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SWANK Diet

Developed by:
Dr Roy Swank

Developed:
1948

Premise of diet:
Very low fat diet based on the hypothesised association between dietary fat and MS.

Structure of diet:
The SWANK diet is a phased very low fat diet which excludes red meat and pork for the first year and gradually reintroduces it in the second year; eliminates all processed foods containing saturated fat and/or hydrogenated oils and excluded egg yolks.  It encourages snacking on nuts and seeds (noted as good sources of natural oils) and encourages unlimited fruits and vegetables. 
   
Allowing:
  • Unlimited fruits and vegetables
  • White meat, poultry and white fish; limiting fatty fish to 50g per day
  • Dairy products containing 1% or less butterfat
  • Egg whites
  • Wholegrain breads, rice and pasta 
  • Saturated fats: no more than 15g per day
  • Unsaturated fats: limited to 20-50g per day

Excluding:
  • Processed foods containing saturated fat and/or hydrogenated oils
  • No red meat for the first year, reintroducing 3oz once per week in second year

Recommending:
  • Daily multivitamin and mineral supplement
  • Cod liver oil (1 tsp or equivalent in capsules) per day

The evidence:
Research into this diet has not shown that it works, but the studies were not generally well designed; some people find this diet can work well for them, others report no difference.  From a general health perspective it is widely accepted that 
that reducing the amount of saturated fat in the diet, increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables and switching to wholegrain starchy carbohydrate products is good health advice.  Following a similar diet would not generally considered bad for you but there are some points to be aware of.  

Cautions:
  • Cutting out meat and most fish to reduce saturated fat intake may mean you are not getting enough protein - alternative plant-based sources  include beans and pulses
  • Cod liver oil has a blood thinking effect so should not be taken with aspirin or anticoagulant medications such as warfarin or if you suffer from a bleeding disorder
  • Cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A so be mindful of taking this if Vitamin A is also include within your multivitamin.  You should consult your GP before taking cod liver oil.
  • This diet can be low in energy which make you lose weight; be mindful if you have high energy needs or are already underweight.    

Sources:
MS Society (2016) Diet and Nutrition booklet
MS Trust (2014) Diet Factsheet
SWANK MS Foundation (2015)  www.swankmsdiet.org/the-diet/
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PwMS: persons with MS
  • Home
  • About me
  • Lifestyle and MS
    • What is MS? >
      • Types of MS
      • What causes MS?
      • Symptoms of MS
      • How is MS diagnosed?
      • How is MS treated?
    • Stress and MS
    • Smoking and MS
    • Healthy weight >
      • What is a healthy weight for me?
    • Alcohol and MS
    • Sleep and MS >
      • Sleep hygiene tips from the MS Trust
    • Importance of hydration
  • Keeping active
    • Latest MS-specific physical activity guidelines
    • Benefits of exercise >
      • UK Physical Activity Guidelines
    • Components of physical fitness
    • What sort of 'exercise'?
    • Exercise for managing symptoms
    • Exercise and relapse
    • Tips for exercising with MS
  • Diet
    • What is a healthy diet? >
      • 7 tips for a balanced diet
      • What is a portion?
      • 5 tips from the MS Society
      • Diet to reduce risk of further diseases
    • The diet debate in MS >
      • 'Best Bet' diet
      • Overcoming MS (OMS)
      • SWANK
      • Wahls protocol
    • Diet to manage symptoms
    • Dietary supplements >
      • Vitamin D
      • Vitamin B12
      • Essential Fatty Acids
    • Tips for cooking with MS
  • Blog
    • Blog posts (PDF)
  • Contact
    • Useful resources