Can a Starch-Smart® Diet help those with multiple sclerosis?

Through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Roy Swank, many patients with multiple sclerosis have stopped the progression of their disease. Dr. Swank's approach involved using a low-fat diet. His research led him to the discovery that saturated animal fat was directly responsible for the frequency and severity of multiple sclerosis attacks.

Dr. Swank's patients adhered to a low-fat diet comprised of less than 20 grams of fat per day and were followed for 34 years.  Dr. Swank's study showed that by restricting saturated fat intake to lower than 20 grams a day, he was able to stop the progression of multiple sclerosis in 95% of his patients. These patients remained only mildly disabled, and exhibited no progression of disease 34 years later. The study showed, "Significantly less deterioration and much lower death rates than did those who consumed more fat."

After 50 years, 13 out of 15 had normal mental capacity, were ambulatory, and could care for themselves. The 50 year study indicated that, "In all probability, MS is caused largely by consumption of saturated animal fat."

Based on the pioneering research done by Dr. Roy Swank, "The results of his 34-year study published in The Lancet in 1990, remain the most effective treatment of multiple sclerosis ever reported in the peer review literature. In patients with early stage MS, 95% were without progression of their disease 34 years after adopting his low saturated fat dietary program. Even patients with initially advanced disease showed significant benefit. To date, no medication or invasive procedure has ever come close to demonstrating such success."

For more information regarding treating multiple sclerosis, click on the links below:

(1) Treating Multiple Sclerosis With Diet

(2) Hope for Multiple Sclerosis

(3) Dr. John McDougall - "Hot Topics, Multiple Sclerosis"

(4) Plant-Based Diets for Multiple Sclerosis