GBS Syndrome Diet: Nutrition Guide for Guillain-Barré Recovery

What is Guillain-Barr Syndrome?

Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerve cells, damaging the peripheral nervous system. This network of nerves connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

GBS Symptoms

Early signs of GBS often include:

• Prickling or tingling sensations in the fingertips and toes
• Muscle weakness or loss of reflexes
• Difficulty walking steadily or climbing stairs
• Double vision or drooping eyelids
• Facial paralysis

For many people, symptoms progressively worsen, eventually leading to near-total paralysis. Most patients reach maximal weakness within 2-4 weeks before plateauing. Recovery is highly variable but often takes months.

What Triggers GBS?

GBS frequently occurs after viral or bacterial infections like the flu, pneumonia, or diarrheal illnesses. Experts believe the infection may trigger the immune system to accidentally attack nerves.

In very rare cases, COVID vaccines or surgical procedures can also precede GBS onset.

The GBS Diet - Nutrition for Recovery

There is no standardized GBS diet or specific nutritional protocol. However, maintaining proper nutrition supports healing and facilitates recovery from Guillain-Barr syndrome weakness and paralysis.

Dietary Needs During Initial Hospitalization

Guillain-Barr syndrome often requires hospital intensive care, especially during early stages when paralysis and breathing difficulties are greatest. At this point, oral intake is generally contraindicated due to high aspiration risk.

ICU-based nutrition interventions include:

• Parenteral nutrition - Delivery of balanced IV solutions containing vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbs for nourishment when unable to eat.
• Enteral feeds - Liquid nutrition formulas given through tubes inserted through the nose into the stomach or small intestine.

As GBS symptoms improve, diet slowly advances from tube feeds to thickened liquids to solid foods as swallowing function allows.

Emphasize Whole Food Nourishment During Recovery

Once able to eat solid foods again, focus diet around varied, vitamin-rich, whole food sources. Great options include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins like fish, chicken, tofu or legumes
• Low-fat dairy
• Nuts, seeds
• Healthy oils - olive, avocado, nut oils

A balanced whole foods diet helps restore strength, promote nerve health, and speed overall recovery.

Ensure Adequate Calories For Weight Maintenance

Significant weakness from GBS often leads to weight loss and muscle wasting early on. Getting sufficient calories is key to rebuilding strength.

Add nutrient-dense calorie sources like smoothies, eggs, dried fruit, coconut, avocados and nut butters if unwanted weight loss occurs.

Stay Well Hydrated

Dehydration risks further neurological complications. Aim for 8-10 glasses of fluids daily. Water is best. Clear broths, diluted juices or oral rehydration solutions also help increase intake if needed.

The Anti-Inflammatory GBS Diet

Controlling inflammation is vital for GBS recovery. An anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes immune-regulating foods shown to reduce nerve irritation.

Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fats

Omega-3 fatty acids display powerful anti-inflammatory properties without immune suppression. Excellent sources include fatty fish, walnuts, flax and chia seeds.

For severe inflammation, supplementing with concentrated fish or algal oil capsules under medical guidance may offer added benefit.

Choose More Colorful Fruits and Veggies

Intensely pigmented produce contains antioxidants that lessen inflammation. Aim for a rainbow, packing in choices like berries, leafy greens, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, citrus fruits, cherries, purple grapes and more.

Flavor Foods with Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices

Ginger, turmeric, oregano, garlic, cayenne and green tea all supply inflammation-reducing compounds. Use liberally in dishes or teas.

Avoid Processed Snack Foods and Fast Foods

Convenience snacks like chips, cereal, crackers, cookies plus fried fast foods tend to be high in pro-inflammatory advanced glycation end products. Limit intake.

Vitamins and Supplements for GBS

Specific micronutrients play vital roles in neurological and muscular healing.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D regulates immune health, reduces nerve irritation and aids muscle recovery. Sun exposure raises vitamin D naturally when possible. Fatty fish, eggs, vitamin D-fortified milk and mushrooms also supply dietary vitamin D.

Those recovering from GBS may benefit from supplementation with 1,000-4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily as directed by a doctor.

Magnesium

Magnesium assists nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Almonds, cashews, oats, beans, spinach, peanut butter, avocado, dark chocolate and bananas provide bioavailable magnesium.

For added support, a 200-400 mg magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate supplement may help mitigate pain and muscle cramps.

Probiotics

Probiotic bacteria support gut immune regulation, which may help prevent autoimmune complications in GBS recovery. Consume probiotic-rich foods like kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, pickles or supplement with a multi-strain formula.

Curcumin

The active compound in turmeric, curcumin powerfully blocks inflammatory cytokines. Taking a 500-1000 mg curcumin supplement twice daily aids neurological healing.

Omega-3s

As mentioned, omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA resolve inflammation and benefit nerve health. If dietary sources prove insufficient for tackling inflammation, add an omega-3 supplement like fish or algal oil.

Avoiding GBS Triggers Through Diet

Prevent Viral or Bacterial Infections

Viral illnesses often precede GBS onset. Support immune function with zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D and probiotics to avoid sickness.

Thoroughly cooking meats destroys diarrhea-causing bacteria that can trigger GBS. Avoid high risk items like raw oysters and unpasteurized dairy products as well.

Eat Clean to Maintain a Healthy Gut

Gut microbes influence immune responses. Support beneficial gut flora by limiting sugar, alcohol, processed foods and antibiotic use while emphasizing probiotic choices.

Avoid Food Sensitivities

For some individuals, food reactions negatively impact immunity. Those prone to autoimmunity should consider eliminating gluten, dairy, eggs or other potential trigger foods.

Reintroduce later one food at a time while monitoring symptoms to gauge personal tolerances.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.