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About the Swank Low-Fat Diet for the Treatment of MS.
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The Swank Low-Fat Diet is not a new treatment. Our ancestors ate much less fat than we do, both for economic reasons and because it simply was not available. Today many have returned to this more natural diet for health reasons. The Swank Diet has been helping patients with MS live productive lives for over 35 years. It is simply a diet low in saturated fat and relatively rich in polyunsaturated oils. To obtain maximum benefit from treatment, we advocate its application as early as possible. This is while the symptoms are transient, before a major disabling attack occurs in MS, heart disease or stroke. The diet should be accompanied by adequate rest, reduction of stress, and the adoption of a mental attitude that fosters optimism and determination to live a satisfying life within the limitations of the disease. The goal of the MS patient is to reduce the attacks and promote a state of remission that will add years of fruitful activity to his or her life. It is our belief that the Swank Low-Fat Diet plays a major role in accomplishing this goal. FATS. The main energy-providing components of food are protein, fat, carbohydrate and alcohol. Of these, weight for weight, fats provide the most energy at 9 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram in carbohydrates and proteins. There are two types of fats: saturated and unsaturated (fats and oils). Fats are broken down in the body to form three kinds of fatty acids as follows:
SATURATED FATTY ACIDS. Saturated fats are those lipids containing mainly saturated fatty acids found in animal fat, processed (hydrogenated) vegetable oils, coconut and palm oils. Saturated or animal fats are solid or hard at room or refrigerator temperatures. POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS. Both vegetable and animal products contain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Abundant sources are sunflower, safflower, rapeseed (canola), corn and soybean oils. Salmon and trout are meat sources. MONO-UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS. These are found mainly in vegetable oils and nuts. Olive oil is an excellent source of this fatty acid. HYDROGENATION. When reading labels you will become familiar with this term. Polyunsaturated fats do not resist spoilage. When exposed to the air they begin to oxidize and become rancid. Chemically, unsaturated fats contain many double bonds. The process of hydrogenation adds hydrogen to reduce the number of double bonds, thereby making the oil saturated (solid) and more resistant to oxidation. This extends the shelf life of the product. "Non-fat" products may contain as much as 5 grams of saturated fat! When eating so-called non-fat products, count each serving as 1 gram of saturated fat. Your diet will consist of no more than 3 teaspoons (15 grams) of saturated fat per day. Your diet should contain a minimum of 4 teaspoons (20 grams) unsaturated fat (oil) and must not exceed 10 teaspoons (50 grams) daily. (5 grams = 1 tsp.) FATS AND OILS. Essential fatty acids are necessary nutrients in the diet. Because of the reduced consumption of saturated fat, it is suggested that you increase the consumption of unsaturated fats (oils). Essential fatty acids are necessary for the function of the nervous system. The body is able to synthesize most of the fatty acids needed for growth but must rely on necessary food sources for small amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids known as Essential Fatty Acids. Fats and oils are a concentrated source of energy; each gram of fat or oil (9 calories per gram) supplies twice as much energy as protein or carbohydrate (4 calories per gram). On a low-fat diet, you may notice drying of your skin and hair, and easy fatigability, if your intake of unsaturated fat (oil) per day is limited. Your lifestyle will dictate the amount of unsaturated fatty acids necessary in your diet. If you are working and exercising, you may need to increase your oil. If you are sedentary, 4 teaspoons (20 grams) per day will usually be sufficient.
RULES FOR OIL.
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THE DIET (Page 2 of 2)
Products to be avoided are as follows:
EGGS. The white of the egg contains no fat. The yolk contains 5 grams of mostly saturated fat. You are allowed three eggs per week, but no more than one per serving. One complete egg = 5 grams of saturated fat. It is not necessary to count the small amount of fat or oil found in the grains, cereals, rice and pastas in your diet. The recommended daily amount is four (4) servings. GRAINS & CEREALS. You are encouraged to use whole-grain products as much as possible. Refined, un-enriched products provide very little, if any, vitamin source. All bread products are permissible. This includes white bread, whole wheat bread, sourdough bread, English muffins, bagels and all the other grain breads available. The natural grains provide bulk in the diet and aid in elimination. Although these products may contain a small amount of saturated fat, it has been accounted for in the body of the diet. Avoid items such as muffins containing an undesirable oil, pastry, cakes, pies or any other product made with hydrogenated palm or coconut oil, lard, butter, margarine, shortening or vegetable oil that is not defined. Cold and hot cereals are permissible on the diet. The most economical are usually the ones with the least amount of saturated fat. Cheerios®, shredded wheat, Wheaties®, puffed rice and Grape Nuts® are almost fat-free and less expensive. Watch granola; it is usually high in fat. All hot cereals are permissible, e.g., Cream of Wheat®, Cream of Rice®, oatmeal, cornmeal and any other rich grain used for cereal.
CRACKERS. Snack crackers containing no shortening, butter, margarine or processed oils are permissible. Rye-Krisp®, melba toast, matzo bread, non-fat saltines, fat-free graham crackers and non-fat tortilla chips are acceptable snacks. Avoid all commercially prepared chips and fancy crackers. PASTRY. Commercially-prepared pastry usually contains shortening, butter, margarine and/or processed oil. Therefore, you should avoid these foods. Angel food cake does not contain egg yolks or shortening and can be used as an acceptable dessert. COMMERCIALLY PREPARED FOOD. Any boxed or canned food containing processed oil (hydrogenated), shortening or butter and exceeding 1 gram of saturated fat per serving is to be avoided. Some acceptable products are available. Read labels and be sure to check serving size. CONDIMENTS. With the exception of mayonnaise, condiments such as mustard, catsup, relish, barbeque sauces, taco sauces, sweet & sour sauces, herbs and spices are permissible in any amount. Mayonnaise contains unsaturated fatty acids (oil) and must be counted in your daily oil allotment.
BEVERAGES. Caffeine. Caffeine-containing products increase nervousness and insomnia, as well as frequency and urgency to urinate. Therefore, it is necessary to limit these beverages to a maximum of 3 cups daily (can be combined). If an increase in symptoms occurs, do not consume caffeine. Example:
In whatever way you decide to combine your caffeine, the daily amount must not exceed 3 cups. Alcohol. Most patients tend to be sensitive to alcoholic beverages. A glass of wine or a cocktail with the evening meal is permissible. NUTS AND SEEDS. Nuts and seeds are good sources of natural oils as well as essential fatty acids. Commercial nut butters that are not hydrogenated or that you grind yourself at the health food store, also contain good sources of oil. Daily snacks of these foods help to maintain a good energy level. The following list is to be used to count your daily intake of oil:
The following fruits contain unsaturated fatty acids and must be counted in the daily oil allotment:
Cod, abalone, halibut, snapper, smelt, flounder, sole, sturgeon, tuna canned in water, shark, mahi mahi, haddock, perch, pollack, etc. All shellfish is permissible in any amount: Clams, crab, lobster, oysters, scallops, shrimp. (For those patients with elevated cholesterol levels, shellfish should be eaten infrequently.) Fatty fish contains unsaturated fatty acids and must be counted in your daily oil allowance. You are allowed 50 grams (10 tsp.) per day.
RED MEATS. During the first year on the diet, red meat is not allowed, including pork. Of the following low-fat meats, 3 oz. = 1 tsp. saturated fat. You are allowed 3 ounces (weighed after cooking) following the first year. Low-Fat Meats
2 ounces of the following medium-fat meats = 1 tsp. saturated fat. You are allowed 3 ounces following the first year. Medium-Fat Meats
VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS The following vitamin supplements are recommended:
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Consult with a physician before embarking on this or any other diet. Every patient is different. Information on this site does not constitute medical advice or treatment. This site does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. © 2002 by The Swank MS Foundation. All Rights Reserved. |
PASTA & RICE. Refined pastas and rice are permissible in any amount, but whole grain pastas are preferred.
FRUITS. Recommended amount is two (2) fruits daily. All fruits are permissible in any amount. Fresh fruits are preferred since they contain the most nutrients, followed by frozen and then canned fruits.
VEGETABLES. Recommended amount is 2 cups daily. 1 cup = 1 serving. Vegetables provide the body with vitamins and minerals and are rich in essential fatty acids. You are encouraged to include a variety of vegetables in your daily diet.
POULTRY. The average serving is four (4) ounces.