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Group Launches Campaign for Research Into MS and Diet
Added: (Fri Nov 02 2001)
Press release November 1st, 2001
GROUP LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR RESEARCH INTO MS AND DIET
"DIET NOT DRUGS THE ANSWER TO MS"
Changing what you eat could be the answer to MS, claims The MS Diet Group. It says Multiple Sclerosis can be halted or even reversed by giving up harmful foods and taking supplements.
The MS Diet Group, a national self-help group of people with MS, is now calling on the government for more research on diet and MS.
"There is an alternative to drugs", says Anne Barrett 42, from Leighton Buzzard in Beds. "But doctors don't tell you about it. They fob you off with drugs that have little or no effect, when diet works better. I've been on the BB diet eight months now, and my neurological symptoms are gone."
Julie Hitchen 58, from Blackburn, Lancs says: “Thanks to this diet, my condition is stable for the first time in 25 years. I have more energy and am confident of the future. I will do everything possible to get research on diet and MS done in the UK. This is so doctors will tell newly diagnosed MS patients that diet works. It’s a scandal that these people are allowed to get worse, when information on diet could stop that.”
Patricia Lee 44, from Kent was diagnosed early in April 2001 and began the diet 3 weeks after. “Changing what I eat has made a huge difference. Since giving up all the forbidden foods, I feel so much better and the effect has been quite dramatic.” Pat has improved so much, she has been able to return to her active lifestyle that includes full time teaching, composing, regular gym and swimming sessions, playing the piano for church services and the violin in a local barn dance band.
All the improvements on MS patients due to diet have been anecdotal. But now the MS Diet Group is calling for proper scientific research, and they have the support of many top UK university researchers.
"There is overwhelming anecdotal evidence about diet and MS", says Sylvia Brown, 28 from Sheffield, who has had MS for 7 years. "Many, like me, who radically change their diet see results. Your condition gradually improves. Many doctors have seen this for themselves.”
"But doctors don't recommend diet for their MS patients because there is not enough scientific proof. Nearly all the research on MS has been on expensive drugs that could net a good profit for the drug companies. There is no money to be made from research on diet", says Sylvia.
So the MS Diet Group has launched a campaign to urge the government to take control of research into diet and MS. "We see diet as a realistic, cheap and effective treatment for MS", says Sylvia Brown. "It's our best hope for MS."
The diet involves excluding problem food groups and includes supplements, in particular high doses of Vitamin D.
Details of the diet and research on which it is based can be found on the Group’s website www.MS-Diet.org:
Contacts:
Julie Hitchen17 Albany DriveCopster GreenSalesburyBlackburnLancs. BB1 9EHTelephone (0)1254 245 905 e-mail: copgreen@onetel.net.uk
Anne Barrett22 Southcourt RoadLinsladeLeighton BuzzardBeds LU7 2QFTelephone (0)1525 384739 e-mail: anne.barrett@lineone.netAndrew Watson78 Ormiston DriveEast CalderLivingstonEH53 0RNTelephone (0)1506 495391 e-mail: watson.andrew@cableinet.co.ukFor other cases around the country please ring Julie Hitchen.