Diet

A healthy, well balanced diet contains a balance of the right foods to help our body to function at the best possible level. The Eatwell Plate, produced by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), shows the types of proportions of foods we should aim to choose.

1. Base meals on starchy carbohydrate, try to choose high fibre choices
2. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, aim for at least 5 portions per day
3. Choose protein foods which are more lean
4. Dairy foods are important for bone health, try to choose lower fat options
5. Foods which are high in fat and sugar can be included in small quantities to add variety to your diet

Myasthenia may cause symptoms of muscle weakness and fatigue. It is therefore important to eat little and often to keep your energy levels up. It may be easier to prepare foods in advance or alternatively prepare food which are quick and easy. Myasthenia can lead to alterations in swallowing and fatigue with chewing. With this in mind it might be easier to choose softer foods.

Have a look at our soft food recipes for

Speak to your doctor if you're having difficulties with swallowing, eating or maintaining your weight. Your may need to be referred to a dietitian and/or speech and language therapist for more in depth individual advice.

Myaware is often asked whether any specific diet or nutritional plan can help alleviate the symptoms of myasthenia, as of yet there is no medically proven evidence of this being the case. The benefit of maintaining a healthy diet difficulty to people on steroids.

Alcohol

The myaware Medical Committee say that moderate alcohol intake will not worsen your myasthenia. You may experience some side effects like flushing might occur and people should judge for themselves if they have any unpleasant reactions. However, serious problems are very unlikely.

Living with myasthenia