Excerpt from Chapter 1: What is MS?
A safe conclusion is that MS is one or, possibly, many diseases in which there is destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves causing a disruption of the electrical impulses. Along with this there is a second disease process of axonal destruction under both white and gray matter which determines the disability. The exact nature or cause of either pathway is unknown. There is good research showing that the immune cells are activated by some antigen in the blood stream before they cross the blood-brain barrier where the myelin is attacked. At least this comes close to explaining the inflammatory lesions of Pattern I and II. In pattern III and IV, it is one of the immune system cells, the oligodendrocytes that are the target of attack. This disruption caused by all or any of these disease pathways creates malfunctions, either in the form of minor symptoms or in major disabilities and everything in between.
MS is a whole body disease, involving most bodily systems in either the disease process or in the body’s attempt to fight the disease, even though it manifests in the nervous system. Following that same thinking, MS appears to be the result of a series of failures in many body systems, among them: a failure of the blood brain barrier, the failure of the immune system to recognize self cells, a degenerative process of axonal destruction of unknown etiology, and an activation of the immune system on a regular basis. In the model used in the MS Recovery Diet, the failure of the digestive system leads to the creation of food sensitivities.
The human body is miraculous and doesn’t give in to MS without a fight. For example, there is evidence that when there is axonal or other nerve destruction, the cortex reorganizes, calling up other areas and cells to do the work of damaged areas. It is a balance of tissue destruction, tissue repair and cortical reorganization. The MS Recovery Diet has found that by working with the body, eliminating what causes harm and giving it the necessary tools to repair, MS can be stopped and reversed, and full health restored.
Excerpt from Chapter 2: The MS Recovery Diet
The MS Recovery Diet treatment addresses all the components of the MS disease process. This approach illustrates how much our bodies have evolved to use a certain nutritional regime, namely the Paleolithic Diet. Most of the many contributing factors we have no control over; it happened in the past, is part of our DNA, or is unknown. What is known is that the immune system is activated before it crosses the blood-brain barrier and wreaks havoc in the CNS. Given that food is one of the main things that can activate the immune system, it is one area where we can stop the sequence of events that leads to the inflammation and destruction of the myelin or the axonal damage that characterizes MS. We can control what we eat.
To take the path to healing, it is important that people with MS adhere strictly to the specific nutritional regime that works for them.
1. Suspect and investigate dairy, gluten containing grains, legumes, eggs and yeast as possible allergens and eliminate them from your diet.
2. Avoid all other allergenic foods which you have identified as triggers.
3. Limit saturated fats, processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Stop smoking.
4. Eat fish, skinless breast of chicken or turkey, wild game or other low fat animal meat, and nuts for protein, fruits and vegetables for carbohydrates and micronutrients. Also use oils such as flax seed, olive and sunflower which are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.
5. Limit use of NSAIDs and antacids. Use antibiotics judiciously. After use replace gut microbes with probiotics.
6. Chew your food thoroughly. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
7. Eat a lot of flavonoid rich foods like blueberries and cherries.
8. Spend some time in the sun.
9. Get plenty of rest.
10. Exercise
11. Reduce stress.
Excerpt from Chapter 4: Re-membering the Body
This basic truth about the necessity of right diet and right exercise for good health has been around for a long time. In the earlier chapters we have explained the complexity of MS, the right diet for recovery from MS and the science behind it. This chapter is about the right exercise program for MS and the basic concepts behind it to help you further your recovery process. The mysterious presentation of MS symptoms that are unique to you will benefit from the appropriate regimen.
It doesn’t matter if MS has robbed you of your ability to feed yourself, put you in a wheelchair for the last four years, or if you are in complete remission from a single MS exacerbation. We will outline the basic concepts of exercise and describe explicit exercises for you to do no matter what your level of function and mobility. You will learn how to re-member your body, putting all of your physical members back together so that you can function with a whole body once more.
Compromised neuromuscular responses will improve if you are willing to work at regaining them.
Excerpt from Chapter 15: Food Facts
The MS Recovery Diet can be plain or fancy--it is up to your palette and how you feel about cooking. Eating simply means minimal cooking using few other ingredients beyond the basics. By this strategy you can boil, bake, broil, roast, grill or fry with the appropriate oil, all vegetables, lean protein and whatever starches you can tolerate. The natural flavors and variety of the foods can keep you not only well nourished, but satisfied.
Another approach is to eat simply most of the time, but when you have a craving for chocolate cake, pizza or pancakes, or whatever is your comfort food, use the recipes here that substitute no or low gluten, low glucose, and no eggs, legumes or dairy ingredients so your symptoms have less chance of being triggered
Or, if you enjoy cooking, these recipes offer a wide variety of flavor combinations of appetizers, dips, salads, soups, entrees, desserts, and more from around the world. If fact, you will find as many interesting and delicious foods as are featured in many conventional cookbooks.