Multiple sclerosis (MS) is NOT an autoimmune disease where the body is attacking itself. The cause of MS is due to chronic inflammation. The immune system is attacking a pathogen that’s living inside the body. By adopting a holistic approach that combines healthy eating and lifestyle choices, you can optimize your well-being and thrive.
I’ve been living with MS for the majority of my life and I never believed that my body was attacking itself. Your immune system protects you, it doesn’t fight against you. Instead, things that the body doesn’t recognize as its own activate the immune system.
A 20-year study found Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main cause of MS. However, it’s not the only cause. MS doesn’t happen overnight like catching a cold. Neurological symptoms take years to onset.
Triggers to MS:
- Diet (poor diet and not enough healing foods)
- Infections (bacteria, parasites, viruses)
- Environmental Toxins (heavy metals, mold, pesticides, etc.)
- Chronic Stress
- Hormones (adrenaline, cortisol, insulin, vitamin D – yes, it’s a hormone)
MS Drugs
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The first disease-modifying therapy (DMT), Betaseron, received approval in 1993. It was quickly followed by Avonex and Copaxone. They became known as the “ABC” drugs. Today, there are many DMTs to choose from.
For years my neurologist convinced me to start one of the ABC drugs. After a flare, I reluctantly started Avonex. Saying I hated it can’t describe how I despised taking it. It’s what made my flares get worse and happen more often.
When I complained to my neurologist he told me “If they work, they only work 33% of the time.” Those were pretty bad odds. I don’t know anything about the new DMTs.
DMTs for MS are not a cure, they only slow the progression. They do not stop the destruction of nerve tissue.
Food as Medicine
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After a flare that left me looking like I had a stroke, I searched the internet for alternatives. That’s when I found Dr. Roy Swank and his diet. I was on that for several months when I discovered Ashton Embry and switched to the Best Bet Diet.
Since then I’ve been on the Paleo diet, autoimmune protocol, and the Wahls Protocol. Not one of my symptoms reversed. That’s when I realized there is no perfect diet.
Everyone is different so one diet isn’t going to help everyone. But all the diets have something in common and that’s lowering your inflammation. As I mentioned before, the cause of MS is due to chronic inflammation. Again, everyone is different, what triggered my MS is going to be different than yours. The best thing for you to do is to start eating an anti-inflammatory diet.
To get started read How To Start An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
First, stop eating foods that feed diseases including:
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Refined sugar
- Artificial flavors and sweeteners
- Natural flavors
- Corn (it’s mostly a GMO)
- Soy (it’s mostly a GMO)
- MSG
- Canola oil (it’s mostly a GMO)
- Pork (it’s high in fat and prone to parasites)
- Farmed fish (it’s washed in toxic chemicals due to parasites)
- Citric acid (processed citric acid is mostly derived from corn)
You should also avoid eggs, gluten-free grains, and legumes (except soy) until you’ve healed. Plus, don’t consume too many fats/oils that are high in omega-6 such as safflower oil. You need to consume a ratio of 1:1 omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.
Eat Foods That Heal
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Adding more fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and herbs to your diet is how your body is going to heal. They include fiber, minerals, phytonutrients, and vitamins. They are high in antioxidants, and their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and antivirus.
Fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and herbs are nutrient-rich.
Plus, they are high in water content, making them a great way to help stay hydrated. These foods
promote a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Their high fiber content aids digestion and supports a healthy gut. They are a powerful source of healing compounds for optimal health.
Here are some tips to help you incorporate them into your daily meals:
- Add herbs to your meals. Experiment with adding fresh or dried herbs to your dishes to enhance their flavor. Herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme, and rosemary are healing.
- Incorporate veggies creatively. Add vegetables to every meal. Blend cauliflower into mashed potatoes, and spiralize zucchini as a pasta substitute. Smoothies are a great way to get more vegetables into your diet.
- Make them accessible. Store prepared fruits and vegetables at eye level in clear containers. Make produce readily available and visible to encourage healthy snacking and meal preparation.
- Plan your meals. Take some time to plan your meals for the week. Include a wide variety of produce in your meal plan and make a corresponding grocery list.
- Smoothies and juices. Blend or juice a mix of fruits, veggies, and greens for smoothies or juices. This is an easy way to consume a concentrated amount of nutrients in a single serving. Here is an ebook to help you get started: Quick & Easy Healthy Smoothies.
- Snack on fruits and vegetables. Keep a bowl of fresh fruits on your countertop or pack pre-cut vegetables and fruits as snacks for work or on the go. Grab a healthy snack conveniently instead of less nutritious options.
- Start with small changes. Gradually introduce more fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and herbs into your meals. Start by adding a serving to main dishes or substituting a side with a salad or roasted vegetables.
- Stock up on fresh produce. Visit local markets or stores for a variety of fresh produce and herbs. Choose seasonal produce for better flavor and affordability.
- Try new recipes. Try new recipes with a variety of produce and herbs. Find online resources or apps with healthy and delicious recipes for inspiration.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Reversing MS is more than eating a healthy diet, it also includes your lifestyle. Living a healthy lifestyle is extremely important. One thing I have noticed with most people with MS is stress. Stress causes brain fog, and digestive issues, and it can worsen your MS symptoms. Stress affects your mind and your body.
Reversing MS also includes what you do and how you think. Living a healthy lifestyle involves making conscious choices. It will promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Here are some key steps you can take to live a healthier life and start recovering:
- Believe you are going to heal. We tend to think negatively and that will hold us back. Train yourself to think positively. When you look in the mirror think positive thoughts, say them out loud, and believe them. – You ARE going to heal!
- Engage in regular exercise. Go for a walk, or go swimming, or try yoga. My favorite is an online gym, the owner also has MS so he knows which exercises work to build strength and mobility. He also has exercises for people in wheelchairs. Here is a link: OptimalBody Personal Fitness.
- Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a consistent sleep routine and optimize your sleep environment for quality rest. Stop drinking one or two hours before bed so you don’t need to get up in the middle of the night as often.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Avoid smoking and limit exposure to secondhand smoke. Studies show people with MS who smoke have more flares.
- Limit screen time. Reduce the amount of time spent sitting and staring at screens. Take breaks, be active, and pursue screen-free hobbies or social interactions.
- Manage stress.
- Discover healthy stress-coping techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and enjoyable hobbies. Get outside, enjoy nature, boost vitamin D, improve mood, and reduce stress. Regular physical exercise also helps reduce stress levels.
- Reduce toxins. Use natural body care products and household cleaning products. Avoid air fresheners, fabric softeners, scented candles, and plastics. Buy organic as much as possible to avoid pesticides.
Remember, consistency is key. Incorporate these habits for lasting health benefits.
The Power of Healthy Eating and Lifestyle for MS
Eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle is how you can get MS to reverse. You also need to believe you will heal. The mind is very powerful and what you think will make a difference. Embrace the power of your mind and witness your body follow suit. You can achieve optimal health and wellness!
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Want to remember this health tip? Pin it to your Pinterest board!
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Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279364/
The Power of Healthy Eating and Lifestyle for MS
