We believe that Multiple Sclerosis can be efficiently managed by changing our diet and by taking
some supplements. It's not a cure, but it can slow or maybe halt the progression of the
disease. The core of the principles followed by the group and science behind them can be
found at the Direct-MS website. This webpage is our
Frequently Asked Questions and it answers most of the common questions asked in the group.
If you'd like to join this discussion group, take a look at the question "How can I join the group ?".
You must read this disclaimer before reading further.
- Introduction
- Where does all of this come from ?
- Basic knowledge
- Core
- What is the Best Bet Diet ?
- What foods should I avoid ?
- What can I eat ?
- What kind of tests do I need to take ?
- What improvements in my health can I hope for ?
- How long will it take before I see positive results ?
- What are the symptoms I can experience when changing my diet toward BBD ?
- How can I join the group ?
- And what about ...
- Alcohol and beer ?
- Avocado ?
- Carob ?
- Chocolate ?
- Coconut and coconut oil ?
- Coffee ?
- Honey ?
- Legumes ?
- Nuts and Seeds ?
- Oats ?
- Soy and soy products ?
- Fats
- Saturated fats
- What are saturated fats ?
- Could or should I eat them ?
- Where are the most common places to find them ?
- Monounsaturated fats
- What are monounsaturated fats ?
- Could or should I eat them ?
- Where are the most common places to find them ?
- Polyunsaturated fats
- What are polyunsaturated fats ?
- Omega 3
- What are Omega 3 fats ?
- Could or should I eat them ?
- Where are the most common places to find them ?
- Omega 6
- What are Omega 6 fats ?
- Could or should I eat them ?
- Where are the most common places to find them ?
- Trans fats
- What are trans fats ?
- Could or should I eat them ?
- Where are the most common places to find them ?
- What should I aim for relative to the quantity and ratio of fats I eat ?
- Where can I find out how much of each fat type different food contain ?
- Supplements
- What are the supplements I should take and why ?
- How can I get tested for Vitamin D?
- What are the normal and optimal levels for the different tests ?
- ELISA Test
- What is the ELISA Test ?
- How can I get tested ?
- Can I eat dairy, gluten and legumes if I'm not allergic to them according to the ELISA test ?
- Tips & Tricks
- What can I eat for breakfast ?
- What can I eat at restaurants ?
- What oils should I be using for cooking ?
- How can I change my email profile or unsubscribe ?
- Often quoted persons
- Who is Ashton F. Embry ?
- Who is Dr. Swank ?
- Who is Dr. Mercola ?
- Who is Krispin ?
- Others (Basic knowledge)
- What do all those abbreviations mean ?
- Which food are legumes ?
- Which grains contain gluten ?
- Which grains do not contain gluten ?
- What can I do to help constipation ?
- Where can I read testimonials ?
- Where can I find BBD-friendly recipes ?
- How can I access the Extended FAQ ?
- Conclusion
- To help
- How can I get involved ?
- How can I make a donation to MS-Diet ?
- How can I make a donation to DIRECT-MS ?
Where does all of this come from ?
It all started back in August 2000. Andrew and I had independently come
across Direct-MS in our search for things to help MS. WOW! moments were
experienced in Scotland and England, as we realised what a resource we had
found. We were both immediately in contact with Ashton asking lots of
questions, to which we always received thoughtful and detailed replies.
Ashton put us in touch with one another. Somehow the idea of a support
group emerged (Andrew), as we wanted to spread the message to others, having
found that Neurologists did not believe diet could be a valid treatment
(they have not read the carefully researched papers and arguments on Ashton's
site). I suggested we try Topica as a means of distributing the email
initially, and 2 years later, we switched to Yahoo! groups, which offered more
features.
--Brian
For more information:
- Direct-MS website: Most of the journals, scientific papers, and essays from which the BBD was derived, can be found there.
Top
What is the Best Bet Diet ?
The Best Bet Diet is the diet at the core of our MS-Diet group. It has been developed by
Ashton F.
Embry according to scientifically based information on the relationship between multiple sclerosis
and nutritional factors. He has stated that we should stay away from some allergen foods. Those
foods have been introduced in human diet relatively recently with the apparition of agriculture and
we are not yet genitically adapted to them. Based on the work of
Dr. Swank, he also recommends to
severely restrict the consumption of
saturated fats. According to Dr. Embry, "... it appears that
diet revision [toward BBD] may be a very effective therapy for slowing or halting MS progression."
For more information:
- Direct-MS website: Most of the journals, scientific papers, and essays from which the BBD was derived, can be found there.
Top
What foods should I avoid ?
- All dairy products
- Gluten
- Legumes
- Allergenic foods identified by ELISA tests
- Avoid eggs and yeast if you are allergic (otherwise in moderation)
- Avoid processed sugar and margarine
- Limit saturated fats to 15 grams per day.
It's important to remember that the diet represents a major change in eating habits, lifestyle
and (to start with) elimination. It may take you some time to feel at ease with these changes; make
them gradually if you want. Above all, don't be too hard on yourself.
For more information:
Top
What can I eat ?
- Chicken (breast only, cooked without skin)
- Turkey (breast only, cooked without skin)
- Liver
- Fish
- Bison (grass-fed)
- Ostrich (grass-fed)
- Wild game
- All fruits
- All vegetables
- Some nuts and seeds
- Non-glutenous grains
For more information:
Top
What kind of tests do I need to take ?
- Elisa (food allergies and sensitivities)
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Serum Calcium
- Magnesium
For more information:
Top
What improvements in my health can I hope for ?
- Less fatigue
- Diminish or remove brain fog
- Decrease in the number of new symptoms
- Minimize the damage caused by a new symptom
- Halt MS progression
- Healing past symptoms (done by time, not BBD)
Every single person will have a different response to the diet and will improve differently and at
different speeds - some may not see obvious or quantifiable improvements at all but will slow or halt
the progression of their disease.
Not everybody can achieve a complete halt of their MS progression through BBD. It mainly depends
on the form of your MS: Relapsing/Remitting, Secondary Progressive or Primary Progressive, how long
you've had MS and how drastically the MS has physically affected you.
However, everyone following the BBD sees positive changes and there are many other avenues you can
explore which, when combined with the BBD, could produce even greater positive results.
Top
How long will it take before I see positive results ?
It's different for each individual. If you have allergies to the restricted foods you can easily
feel better in 2 weeks off dairy, or wheat for instance. Habitually, fatigue lessens after some weeks. The slow down and
halting of MS can take from several months to several years. In some persons, the halting of MS is
never achieved. It appears to be evident that the sooner in the MS process you start the BBD, the
faster you see results. The healing of MS symptoms is a process that could take weeks or months if
there is only inflammation, and years if there is damage to the myelin.
Top
What are the symptoms I can experience when changing my diet toward BBD ?
Many people often feel worse before they feel better, as they are ridding their body of toxins
and adjusting it to a new, healthier way of living. Some people get colds, runny noses, headaches,
and other symptoms that may lead them to believe they are getting worse!! If you experience a
"correcting crisis" while on a nutritional program, stay the course - it's working! When your body
begins cleaning out toxins, metabolic wastes, parasites, candida die-off and the like, you may
experience uncomfortable symptoms. Because you may feel worse before you feel better, it's important
to read up on this phenomenon so you can better understand this process.
The correcting crisis, when understood, is a clear indication that your improved nutrition program
is truly working and leading you to improved health. If you experience this, it doesn't normally
last more than a few days to a week, at which point you'll be enjoying increased energy and a better
overall sense of well-being.
Top
How can I join the group ?
Simply by sending an email to
MS-Diet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Some time later, you'll receive a response from Brian asking you which
email profile you want and... you're done!
You are free to just read the posts silently or to introduce yourself to the group, and enjoy being a part of our interactive, lively discussions as you embark on a healthier lifestyle to improve your situation and
take control of your MS!
Top
What about Alcohol and beer ?
Alcohol is largely a no-no. However a glass of wine a day is fine as grapes are a natural anti-oxidant.
Top
What about Avocado ?
Avocado is allowed on the BBD as it is relatively low in
saturated fats and high in "good" fat. But each avocaco contains about 5g of saturated fats and you should keep them below 15g per day.
Top
What about Carob ?
Carob is a
legume, so it is not allowed on the BBD.
Top
What about Chocolate ?
Milk chocolate is definitely out. Dairy-free (dark) chocolate is best avoided due to the high
saturated fat and sugar content. However, since cocoa beans are NOT a
legume, some members treat themselves to a nibble of dark chocolate (Green &
Black's organic Maya Gold for one) in moderation! Use your discretion, and check labels carefully.
Top
What about Coconut and coconut oil ?
Coconut oil is about 87-92%
saturated fat, so should be avoided. Coconut itself is high in saturated fat, so should only be eaten occasionally and in moderation.
Top
What about Coffee ?
It has been stated that a cup or two of coffee a day won't do any harm. However, for overall health reasons many on the diet have cut caffeine out completely and prefer to avoid it altogether.
Moreover, caffeine can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A and complex B vitamins.
Top
What about Honey ?
Honey is allowed on the BBD.
Top
What about Legumes ?
Legumes are to be avoided on the BBD.
For more information:
Top
What about Nuts and Seeds ?
Nuts and seeds contain a lot of fat, so you should limit the quantity that you eat. Especially those containing high amounts of
saturated fat.
For more information:
Top
What about Oats ?
Top
What about Soy and soy products ?
Soy and soy products are derived from soybeans, which are
legumes and therefore not allowed on the BBD. But
Soy Lecithin is OK and we checked this out with Ashton ages ago.
For more information:
Top
What are saturated fats ?
"Saturated" means "saturated of hydrogen atoms". Each carbon atom in this kind of fat molecule is
linked to two hydrogen atoms. There's no double-bonds between carbon atoms as in unsaturated fats,
and there is no room for new hydrogen atoms. This characteristic makes saturated fat solid at room
temperature. It's a very stable molecule, so your body can do almost nothing with it except produce
energy.
For more information:
Top
Could or should I eat saturated fats ?
You should keep saturated fats to a maximum of 15g per day.
Top
Where are the most common places to find saturated fats ?
- Red meat and many other animal products
- Hydrogenated oil
- Partially-hydrogenated oils
- Milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products
- Margarine
- Coconut and coconut oil
- Avocados
For more information:
Top
What are monounsaturated fats ?
Also called Omega 9 or Oleic acid, monounsaturated fats have only one double-bond between carbon atoms. It makes
them the most stable unsaturated fat when heated. This is the kind of fat that should be used when
cooking.
For more information:
Top
Could or should I eat monounsaturated fats ?
These fats are neither good nor bad; they should take up a large
proportion of all the fats you eat for two reasons:
to replace
Omega 6, and to give you more calories and energy.
Top
Where are the most common places to find monounsaturated fats ?
Top
What are polyunsaturated fats ?
These fats, which include
Omega 3 and
Omega 6 families, have two or more double-bonds between carbon atoms. This makes them quite unstable and they should not
be used for cooking to prevent the formation of
saturated fats and
trans fats.
Your body uses them in many biochemical processes.
For more information:
Top
What are Omega 3 fats ?
Omega-3 (you may sometimes see it written as n-3 or w-3) is the name given to a family of
polyunsaturated fatty acids. The parent omega-3 - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - is described as
"essential" as, like vitamins, it must be obtained from diet.
For more information:
Top
Could or should I eat Omega 3 fats ?
Yes. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory benefits and are essential to our health as they are components
of nerve cells and cellular membranes. They must be consumed regularly as the body has limited
storage for them.
Top
Where are the most common places to find Omega 3 fats ?
- Fish and fish oils
- Cod liver oil
- Flaxseed oil
The best and richest sources of the omega-3 fatty acids are oil-rich fish and fish or cod liver oil
supplements. This is because they supply the preferred omega-3's eicosapentaenoic acid and
docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA) that the body can use most readily.
For more information:
Top
What are Omega 6 fats ?
Omega 6 is another essential fatty acid, a vital component of membranes and used in the body to
lower blood cholesterol and support the skin. Although essential, omega 6 is inflammatory and most
traditional diets are quite high in it. To keep the omega 6:3 ratio in a more favourable position,
it is recommended you supplement mainly with omega 3 and allow omega 6 to come from the fat in your
diet.
For more information:
Top
Could or should I eat Omega 6 fats ?
Since Omega 6 fats are pro-inflammatory, you should limit their consumption.
For more information:
Top
Where are the most common places to find Omega 6 fats ?
- Safflower oil
- Soybean oil
- Sunflower oil
- Most nuts and seeds and their oils.
- Non-hydrogenated magarines
For more information:
Top
What are trans fats ?
They are produced through hydrogenation, a chemical process by which hydrogen is added to unsaturated
fatty acids. Hydrogenation converts the unsaturated bonds in the oil into saturated bonds, creating
a solid, spreadable fat with increased shelf life.
For more information:
Top
Could or should I eat trans fats ?
Trans fats are very detrimental to our health and should be completely avoided.
Top
Where are the most common places to find trans fats ?
- Over heated oils (See What oils should I be using for cooking ?)
- Hydrogenated oils
- Partially-hydrogenated oils
- Margarine
- Vegetable shortening
- Packaged baked goods
- Crackers
- Crisps (UK) / Chips (US)
- Almost all packaged/processed snack food
Top
What should I aim for relative to the quantity and ratio of fats I eat ?
Ashton's vision:
Basically I am satisfied with the Paleolithic prescription for fat types, amounts and required ratios.
Cordain's analysis recommends 50% monosaturates, 25% saturated, 18% omega 6
and 7% omega 3. Assuming a diet with 35% of calorie intake from fats (pretty standard) one can then
work out the amounts of each fat type for a given total calorie intake. For example, for 2000
calories, one would use ~ 80g of fat (equals 720 cal) with 40 g monosaturates, 20 g saturates,
14 g omega 6 and 6 g omega 3.
I think the ratios of the fat types are the key for biochemical functioning. Very low saturated
fat intake has been important in the past because of the very low intake of omega 3 and the
optimal 3/1 - 4/1 ratio. Thus a 2 g of omega 3 intake would necessitate a saturated fat intake of
~7-8 g if one wants to maximize the immune regulatory benefit from the omega 3.
This idea of stopping all omega 6 is not wise. One just wants to use ~ 15g a day of omega 6 and
to ensure an omega 6/omega 3 ratio of ~ 2-3.
Both
omega-6 and
omega-3 fatty acids are essential but the body requires them in a ratio that is not
normally achieved by the typical diet of today's industrialised nations.
Experts think that man evolved on a diet which would have had roughly 1-2 times more omega-6 than
omega-3, though there is a school of thought which argues for a 1:1 ratio. Currently, average UK
intakes are in a ratio of around 8:1 in favour of the omega-6s, while in the US it is around 10:1,
and in Australia nearer 12:1. Many individuals within those populations will have an even greater
omega-6 to omega-3 imbalance.
Because the omega-3s and omega-6s compete on the same metabolic pathway and the omega-6s may block
conversion of omega-3 ALA to the more useful omega-3 EPA and DHA, non-fish eaters must be extra
vigilant in cutting down on omega-6 intake
Because of their wide-ranging roles, virtually every area of the human body is susceptible to
problems if the balance of the two polyunsaturates becomes out of kilter. How extreme the imbalance
needs to be before problems are felt is not yet known for sure and in practice it will probably vary
from one person to the next.
Top
Where can I find out how much of each fat type different food contain ?
Depending on where you live, the label laws differ. Many food labels break down the different
quantities of fat by type, in grams.
For more information:
Top
What are the supplements I should take and why ?
See Ashton's supplement list.
Remember that few persons in the group are taking all those supplements. Most of us limit ourselves
to the ones each believe are the most important and he can afford.
For more information:
- Supplements Explained: Brian's information sheet explaining the reasons behind these supplements and other information.
Top
How can I get tested for Vitamin D ?
Before considering supplementation with vitamin D, it would be wise to have your vitamin D level
tested. It is very important that your physician order the correct test. The advantage of having your
medical doctor perform the test is that it will usually be covered by your medical insurance.
There are two vitamin D tests: 1,25(OH)D and 25(OH)D. 25(OH)D is the better marker of overall D status. It is this marker that is most strongly
associated with overall health.
The correct test is 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D
For more information:
Top
What are the normal and optimal levels for the different tests ?
- Vitamin D: 25(OH)D (or 25-hydroxyvitamin D) test:
| nmol/l | ng/ml
|
---|
Optimal | 125-150 | 50-60
|
Normal | 50-140 | 20-56
|
Please note the difference between normal and optimal. We are looking for optimal level.
- Vitamin B12
| pmol/L | ng/L
|
---|
Normal | 247 - 911 | 335 - 1234
|
---|
Low | 149 - 246 | 202 - 334
|
Deficient | 0 - 148 | 0 - 201
|
- Serum Calcium: 2.15 - 2.55 mmol/L
- Magnesium: 0.70 - 0.90 mmol/L
Top
What is the ELISA Test ?
A blood test (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) used to identify food allergies and sensitivities.
Two kind of antibodies are tested: IgE and IgG. Whereas IgE antibodies are an indicator
of Type 1 hypersensitivity, which is an immediately evident allergic reaction, IgG antibodies
have to do with Type 3 sensitivity, which is a delayed reaction.
For more information:
Top
How can I get an ELISA test ?
At the present time, there is a choice of two options for ELISA
tests, both from Labs in England and both available worldwide.
They are hometests and there is no need to visit a doctor to have a sample taken or to have the
results analyzed. A special kit will be sent to your home, from the lab, and all that is needed
is a thumbprick to release enough blood to soak a small swab.
Offer Number 1 - Cambridge Nutritional Sciences, 93 foods test.
Offer Number 2 - York Labs, 113 foods test.
(The first one being cheaper)
MSRC is in charge of this offer. So if you are interested in this test or want more information, simply
send a email
to them.
Top
Can I eat dairy, gluten and legumes if I'm not allergic to them according to the ELISA test ?
No. These foods are to be avoided regardless of your test results.
Top
What can I eat for breakfast ?
- Organic rice or corn cereal with rice milk. Look for brands that do not contain sugar or barley malt.
- Kiwifruit, grapefruit, bananas, or other fruit in season.
- Rice cakes with almond butter
- Carol's banana muffins (at the bottom of the webpage).
- Gluten free/dairy free waffles or pancakes with pure maple syrup
- Nuts and seeds
- Your leftovers from last night's dinner
- Millet porridge soaked in boiling rice dream.
- Rice Meusli (available at Health shops)
- Millet flakes cooked in boiling water is a good cereal to use. (¼ cup flakes to ½ cup of hot water, pinch of kelp, simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened). Nice with prunes which have been soaked in boiling water. Use the prune water on the millet too. High vitamin content.
- Rice Krispies.
- Meusli made out of a mixture of linseeds, organic puffed rice, sunflower seeds, millet, dried dates, raisins, hazelnuts and toasted pumpkin seeds. This can be adapted to your own combination. Try heating it up with rice milk to make an imitation of porridge. For a quick start to your day, add some fresh ginger.
- Gluten free porridge with fresh fruit.
- Toasted Rice Bread spread with honey or mashed banana.
For more information:
Top
What can I eat at restaurants ?
It is most important when dining out to not be afraid to ask for what you want, the way you want it!
Most restaurants have a "safe" garden salad on the menu, and you can get that topped with grilled chicken.
Broiled fish or chicken with steamed vegetables and a baked potato can be done easily enough; Always tell
the waiter you are allergic to dairy and gluten, to be assured your dish is free of that. It is a good
idea when possible to call ahead to the restaurant to explain your dietary restrictions, and to be sure
they can prepare something for you.
Top
What oils should I be using for cooking ?
When oils are heated chemical changes occur producing
trans-fatty acids,
saturated fatty acids and other oxidation products that are far more
toxic than trans fats.
Frying is not recommended for health. If you must fry use high oleic sunflower,
high oleic safflower, sesame or olive oil. Adding water while frying
will keep the temperatures down to acceptable levels. Extra virgin
olive oil can be used for boiling and baking.
This quote comes from the book:
Erasmus, Udo.
Fats that Heal Fats that Kill. Alive Books. 1993. (pages 128-129)
Frying and deep-frying
If you insist on frying and/or deep-frying, it bears repeating that
the less oils are heated, the less they are destroyed, and the better
they are for us.
Frying and deep-frying destroy all oils and cannot be
recommended for health. But some oils are damaged less by frying
than others. If you must fry, use refined oils that contain the
lowest amount of EFAs, and the greatest amounts of SaFAs and MUFAs,
and use sulphur-rich garlic and onions in frying to minimize free
radical damage.
Oils least damaged by high temperatures and oxygen include:
- medium chain tryglycerides (MCTs) (in small quantities only, less than 1 tablespoon);
- butter;
- tropical fats;
- high oleic sunflower (not regular sunflower) oil;
- high oleic safflower (not regular safflower) oil;
- peanut oil;
- sesame oil;
- olive oil;
in that order of preference. These oils are EFA- poor, and produce
the lowest amount of toxic molecules when heated. The EFAs required
for health must come from other sources.
Frying and deep-frying are completely prohibited if optimum health is
what you are after, or if you are attempting to reverse cancer or any
other degenerative condition using natural means.
Boiling and Baking
Boiling is less destructive of oils than frying because the
temperature goes only to 100 C. Even the most sensitive, EFA-rich
oils can be used in cooked grains and on steamed vegetables without
deterioration.
Baking fits between safe boiling with water and unsafe
frying. ... The temperature inside the bread being baked goes up to
only just above boiling - perhaps 116 C and the inside of bread is
also protected from air and from light.
The inside of 'baked' bread is actually steamed at an acceptable
temperature for even the more sensitive oils. Only the crust is
actually baked (meaning 'burned'). The oils in the brown (or black)
crust are destroyed.
When you cook, always keep your oven temperature relatively low. You can
add cider vinegar or water to the oil, as this helps to keep the temperature low.
Top
How can I change my email profile or unsubscribe ?
All you have to do is send a blank email to the address below that corresponds to the new email profile you want. A few minutes later Yahoo send you a confirmation email. That's it!
Top
Who is Ashton F. Embry ?
Dr. Ashton F. Embry, Ph.D is the scientist behind the research and subsequent creation of the
Best Bet Diet. He is the founder of
Direct-MS (Diet
REsearch into the Cause and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis).
Top
Who is Dr. Swank ?
Dr. Roy Swank is the creator of the "Swank Low-Fat Diet for the Treatment of MS", a diet low in
saturated fat (maximum 15g per day) and relatively rich in
polyunsaturated oils (minimum 20g and maximum 50g per day). Although the BBD takes the link between
diet and MS much further, The Swank diet book is worth reading as it promotes the low-fat aspect
and has much useful general information.
The data demonstrates the lack of decline in numerous patients who were on the ultra-low fat diet
for 35 years. Visit
his website for more information.
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Who is Dr. Mercola ?
Dr. Joseph Mercola is an Osteopathic Physician who practices a "whole person" approach to medicine,
treating the entire person rather than just the symptoms. It is Dr. Mercola's vision to transform
the existing medical paradigm from one addicted to pharmaceuticals, surgeries and other methods that
only conceal or remove specific symptoms - with morbid results to our health and economy - to one
focused on treating and preventing the underlying causes.
His website
is filled with comprehensive, clear and researched guidance on the best nutrition, medical,
emotional therapy and lifestyle choices to improve and maintain total health.
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Who is Krispin ?
Krispin Sullivan is a Clinical Nutritionist in private practice in Marin County, CA. She has studied
and continues to study biochemistry, psychology, exercise physiology, biofeedback, positive thinking;
nutrition and its role in degenerative disease; toxicology, parasitology; nutrient deficiencies
caused by prescription drugs, chemotherapy and radiation, and many other nutrition related areas.
She is
Dr. Mercola's nutritionist and a consulting nutritionist to the health
food industry. Her website can be found by
clicking here.
Top
Which food are legumes ?
- Acacia
- Acacia Gum
- Alfalfa
- Arabic
- Black-eyed pea
- Carob
- Carob (St. John's Bread)
- Cassia
- Chick Pea
- Field Pea
- Green Bean
- Green Pea
- Guar gum
- Jack bean
- Karaya Gum
- Kidney bean
- Lentil
- Licorice
- Lima bean
- Locust Bean Gum
- Mungo Bean
- Navy Bean
- Peanut
- Peanut oil
- Pinto Bean
- Soybean
- Soybean oil/flour
- Split Pea
- String Bean
- Talca Gum
- Tamarind
- Tonka bean
- Tragancanth Gum
- Urd Flour
For more information:
Top
Which grains contain gluten ?
- Barley
- Cous-cous
- Durum
- Khamut
- Oats
- Rye
- Semolia
- Spelt
- Wheat
Top
Which grains do not contain gluten ?
- Buckwheat
- Corn
- Millet
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Tapioca
Top
What do all those abbreviations mean ?
Official:
- ACD -> Anti-Candida Diet
- ACV -> Apple Cider Vinegar
- APLS -> Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Hughes Syndrome)
- ALA -> Alpha-Linolenic Acid (omega 3)
- ALA -> Alpha-Lipoic Acid (antioxidant)
- BBB -> Blood Brain Barrier
- BBD -> Best Bet Diet
- CLA -> Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- CLO -> Cod Liver Oil
- DHA -> Docosahexaenoic Acid (omega 3)
- EAE -> Experimental Autoimmune Encephalitis (Mimics MS in animals)
- EFA -> Essential Fatty Acid
- EPA -> Eicosapentaenoic Acid (omega 3)
- EPO -> Evening Primrose Oil
- GLA -> Gamma-Linolenic Acid
- GSE -> Grapefruit Seed Extract (anti-fungal)
- GSE -> Grape Seed Extract (antioxidant)
- HFS -> Health Food Store
- HMA -> Hair Minerals Analysis
- HS -> Hughes Syndrome
- LDN -> Low Dose Naltrexone
- MSRC -> Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center
- NP -> New Pathways magazine
- OLE -> Olive Leaf Extract (anti-fungal)
- RA -> Rheumatoid Arthritis
Just for fun:
- BFN -> Bye For Now
- BB1 -> Baker Boy #1: Andrew (it's a long long story full of inaccuracies)
- BB2 -> Baker Boy #2: Brian (See above)
- FDLOL -> Falling Down Laughing Out Loud
- FJLOL -> Fat Jock (a Scot) Laughing Out Loud
- LOL -> Laughing Out Loud
- ROFLOL -> Rolling On Floor Laughing Out Loud
Top
What can I do to help constipation ?
- Drink more water: Up to 2-3 liters (60-90 onces) per day
- Psyllium husk
- Prunes
- Kiwifruit
- Increase consumption of fish oil and flaxseed oil
- Soaked linseeds: Put a tablespoon of seeds in water overnight and drink the next day.
It's not very nice. It goes all gloopy but should work. Might be an idea to start with
a teaspoon and work up. Can grind them dry and put on cereal etc.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE): Only 10 drops in a glass of water morning and night should
kill off the candida and also sort out the constipation. You might need to take it for a
good few weeks just to make sure but I reckon you'll start to see some results in a few days.
- Magnesium: Up to 1200 mg per day but not for months because it could put the trio Mg-Ca-Vit D
out of balance.
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Where can I read testimonials ?
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Where can I find BBD-friendly recipes ?
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How can I access the Extended FAQ ?
If you are new to Best Bet Diet and this group, it is suggested that you take the time to get a
good grasp on all the information contained in the Basic FAQ. Otherwise, your journey toward
health will come across as being very difficult! It is strongly recommended that you switch your
focus to the "Extended" topics only after you feel at easy with the basics of the Best Bet Diet.
If you're already there, then just
click here and a new section will appear.
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How can I get involved ?
- By starting the diet!
- Join the main BBD Group.
- Join the pro-active Recipe Group by sending an email to BBD-Recipes-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
To be a member of this group, you have to be ready to try and test new recipes and share your
results with others. No passive members are tolerated! :o)
- Join the UK Publicity Group by sending an email to BBD-PubUK-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. This group is finding ways
to publicise the BBD diet in the United Kingdom. If you want to help them, join the list!
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How can I make a donation to MS-Diet ?
We now fall under the umbrella organisation of the MS Resource Centre.
Click here
to contact the MSRC with an enquiry (eg- "How can I get the New Pathway magazine ?").
Click here
to donate online to the Best Bet part of the MSRC. Look for the big green "Donate Online" button on the right.
Or send cheque marked "Best Bet Biet" on the reverse, to this address:
MS Resource Centre
7 Peartree Business Centre, Peartree Road,
Stanway, Colchester, Essex
United Kingdom
CO3 5JN
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How can I make a donation to DIRECT-MS ?
You can donate online to Direct-MS through
their website or send a tax deductible (in Canada and the USA) contribution to:
DIRECT-MS
5119 Brockington Rd. NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2L 1R7
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