I wish we had some studies going or a data base to give us the kind of quantitative and qualitative picture we need to truly understand the workings of the diet. From the feedback we are receiving on the website, many people are easily recovering full abilities while others seem to be struggling. It in not that they aren’t making progress or can’t recover, I think, rather their road seems to be harder and less smooth.
Given that we don’t have good studies, this entry will be the result of observation and some speculation as to why some have an easy path and others don’t. As always, I’d appreciate any feedback from you on this so we can get a better data base—at least informally.
My observations:
1. How disabled the person doesn’t seem to be a deciding factor in how easily they recover. Rather it seems that the number of triggers is more a determinant. A woman fully recovered from very rapidly progressing MS with the discovery that fats and the chemicals in her meat ( she has discerned that if the animals were given chemicals –medicines, etc.—before slaughtered, she will react). Other people with much less extreme MS, but who appear to be sensitive to many foods seems to have a slower recovery.
2. The health or return of health to the digestive system seems to be crucial in an easier recovery. That means taking probiotics and taking care in what you do to keep your digestive system healthy.
3. Being in tune with your body so as to discern the subtle reactions and cues it gives you, helps in an easier recovery. Trusting yourself and reading your body is more important than anything I may say.
4. Managing stress is absolutely crucial to recovery. While still under the influence of MS, stress is very powerful and can manifest symptoms. I’ve seen this in myself and in others over and over. This is a difficult challenge oftentimes as just the fact of having MS is a stress. Darlene, profiled in the book, helped me when she told me that you need to learn serenity, despite what is going on.
5. Patience is also important. Everyone’s disease is different and the healing process is different for each of us. Also expect that the road may not be smooth—a surge of improvement at the beginning, then a set back, and if you continue on the diet, the slow march to recovery is often the case. Sometimes people feel worse at the outset, we don’t know why.
6. Eating enough good, nutrient dense food to fuel recovery is also a must. Some people get afraid to eat, which hurts their recovery. Food is both a problem, but it is also the solution.
As I learn more, I will report my observations. It has been so gratifying to hear about so many people recovering and frustrating to know that some of you are struggling. With more feedback and information, hopefully we can tease out the elements for an easier success.