed down.
Kathleen Ahearne
Benjamin will look forward to hear more as time goes on. Funny how it is not missing the carbs and processed foods and sugars... yes a better feeling in our bodies and what a gift that is ... any bonus with this MS intruder is a relief. Great your bravery in sharing with us your experience. Thank you.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thank you for that Kathleen. If nothing else this is really opening my eyes to how much extra sugar and processed Foods were going in my body. What I have found is that I don't really have any allergies, but there were a lot of things that I traditionally ate that I knew bothered me, but I could better tolerate or compensate for when I was healthier. I don't have the option of saying I'm going to eat something even though I know it disagrees with me or is entirely too rich and then just go work out harder later or know I'm going to have to sit close to the bathroom. It has struck me that this is about half diet and half lifestyle change.
Jaime
Always enjoy your newsletters. Thank you. Fellow MSer.
Izzy Abbass
I find dieting hard when you try to count carbs and measure out food. Since my MS diagnosis I’ve lost about 25lbs, but I was not eating much in the way of processed foods before diagnosis in 2017. Post diagnosis however, I’m eating far less. Being less active is playing a big part. Quite often I go for long periods without food which I realize is over correction. Still though, I indulge in my biggest vice, coffee. I know it’s not helping my MS but too many years of addiction cannot be overcome. Plus everyone around me would suffer. lol
iris
its good to know that dieting helps fight MS in the way that losing weight helps feel better etc.
however i didnt see any diet details to help lose weight and feel better.
thanx
iris prusky
Dixie Barnhart
Always good to read your articles. I like that you tried to adjust your diet and report what works for you. Every MS person is different but good to know where to start. My son has MS and has recently had some weight loss and I need to discuss with him what was his secret and did it help with MS symptoms .
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Dixie! Yes, we are all different. Some of the supplements that work great for some people don't work well for me at all and vice versa. It doesn't mean that I didn't try it hard enough. That's kind of the approach I'm taking to diet. My intention is to find out what works for me, not to follow a specific plan to the letter. I consider the right path to be finding out what helps me to be the healthiest I can be and makes me feel good at the same time. It sounds like your son is probably on the right path.
Ronald T Crooker
Benjamin, nice article! I must agree diet for me is a game changer, when I stray away from it I feel it in less energy. Thanks for posting, keep making progress!