Welcome to the Swank MS Community - Treatment of MS via Diet
If you are reading this, chances are that you, or someone you care about, are facing the challenge of multiple sclerosis. And you are probably looking for a better way to health than simply relying on a continuous round of medication.
Information you can use
Take control of your MS treatment with a focus on simple changes to common western dietary and lifestyle habits. The Swank MS Diet is based on the lifetime of research by Dr. Roy L. Swank, MD, PhD, and you can read it in full right now, right here!
The Swank MS Foundation is the direct continuance of Dr. Swank's groundbreaking research, working to bring the benefits of the Swank diet and lifestyle to all corners of the world. To find out more, read our About the Swank MS Foundation page.
Find a brief description of MS and learn details about the history of the Swank low-fat diet. Read testimonials from actual patients who have benefited from Dr. Swank's work.
SWANK MS DIET QUICK REFERENCE
No processed foods containing saturated fat and/or hydrogenated oils.
Saturated fat should not exceed 15 grams per day. Unsaturated fat (oils) should be kept to 20-50 grams/day.
Fruits and vegetables are permissible in any amount.
No red meat for the first year, including pork. After the first year, 3 oz. of red meat is allowed once per week.
White-meat poultry (skinless) and white fish are permissible, but avoid dark-meat poultry and limit fatty fish to 50 grams (1.75 oz)/day.
Dairy products must contain 1% or less butterfat unless otherwise noted. Use egg whites only, no yolks.
Cod liver oil (1 tsp. or equivalent capsules) and a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement are recommended daily.
Whole-grain breads, rice, and pastas are encouraged.
Daily snacks of nuts & seeds are good sources of natural oil, and help maintain a good energy level.
For more information, read our thorough guide on our page on The Diet
The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book
Low-Fat Diet for the Treatment of MS
by Roy Laver Swank, M.D., Ph.D.
and Barbara Brewer Dugan
Dr. Swank's groundbreaking research about MS and diet can be found in the pages of this book. It was originally published in 1972, then revised in 1977 and again in 1987.
The book can be found in most libraries, online and in many bookstores. Amazon.com provides 44 sample pages plus views of the front and back covers. You may see and order the book by following this link to Amazon.com:
View our video introduction to the Swank MS Program, a 17 minute interview with Dr. Laurie Mischley by Kendra Key. Get the history and basics of the diet and Dr. Swank's program for controlling MS.
"After considerable research, I developed a plan for the treatment of multiple sclerosis that absolutely anyone can do. A lifestyle change will have to take place, which may be a challenge for you, but the challenges of living with a disability are much greater.
"My 50 years of research and working with approximately 5,000 people, just like you, have proven that this protocol works to slow progression of the disease as well as benefit overall health."
- Roy L. Swank, MD, PhD