Change the Paradigm from Helplessness to Empowerment
Six months after my diagnosis I changed my entire lifestyle to ensure I am doing all I can to slow the progression of MS. Diet is one of the hardest things for people to change; while everyone knows a healthy diet is important, most people don't really believe it can make a difference, but there is a large body of evidence out there showing that it really does.
Further, I also think the term healthy diet is ambiguous and therefore it is not really clear how to implement it. I want people to know that healthy eating is accessible and it can make a huge impact on health. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of food but also from experience know this change is not always easy. This website will help by providing information on tools and knowledge for these changes to help everyone with MS take control!
Further, I also think the term healthy diet is ambiguous and therefore it is not really clear how to implement it. I want people to know that healthy eating is accessible and it can make a huge impact on health. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of food but also from experience know this change is not always easy. This website will help by providing information on tools and knowledge for these changes to help everyone with MS take control!
Current State of MS Diagnosis
Even though the path leading to the eventual diagnosis of MS is different for each of us, from what I can tell the feelings we experience in that moment are the same. When the doctor utters the words “You have Multiple Sclerosis”, there’s the first shock (even though you might even know it’s coming) followed by overwhelming helplessness and uncertainty, and on the flip side maybe even the tiniest bit of relief that it isn’t any of the other possible outcomes you found on the Internet. Then in that moment when everything in the outside world is tuned out, there is a tiny glimmer of hope as the doctor says there is some good news (at least if you were diagnosed within the last few years) because there has been lots of progress in the field and there are quite a few medications to choose from. However, the helplessness comes rolling back when the medication list is handed to you followed by the long, long list of side-effects.
Even though the path leading to the eventual diagnosis of MS is different for each of us, from what I can tell the feelings we experience in that moment are the same. When the doctor utters the words “You have Multiple Sclerosis”, there’s the first shock (even though you might even know it’s coming) followed by overwhelming helplessness and uncertainty, and on the flip side maybe even the tiniest bit of relief that it isn’t any of the other possible outcomes you found on the Internet. Then in that moment when everything in the outside world is tuned out, there is a tiny glimmer of hope as the doctor says there is some good news (at least if you were diagnosed within the last few years) because there has been lots of progress in the field and there are quite a few medications to choose from. However, the helplessness comes rolling back when the medication list is handed to you followed by the long, long list of side-effects.
What if...
There really is no way to avoid the shock and helplessness that comes with the diagnosis since no matter what, we are dealing with an unpredictable, incurable disease, but what if the glimmer of hope could become a beacon of light. Now imagine if the doctor would not only say the good news is there are medications available, but also you have the power to greatly improve your prognosis. What if the doctor would work with you to implement diet and lifestyle changes, which in some cases can have even more of an impact than the medications? And you can start immediately, no waiting around for insurance approval. Best of all no long list of detrimental side-effects!
Don’t get me wrong, I know there are doctors out there that do advocate for diet and lifestyle, but compare how often you are asked about the medications and supplements you take vs. how often you are asked in as much detail what foods you eat. What if you are handed a plan of steps you can take personally to change your prognosis? And I don’t mean the vague references to eating more fruits and veggies, but a tangible, executable plan. Actually, that might be a bit overwhelming as well, but there will also be empowerment and positivity. This entails a 180° change in paradigm from a passive wait and see approach to actively taking the reins and controlling the path.
There really is no way to avoid the shock and helplessness that comes with the diagnosis since no matter what, we are dealing with an unpredictable, incurable disease, but what if the glimmer of hope could become a beacon of light. Now imagine if the doctor would not only say the good news is there are medications available, but also you have the power to greatly improve your prognosis. What if the doctor would work with you to implement diet and lifestyle changes, which in some cases can have even more of an impact than the medications? And you can start immediately, no waiting around for insurance approval. Best of all no long list of detrimental side-effects!
Don’t get me wrong, I know there are doctors out there that do advocate for diet and lifestyle, but compare how often you are asked about the medications and supplements you take vs. how often you are asked in as much detail what foods you eat. What if you are handed a plan of steps you can take personally to change your prognosis? And I don’t mean the vague references to eating more fruits and veggies, but a tangible, executable plan. Actually, that might be a bit overwhelming as well, but there will also be empowerment and positivity. This entails a 180° change in paradigm from a passive wait and see approach to actively taking the reins and controlling the path.
How to take control
I am not saying changing lifestyle and diet is an easy path, it will be difficult and at times uncomfortable, but it truly is in your own hands and something you can control (backed up by loads of scientific evidence that it can slow disease progression!). From experience I know it is hard, and let’s face it, the term healthy lifestyle is abstract and allusive. I want to remove the allusiveness and help solidify what it means to be and eat healthy and give everyone living with Multiple Sclerosis the tools and knowledge to empower themselves to make these changes. I will outline the steps, equipment, and mindset necessary to implement a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, I will be posting tried and tested recipes that are tasty and healthy...cause let’s be honest, this will only work if it tastes good!
I am not saying changing lifestyle and diet is an easy path, it will be difficult and at times uncomfortable, but it truly is in your own hands and something you can control (backed up by loads of scientific evidence that it can slow disease progression!). From experience I know it is hard, and let’s face it, the term healthy lifestyle is abstract and allusive. I want to remove the allusiveness and help solidify what it means to be and eat healthy and give everyone living with Multiple Sclerosis the tools and knowledge to empower themselves to make these changes. I will outline the steps, equipment, and mindset necessary to implement a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, I will be posting tried and tested recipes that are tasty and healthy...cause let’s be honest, this will only work if it tastes good!