Guest Blog Post: Dr. Terry Wahls Recruiting for Diet Study


TWO MS DIET STUDIES are RECRUITING

MS Diet Study Research Opportunity Worldwide 
Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are very interested in dietary approaches to managing MS-related symptoms. 

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of research on which diet people should follow. Research has mostly focused on which supplements to take. Studying food choices and diet is much more complicated and equally as important. 



Right now there are two studies planned to examine if there specific diets that help reduce MS-related symptoms.

To find out the impact of specific diets, we need participants. Please consider enrolling in these two studies. 



  Dr. Terry Wahls  

1st STUDY:  Dietary Approaches to Treating MS-Related Fatigue 
Dr. Terry Wahls does clinical research at the University of Iowa, studying diet in the setting of multiple sclerosis. We are conducting an interventional study to understand how diet can affect fatigue. 

In our study we will be comparing the effectiveness of the low–saturated fat diet (Swank) and the modified Paleo (Wahls Elimination) for reducing the severity of MS-related fatigue symptoms and quality of life.   

The study lasts 36 weeks. We conduct baseline assessments and ask participants to continue eating their usual diet for 12 weeks, during which time there are repeat assessments. Then patients are randomized to one of the two study diets, trained on their assigned diet, and receive coaching calls to help them successfully adopt and sustain the study diet. There are repeat assessments 12 and 24 weeks later. 

We are currently recruiting participants and will continue recruiting through early 2019. Participants must have a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS, fatigue, and live within 500 miles of Iowa City, Iowa. This includes the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin, and parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. 

Individuals interested in being considered for enrollment in this study may complete screening questionnaires and use code JMJPYEJHP. 

For questions, please email MSDietStudy@healthcare.uiowa.edu or call 319-384-5002.



2nd Study:  Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Multiple Sclerosis  
The second study is an observational study being conducted at Bastyr University for people with MS, optic neuritis, or clinically isolated syndrome. The survey asks participants about their diet, complementary and alternative medicine use, current symptoms, and quality of life. 


Participants are asked to complete surveys twice a year. Because it follows people over time, this study can also help answer questions about which diet is associated with better quality of life and fewer MS-related symptoms. 

Also, because this is a survey-only study, people can participate from all over the globe. You can learn more about this study and complete the surveys using this link.

Please consider participating in these important studies and encourage others to consider participating as well. Changing clinical practice so dietary advice is part of the care for people with MS requires research that asks the question, “Can diet reduce MS disease severity?”  

We have two studies asking that question. MS researchers from around the globe including myself and the MS community are anxiously awaiting the results from these studies. I hope you’ll consider participating. 

We’d love to include you! 

1 comment:

Gerardoavery cristian said...

It's a continuous cycle, really. The more that I exercised the more my body refused to ingest non healthy food; the better I ate, the more energy I had, the stronger I got, and the better I felt. Now I just continue that cycle of exercise, healthy eating with the addition of supplements and I'm able to improve my fitness each day, month, and year. golo