Living with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) can change how you get through your day.
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Muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness and digestive issues can make even simple routines feel harder. And the emotional strain of managing a rare condition can affect everything from your energy to your appetite.
Your diet won’t cure LEMS. But what you eat — and how you eat — can help you better manage your symptoms and support your overall health.
Neurologist Georgette Dib, MD, shares practical tips for eating well with LEMS.
Why diet matters when you have LEMS
What you eat can affect your mood, your strength and your LEMS symptoms.
A healthy diet is one way to help keep you as strong and healthy as possible. It’s not a substitute for your other treatments, like medication and physical therapy. But what you eat can make a meaningful difference in how you feel.
“Especially if you’re also facing mental health challenges, like depression, you may not eat enough. Or you may be inclined to reach for less-healthy foods,” Dr. Dib recognizes. “But that won’t help you feel your best.”
Eating a balanced diet can help:
Improve muscle strength: Getting enough nutrients, especially protein, helps prevent muscle loss.Boost energy: Eating regular, balanced meals can help keep fatigue at bay.Keep your digestion on track: Staying hydrated and getting enough fiber can ease issues like constipation.Support your mental health: Consistent, balanced nutrition can help stabilize your mood and improve your outlook.Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying excess weight can strain your weakened muscles. Excessive weight loss, on the other hand, can increase weakness. Your care team can help you find a healthy target weight.Tips for eating well with LEMS
So, what should you eat to help?
“There is no specific diet for LEMS,” Dr. Dib reiterates. “But a balanced, healthy diet can help you maintain your strength and feel better overall.”
Dr. Dib recommends taking cues from the Mediterranean diet. It emphasizes anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy, whole foods.
That means eating less processed and packaged foods and more:
Fruits and vegetablesWhole grainsLean proteinsHealthy fats, like olive oil and nuts
“Because LEMS is an autoimmune condition, eating foods that don’t contribute to inflammation may help support your overall health as one piece of your treatment plan,” she adds.
From there, these food choices and habits can help you feel your best.
Eat protein
Protein plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass. That can be especially important when LEMS keeps you from being as active as you used to be.
“Some people may not feel up for eating much, which leads to muscle loss,” Dr. Dib says. “But maintaining your strength is important for maintaining your mobility.”
Include lean protein (like chicken, fish, beans, dairy and eggs) with most meals. Nutritional shakes may be an option in some cases, but Dr. Dib encourages getting your protein from food whenever possible.
Physical therapy and regular exercise can also help you maintain your muscle mass.
Stay hydrated
LEMS symptoms — like feeling dizzy or lightheaded when you stand — can get worse when you’re dehydrated.
Drinking water throughout your day can help. Aim for small, steady sips, rather than waiting until you’re overly thirsty.
Protect your gut
Constipation is a common concern with LEMS.
“There’s a lot you have to manage day-to-day, and GI symptoms like constipation can add to your discomfort,” Dr. Dib notes.
Drinking more water can help get things moving. So can eating more fiber-rich foods, like:
ApplesBeansBlackberriesChickpeasLentilsOatsWhole-wheat bread and pasta
Add fiber gradually — along with plenty of water — to avoid discomfort. Talk with your healthcare provider before adding a fiber supplement to your routine.
Limit magnesium
Magnesium can contribute to muscle weakness, including in your legs and in the muscles that control breathing.
Avoid magnesium supplements, unless directed otherwise by your provider, and limit magnesium-rich food sources, including:
AvocadosBananasDark chocolateNuts and seedsLegumesPeasQuinoaShredded wheatSpinachTake your time eating
Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing can make you less likely to want to eat. And they can make eating uncomfortable.
A few simple adjustments can help:
Take small bites.Have a sip of water with each bite.Eat smaller meals several times a day.Choose soft foods, if needed.Counteract medication side effects
Eating healthy foods may also help counteract side effects of LEMS treatments, like amifampridine and corticosteroids.
Amifampridine can help improve communication between your nerves and muscles. But it can also act as a stimulant. Excessive caffeine can multiply the effect. So, it’s best to keep your intake low.
Corticosteroids can make you feel hungry. But reaching for sweet or salty foods to satisfy your hunger can spike your blood pressure and blood sugar. Protein and fiber can help by keeping you feeling fuller.
Steroids can also affect your bone health. Eating calcium-rich foods can help, but note that many are also high in magnesium. Talk with your provider about whether you’d benefit from calcium and vitamin D supplements.
The bottom line
There’s no “best” diet for LEMS. And there aren’t any magic foods that will make it go away.
But eating well can make a difference.
“Maintaining good nutrition and avoiding muscle loss can go a long way,” Dr. Dib encourages.
If you’re concerned about how your diet is affecting you, talk with your healthcare team for personalized guidance.