Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (284 page)

Keep a food and symptom diary to identify any other offending foods. Bear in mind that a migraine may be caused by something eaten one or even two days before. The reaction is not necessarily immediate.

Keep blood-sugar levels stable. Eat small meals and snacks regularly and avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates, caffeine, and alcohol.

Check your posture, especially if working at a computer all day. Try to keep the spine long and the shoulders down, as this allows for good circulation to the head.

See a chiropractor or osteopath. Straightening out areas of tightness or injury can improve circulation and reduce migraine attacks.

If you get a migraine, put your feet in a basin of hot water and place a cold towel on your head.

MORNING SICKNESS

See pregnancy section in Food and the Stages of Life, page
112
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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the central nervous system. It is characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheaths that surround the nerves. The myelin sheaths are replaced by scar tissue. The condition tends to get worse over time with periods of remission alternating with flareups.

Symptoms include dizziness, poor coordination or balance, tingling and numbness in affected parts, stiffness, slurred speech, aches, pains, weakness, fatigue, impotence, and difficulty in walking. As it progresses, all movements may become affected and even breathing may be difficult.

CAUSES

MS is thought to be an autoimmune condition, meaning that the immune system attacks the myelin sheaths as if they were a foreign body. Stress, poor diet and nutrient status, adrenal fatigue, dehydration, acidosis, excessive alcohol use, environmental toxins, candida, mercury poisoning, food intolerances, and genetics may all play a part.

Action plan

The sooner after diagnosis that dietary and lifestyle changes are made, the more effective they are likely to be. However, it is never too late to make improvements.

EAT/DRINK

Essential fats. These are important for the whole nervous system. Good sources of beneficial fats include oily fish, hemp seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. The cold-pressed oils of these seeds can also be used in salad dressings.

Green vegetables, which are high in magnesium and folic acid. Magnesium is needed for the function of the nervous system and for energy within the cells. Folic acid is also needed for nervous system function and is often low in those with MS. Good vegetables to include are broccoli, brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage, bok choy, and kale.

Freshly pressed, organic vegetable juices. These are full of nutrients needed for detoxification and the immune system. Include carrots, apples, radishes, beets, celery, fennel, cabbage, kale, ginger, and parsley.

Berries, which are packed with antioxidants needed for cellular repair. Include raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, bilberries, and blackberries.

Water—at least half a gallon a day. Get into the habit of sipping water between meals and drink herbal teas instead of tea and coffee. Water is needed for all aspects of cleansing and repair. Get a water filter fitted if possible to ensure the purity of the water.

Pumpkin seeds. These are a great source of zinc, which tends to be low in those with MS. It is an important mineral for the nervous system and for healing. Other good sources of zinc include flax seeds, sunflower seeds, whole grains, fish, and pulses.