Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, which leads to progressive muscle weakness and loss of reflexes. In GBS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, and, in severe instances, paralysis. Although there is no definitive cure for GBS, a well-balanced diet can aid in managing symptoms, strengthening the immune system, and supporting overall recovery. While medication and medical supervision are essential, lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, play a crucial role in alleviating secondary symptoms and preventing complications.
Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a severe autoimmune disorder characterized by the rapid progression of limb weakness. Although the exact cause of GBS is unknown, it may be triggered by surgical procedures, or bacterial or viral infections. GBS can occur at any age and in both genders. In a small number of cases (approximately 1 in 20 patients), GBS may be life-threatening. Symptoms may worsen over a couple of weeks if the patient does not receive any medical attention.
GBS affects the peripheral nerves, which control muscle movement, pain signals, and temperature and touch sensations. The first symptoms are muscle weakness and/or tingling sensations (paresthesia). These symptoms typically come on suddenly, usually affecting both sides of the body, starting in the feet and legs and spreading up to the arms and face. Muscle weakness in your legs may make it difficult to walk or climb stairs.
Depending on the severity of the condition, other symptoms may include:
- Deep muscular pain in your back and/or legs.
- Paralysis of your legs, arms and/or facial muscles. In severe cases, you may experience near-total paralysis.
- Chest muscle weakness, which can make it difficult to breathe. This affects about 1 in 3 people with GBS.
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing (dysphagia).
- Difficulty moving your eyes and vision issues.
The symptoms of GBS can progress over hours, days, or a few weeks. Most people reach the most severe stage of weakness within the first two weeks after symptoms appear. By the third week, about 90% of people are at their weakest.
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The Role of Diet in GBS Recovery
While there is currently no evidence-based data in humans to determine which diet is best for people with GBS, focusing on a healthy diet can help reduce the severity of GBS. A nutrient-rich diet can help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support nerve regeneration. A high-energy diet (40-45 non-protein kcal) and high-protein intake (2-2.5 g/kg) are advised to minimize muscle wasting and support respiratory weaning. Sufficient protein intake is required to ensure muscle repair and recovery.
Did You Know? Leafy greens, bone broth, and fermented foods can support nerve health and recovery from GBS.
Foods to Incorporate into Your Diet
Incorporating specific foods into your diet can support nerve function, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity, aiding in the recovery process.
Vegetables Rich in Sulfur Compounds
Vegetables such as kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli contain sulfur compounds that help protect nerve cells from damage.
Bone Broth
Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, bone broth can help reduce inflammation. It is also beneficial for individuals who experience difficulty swallowing. Recent studies indicate that bone broth possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC) by reducing symptoms. Drinking 2 to 3 cups per day forever. It’s cheap and powerful medicine and you can use the meat for meals! Instead, make a short cooked meat stock with the flesh, bones and connective tissue from any meat you like. You can’t buy it and you can’t make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. It’s worth the time to make this healing elixir homemade.
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Green Tea
Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that helps regulate immune responses and prevent excessive nerve damage. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) prevent nerve damage by reducing inflammation and apoptosis in nerve cells following injury.
Probiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotic-rich foods such as kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut promote gut health and enhance immunity. The presence of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a significant role in reducing autoimmune responses and inflammation.
Foods Rich in Vitamin B12 and Magnesium
Vitamin B12 plays a significant role in nerve health and myelin regeneration, which is crucial for recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Magnesium is vital for nerve function and helps reduce inflammation. It is found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3’s may help combat muscle break down that can occur during GBS recovery. They may help nerve regeneration, reduce inflammation and help optimize remyelination of the nerves. Found in fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, omega-3 fatty acids support nerve health and reduce inflammation.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods may exacerbate inflammation and worsen symptoms, hindering the recovery process.
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Dairy Products
Dairy Products (such as cheese, butter, and cream) - Can trigger inflammatory responses in some individuals. Listeria monocytogenes is often found in unpasteurized dairy products and can cause listeriosis, which may lead to neurological complications, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). No pasteurized, homogenized dairy. No grocery store milk or Kraft block cheeses. It has to have live and active cultures or say it’s been aged. Raw milk is good but the GAPS diet does require fermentation before you drink it-usually as kefir. Creme fraiche or other cultured creams are also allowed.
Processed, High-Sodium, and Sugary Foods
High sodium and sugary foods can worsen the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) by promoting inflammation and adversely affecting immune function. Elevated sodium intake may result in fluid retention and increased blood pressure, complicating the recovery process. Similarly, a diet high in sugar can impair immune response, leading to systemic inflammation.
Foods That May Stimulate an Unfavorable Immune Response
Your body may not tolerate certain foods and beverages, such as specific grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, dairy, animal products, and food additives. The foods mentioned above can stimulate an immune response, which may worsen the symptoms of GBS. There are foods other than the above that may stimulate an unfavorable immune response and worsen symptoms of GBS, such as a diet high in ultra-processed food.
Other Foods to Avoid
- Sugar. No sugar folks. Small amounts of honey or maple syrup can be used later but no granulated white sugar. No cookies, pies, cakes or hidden sources of sugar like salad dressings, BBQ sauce or cereal.
- No wheat or white flour. No, there is no bread. Let’s mourn for it now and let it go. No pasta, crackers, donuts…you get the idea. Bye.
- No grains or “gluten free” foods. These are full of grains from rice flour and other starches. They are junk food just the same as anything else. No rice, no quinoa, no chickpeas.
- No vegetable/canola oils. The “hateful 8 oils” include vegetable, canola, sunflower, safflower and a few others. These inflammatory oils are in everything from mayonnaise to Hamburger Helper and salad dressing. Your beloved “heart healthy” spreadable butter is leavin’.
- No fast food. Nada. Zip. Filled with bad oils, gluten contamination and a splattering of factory made ingredients you’ll never get better on any of it. You’ll learn to eat before you go, carry emergency snacks and plan ahead.
Additional Dietary Recommendations
Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Include plenty of fruits and vegetables like spinach, broccoli, berries, and oranges. These foods are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help reduce inflammation and support nerve repair.
Include Lean Proteins
Protein is essential for muscle repair and recovery. Incorporate sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu into your meals. Meats need to be high quality and locally raised; free from preservatives, fillers and should be fed non-GMO grains if they are grain fed.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and keeps the body functioning optimally. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
Monitor Vitamin Intake
Ensure adequate levels of essential vitamins, particularly B12 and D, as they play a crucial role in nerve function. Speak to a doctor about supplements if necessary.
Small, Frequent Meals
Fatigue can make large meals challenging. Eating smaller, balanced meals more frequently can help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
Gut Health and Fermented Foods
The gut microbiome is key in general health and recovery from GBS. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for regulating immune homeostasis and providing health benefits to the host. The incorporation of fermented foods such as kimchi offers potential benefits for GBS patients.
The CIDP Diet Concept and Mindful Eating
The CIDP diet concept, focusing on personalizing diet plans to cater to individual needs and preferences, is relevant to GBS. It emphasizes the importance of modifying diets to bolster immune system health, especially for those managing Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Mindful eating is a conscious practice involving full attention to the process of eating and its associated sensations. Working with a nutritionist is highly beneficial in this regard.
Success Stories and the Synergy of Diet and Medical Treatments
Reports of successful recovery often highlight dietary modifications such as increased consumption of bone broth, fermented foods, and leafy vegetables, along with the avoidance of highly processed foods, refined foods, and added sugars. In managing Guillain-Barre Syndrome, combining a balanced diet with medical treatments improves the chances of successful recovery. A balanced diet, incorporating immunity-boosting foods such as bone broth, fermented foods, and leafy vegetables, plays a significant role in supporting the immune system.
The Impact of Weight Loss on GBS
Rapid and substantial weight loss may play a role in triggering GBS, possibly due to nutritional deficiencies or immune dysregulation. Clinicians should recognize the potential neurological risks associated with aggressive weight-loss strategies. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes and preventing complications.
Weight Loss and Diet-Induced GBS
In patients with diet-related GBS, 60% reported a preceding infection, while only 15.8% of those with bariatric surgery-related GBS had a similar history. In patients with diet-related GBS, 80% showed hypoalbuminemia, while only 21.1% of surgery-related GBS patients experienced hypoalbuminemia, and the same percentage had nutritional deficiencies.
Lifestyle Adjustments Beyond Diet
Although diet is a key aspect of managing GBS, other lifestyle elements like exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene also have a significant contribution to overall health and recovery. Managing stress is equally important in GBS management as it contributes to the improvement of both physical and psychiatric recovery, reducing anxiety and depression, and the overall recovery process. Lastly, maintaining proper sleep hygiene contributes to the recovery of Guillain-Barre Syndrome by allowing proper rest.
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