Swank diet and MS and the fat wars

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I listened to a radio interview of Roy Swank yesterday (on KBOO in Portland) and

just wanted to get some feedback from you well-informed folks. I am new to all

this, and not a student of nutrition. The interview left me feeling as I

usually do when I hear information about diet, especially fats: confused,

distrustful, exasperated, and worried about what I am doing to my body. I am

frankly blown away at the " war " out there concerning dietary fats. I have

lately been picking up book after book and just skimming the section on fats...

quite amazing, after reading NT. It is truly incredible the differences in

opinions, even when evaluating the same studies.

I think I may represent a large group of folks who have read NT: we are very

taken with what we read in NT (and in my case my dr recommended the book to me,

so I feel a sense of trust in it) and we may adopt many of the recommendations.

BUT in the back of our minds some of us are still wondering " is this just yet

another opinion that will be challenged and debunked, or is it close to " the

truth? " . Just my honest feelings here. I generally am very, very excited about

the NT approach and am quite " sold " on it. And I have been working hard to

change my ways. But I guess that being a " layperson " in the field of nutrition

it is hard to defend the NT position as well as many of you who are more

well-informed. Thus, my question about Swank and your opinions on him.

I haven't even looked at his book, but for those who don't know who he is here

is what I do know: he did a long term study on the affects of diet on some MS

patients. Low levels of fat from animals (other than fish and vegetables, i.e.

olive oil -- notice how I am avoiding the fat acronyms, they confuse me!)

allowed many of the MS sufferers they followed to live normal and long lives,

according to the study. Okay, so what is up with that? Bad study? It is

based on info he gathered in Norway that showed that those living off their

farms had lots more MS than those living off of the fish at in the coastal

towns.

I am also curious if anyone has written a critique of Sally's book/ Weston

Price. I am asking in the spirit of research... I am just curious to hear what

those who disagree with NT have said specifically about the book. I guess I

like to hear the other side, it helps me learn.

Also, the same radio show host who interviewed Swank will be interviewing the

guy who wrote " The 8 week Cholesterol Cure " (not sure of authors name) and so

once again I am sure I will feel massively confused! :-) Oh, well, at least I

am climbing that steep learning curve at a steady pace. :-)

P.S. I intend to write a short intro of myself soon and discuss my own health

problems (briefly!). I don't have MS, but I do (supposedly) have fibromyalgia

and have been achy, tired, and in pain every (* & *%^%# day for six years now. I

hope it won't be too off-topic but I am interested to hear what your opinions

are on the NT diet and fibromyaliga (as well as hypothyroidism).

P.S.S. I am making chicken and rice soup today with lovely stock which simmered

all day yesterday. In fact, I was skimming the stock as I listened to the Swank

interview yesterday!

Thanks

Carolyn