My journey to finding a myasthenia gravis diet that works for me

Before I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2019, my symptoms led me to think that my body was lacking vitamins and nutrients. After my diagnosis, I blamed my weight gain on MG, even though hormones played a big role, too. I’ve tried several diets over the years, both before and after my diagnosis, and each one affected me differently.

From 2017 to 2019, I was a flexitarian, meaning I followed a strict vegan diet six days a week and ate animal products on the seventh day. I chose this lifestyle to take a stand against mass meat and dairy production and animal suffering. Even though I worried about how my body might respond, I kept that one “off” day in case I ever needed to switch back to that diet full time.

This way of eating helped a lot with my inflammatory symptoms. I wasn’t yet diagnosed, but I don’t remember experiencing any flare-ups during that time. I was especially careful about getting enough protein and took spirulina supplements regularly. The vegan community is also super motivating and full of tips for a healthier lifestyle. I discovered protein-rich snacks and started including anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric and carrots in my meals.

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The only problem is, with MG, you never know what’s a coincidence and what’s cause and effect. Maybe I didn’t have flare-ups during those years because of the diet, or maybe MG just decided to give me a break.

Before I became a flexitarian, I had tried a vegetarian diet where I avoided meat but still ate dairy and eggs. That didn’t work well for me at all. Too bad I’m obsessed with cheese. I even own a cheese board business!

Trying a new diet post-diagnosis

After my diagnosis, I saw a nutritionist with the goal of losing weight. But instead of focusing only on my weight, she also worked to reduce the effects of MG. Her priority was to lower my inflammation levels and help me feel “light” throughout the day, so that fatigue wouldn’t be such a struggle.

The plan she gave me was very balanced and full of raw vegetables and fruits, which I loved. But it was also free of gluten, sugar, and dairy and included a lot of lean white meat like chicken and fish.

It worked like magic. My inflammation levels decreased, I lost weight, and even when I did have flare-ups, they didn’t last long. It felt manageable.

The only real challenge? Daily cooking. I didn’t always have the motivation or energy to prep meals in advance, and as anyone with chronic pain or fatigue knows, consistency is one of the hardest parts of any routine. It’s even harder when you’re out of the house a lot and come home totally exhausted.

But I know now that, for me, consistency was more of a mental challenge than a physical one.

I recently read Shawna Barnes’ column about her experience with the carnivore diet, which is the complete opposite of what I tried — and it worked for her. It’s an important reminder that different paths can lead to success for each of us.

I’ve found that my body adapts quickly to whatever diet I try. Sometimes the positive effects fade over time, and I have to make a change. It’s helpful to work with a qualified nutritionist, especially one who understands chronic conditions and can use their knowledge and experience to guide me.

What I do now is change one small thing in my diet each month. It keeps my body in that “fresh-start” mode that often brings me a little boost in energy and well-being. And no, I’m not always consistent! But I never shame myself for enjoying good food when I want to.

I try to nourish myself with healthy meals as much as possible, even though I sometimes slip up with dairy or sugar, which are triggers for me. I’ve learned to listen to my body — its cravings, its needs — without ignoring the science of nutrition and long-term health.

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding balance.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.