ROY LAVER SWANK | BARBARA BREWER DUGAN
1 Miracle Cure...
This isn't a miracle cure for the masses because most people either won't believe it, won't try it or won't stick with it. The research and documentation are extremely extensive. Not many remedies in any disease can boast a 33 year study with a nearly 90% success rate.
I have been on this diet for 2 1/2 years, starting a month after my diagnosis on advice of my personal physician, who had met Dr. Swank.
People only know I have MS when they question why I won't eat something. I keep my Saturated Fat level under 15 grams a day, closer to 10 most days. Since my original symptoms have gone away I have had no other problems.
My suggestion to you is don't knock it until you've tried it. Dr. Swanks book is a God send - Thanks!
2 This diet works!
When initially diagnosed a bit over a year ago I was reccomended this book by an MS chapter in my area. Since my husband is keen on diet and I was not, I bought it and began to follow its protocols just in case it might help. Well, it has really helped. One week I went off the Swank diet thinking 'Hey, I ate whatever I wanted for decades, why keep this up?'. Guess what? My symptoms worsened immediately! So back on the diet I went and have stayed. Of course, to satisfy my nuerologist I also do Avonex and do have a daily regimen of vitamins but the Swank diet is the key component. It keeps me fine, fine, fine.
3 Credit this diet with a 9 year management of MS
If you are fortunate to be diagnosed early and have found this book and have a strong will, I believe you can control MS, especially if you incorporate the suggestions made in Judy Graham's book into your life. I was diagnosed nine years ago and the first 6 months I didn't know of this diet and I experienced 4 attacks. Since this diet, not only have I virtually eliminated my suffering from migraines and increased my energy, my MS is within my control. Excess stress and heat still knock me out but the diet has made me resilient. Whether is just boost my immune system, whether I just believe it does or whether it actually helps those with MS, I believe the results of Swank's 33 year study, albeit not controlled to perfect scientific standards (how would that be possible given the nature of the studies) must not be ignored if you actually want to be healthy. Some with MS like being identified as such and like having an excuse to stop pushing themselves, and some poor souls can't control it no matter what they do, but if you have been recently diagnosed and are seriously dedicated to the diet (as in NEVER deterring) and seriously want a full life - there is a 95% you can have it by following the principles in this book along with other remedies Judy discusses.
Although during my training half my body went numb and although I would NEVER do it again I ran the 2000 Dublin marathon and credit the diet for that ability. And although when I moved from San Diego to London I temporarily lost the sight in my left eye, it has come back and now I can make my way to the bar as well as the other Londoners :-)
4 Bupkus, absolute bupkus
Don't be fooled. No conclusive long-term studies done in the proper scientific method have yet proven that this or any other diet works to control MS.
5 There are no miracle cures
Be wary, my friends. If following a diet could cure or control MS, there would not be sick people around.
6 The only long-term, drug-free protocol that benefits MS!
As a MS patient of Dr. Swank (he is now retired) and a practitioner of his diet for many years, I can attest to the great power of the diet protocol. His positive experience with 1,000's of MS patients over many years parrallels his continued study of early subjects. The never ending diet regimen may seem difficult to follow but it is doable with determination, and clearly healthy. It must become a way of life. The book is truly a blessing for all of us who realize we must take ownership of our own health. The medical system offers us little to no long-term help.
7 Changed my life
Nine years ago, newly diagnosed with MS, I read everything my local book store sold on MS, and immediately began to follow Swank's diet and have not detered for nine years. Based on his research and the astounding results, anyone who has MS and doesn't follow his diet is being unfair to themselves and is asking for trouble. This diet is not easy but neither are the alternatives.
Everyone with MS owes Dr. Swank a world of gratitude. I was so lucky to find his book when I did.
8 Interesting reading, but the theroies are out of date
Interesting reading. The diet would probably help anyone with cholesterol problems. However, the theories behind the diet all old and have been disproven. The book is based on Swank's theory that MS is caused by toxins entering the brain due to blood-brain barrier erosion caused by saturated fats. Swank also disputes the theory that MS is an auto-immune disease. Now, in the year 2002, it has pretty much been proven that MS is an auto-immune disease. Especially, since the only 3 drugs, the ABC drugs, that work on MS are based on "calming down" or "providing decoys" to the immune system to reduce the attacks against the CNS. Almost all research today is targeted at MS from the auto immune standpoint. I would not count on the diet to slow down MS, if you have it.
9 Seems to work but...
Over two and a half years ago my wife (age 30) was diagnosed with MS, three months after giving birth to our child. She was having the traditional MS symptoms: Optic Neuritis, Transverse Mylitis, and the list goes on and on. Upon finally being diagnosed we got a second opinion from a Neurosurgeon, who suggested we be proactive and find out if there were any good diet books for this disease. Naturally we found the Swank diet and got on it ASAP, along with Avonex.
The food in this book was a massive shift, and removed from our diet almost all of our traditional fare, and we were already healthy eaters. Moreover, I don't think that the recipes in this book are geared toward the American pallet. This book certainly needs to be revised for American tastes. We stayed on this diet for about a year and a half and then decided to give it a break. My wife has been relatively symptom free for the last two years. It is very hard for us to say that the diet played a role in decreasing or eliminating her symptoms.
My wife's current Neurologist, a nationally respected MS specialist in Houston, seems to believe that the diet is based on sound healthy habits. However, he is reluctant to endorse the diet because, in his opinion, the diet was not put through rigorous peer review. In the end, after going through this disease on and off medication and on and off the diet, I think that you should follow your doctor's advice and give this diet a chance only of you will give it a year or more before discounting it or endorsing it.
To our end, we decided to get off the diet about a year ago, and my wife has been alright since.
10 Informative but dated
This book contains much informative information regarding research findings of Dr. Swank over the years. Some information is still applicable, but this book is rather old and updated information is lacking. This is a good reference book and an interesting theory on diets for MS. However, if you would like the most current information on MS, it's best to look elsewhere.
11 Great Book
I appreciate having a book that is totally full with information. Not only talks about the diet, but includes information about Dr. Swank's research. It also has a lot of insightful information about MS. I which doctors (at least) could explain MS that way.
12 26 Years on the Swank MS Diet
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1974 based on extreme fatigue, numbness, deafness in my left ear, dificulty walking and loss of color vision. I was emotionally devastated by that diagnosis but I had the good fortune to discover Dr. Swank's published research in the medical library at the University of Michigan. I ordered an earlier edition of the book and started on the diet right away. I also traveled some distance to see Dr. Swank and he confirmed the diagnosis but gave me a very optimistic prognosis. I followed the diet very strictly and my symptoms improved rapidly at first and then more slowly over a couple of years until I was comletely well. Since then I have been perfectly healthy. I have stayed on the diet and kept up with more recent editions of the book. The recipies are very good but the main value of the book is in explaining the theory behind the diet and Dr. Swank's results with thousands of patients.
Dr. Swank was way ahead of the majority of the medical profession in promoting a very low saturated fat diet. Today it is much easier to follow the diet than when I started on it, as there are many more low-fat and non-fat products available and product labeling is more detailed. I have no doubt that it has also been very beneficial to me in keeping my cholesterol level at a very low level. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been diagnosed with MS.
13 Swank Diet Works For Me!
In 1995 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I had a MRI done of my brain and there were lesions present, and many neurological symptoms. I saw double, had light sensitivity, had problems with walking and my balance. I began studying this book and immediately went on the Swank Diet. My saturated fat intake went under 15 grams a day (he allows 20 max) and no more than 5 grams of fat at a serving. I used his tables to compute the fat - this meant that an egg counted for 5 grams, and no red meat or milkfat for the first year of the diet. Immediately I felt much better. Now, my neurologist is amazed at my condition. My neurological symptoms are pretty much normal. I take no other medicine for the MS, and I feel great. I recomend the book and the cookbook which is included. Ask your MD and follow his advice- but I don't think this diet could hurt anyone unless they were way underweight. The diet allows up to 60 grams of liquid oil each day which makes it easier to handle (ie- olive oil, hazelnut, etc,) and it seems really healthful. The oil makes it much easier to stay on the diet.) I feel great! The few times I have gone off the diet (even inadvertantly) I have felt worse quickly- even if I go off the diet even a little- so I stay on it religiously.
14 recommended reading
I found this book extremely helpful. Not only does the diet make sense for someone with multiple sclerosis but for anyone wanting to find a heart-healthy way of eating. The research & background information which led to the development of the diet gave credibilty to what was being discussed. The actual recipes were also helpful. I was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (only one attack of optic neuritis so far) and am not ready to begin treatmant with drugs. When I asked my neurologist aabout the influence of diet, she just said to eat healthy, and this diet fits the bill for me.
15 Multiple Screosis Diet
I've been diagnosed with MS for the past ten years with few problems. This diet is really a Medditeranian which I have been eating all of my life. I didn't know that eating this way may be what is keeping my MS in remission. Thank You for writing it.
16 It Changed My Life
I was diagnosed with MS in 1990. My wife and I found this book almost immediately. We both have medical backgrounds. This book made sense. All my neurologist offered was testing and drugs. While the high dose steroids did alleviate my symptoms I knew there had to be more that I could do. Because of the information in this book I made lifestyle changes. Initially we left off all meat and meat products. We left 1% milk ,eggs and low fat cheese on our diet. We maintained total fat grams to less than 30/day. We both started an active exercise programm and just as importantly got plenty of rest. ( early to bed early to rise so to speak). Over the years I have modified the diet. I pretty much eat what I want now except I have not started eating meat again. Today after 10 years I do not have any significant residual effects from MS. I drink plenty of water everyday. I have not tried any of the new medical treatments for MS. Because of "The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book" I made changes in my lifestyle that I felt would be healthy for me regardless of having MS. I did not agree with everything in the book and sort of picked and chose what I felt would be best for me personally. I have not regretted my lifestyle change and thank Dr. Swank for making this book available. I think it still has some of the best advice available to MS patients.
17 The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book
I went on this diet as soon as I was officially diagnosed about 9 months ago. It is not an easy diet but it is do-able and better than the alternative. It WORKS. This is the first spring in 4 years that I haven't had an exacerbation. Is the book perfect? NO - it is outdated (it was written before there was fat-free ANYTHING and before Soy cheese existed!) Most of the research was done years ago but I think that they are on to something - and it doesn't ask you to spend a fortune on snake oil...AND....IT WORKS! I feel great!
18 The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book
Newly diagnosed with MS, I figured it would be a good idea to read up on as much about the disease as possible, and certainly that a proven proper diet plan would be beneficial to long term health. What I found here, and quite quickly, I might add, were two things that struck me immediately as being inappropriate. They also make me question the complete validity of the rest of the book. First of all, there was a reference that "attractive" people are stricken with this disease, and what actually blew the cover off for me here, was that another reference was made to people of color- that is, since "they didn't have a lot of money" , they were not prone to eat unhealthily, and therefore, were not as likely to acquire this disease. It is really too bad that I found these two remarks so quickly. I know there is some good information in this book, but I don't know how much of it is accurate, or how to pick what's correct. I think I'll do some further checking before I buy another book. This one is really just about good for the garbage.
19 multiple sclerosis diet book
i found this book extremely helpful. though it is oldish i still must say that it is the most comprehensive book i have read on the subject to date. not only does this book supply lots of background information but it also offers hope. something i have never received from the several neurologists i have treated with. the encouraged self management and positive outlook has certainly lended to me hopes for the future. essentially this book tells us m.s. sufferers that we do not have to let this disease take us out of the running. we may be slowed down a bit, but never stopped!
20 Strong on advice and comfort
First of all, please consult a neurologist, with a very strong preference for a neurologist at an MS clinic, for current treatment guidelines. The treatment of MS is improving dramatically and the advice of a practicing neurologist must be used in order to treat the disease effectively. The use of a neurologist at an MS clinic insures that one is receiving advice based on the most current medical knowledge. (I say that both from the experience of having a family member with MS and as a pharmaceutical scientist who has a reasonable understanding of new drug development).
That said (and it is true), this is a pretty good book. For 20-some dollars, you get a lot of MS-specific advice and a lot of good recipes. In the first 100 pages, Dr. Swank pulls no punches - he says what he thinks and backs his thoughts up with data. Although I disagree occasionally with his data analysis, and some of his advice is outdated (wrong), I agree with the basic statement that a low-fat diet decreases the rate of progression of the disease by increasing the health and integrity of the cardiovascular system. In the next 250 pages, Dr. Swank lays down the ground rules of a healthy diet for MS patients (low in fat, especially animal fat), and offers a wide selection of healthy recipes.
This is certainly no must-buy book - I really liked it for the comfort it offered, but disliked it the outdated science that was mixed in with the good advice.
21 Exellent for MS Patients, best info. on market to cope with
Very well organized, with much information and hope for MS patients & families. Let's us know there is hope and good food for us. Felt much healthier within a 6 mos period. That was 12 years ago. still going strong. Best information source for staying well that I've read
22 it is a very helpful book
This book is great. It helps you understand many aspects of Multiple Sclerosis and gives you a comprehensive natural therapy. The recipes are very useful....however, I must say that Swank agrees with the use of dairy products as well as other animal products,as long as they are low fat (no animal product is 100 percent fat-free), and other researches have shown that animal products in general can be detrimental to MS. So this is a good book, but people with MS should know not to stop there when finding alternative therapies for this illness. Also, Swank includes a section warning women against pregnancy, and as a person with MS I have gone through two pregnancies and my condition has only gotten better... this book fails to explore in detail pregnancy, childbirth and lactation in a woman with MS. Two books that I highly recommend for those with MS are "Natural Health, Natural Medicine" by Dr. Andrew Weil; and "Multiple Sclerosis" by Judy Graham
