Multiple Sclerosis and Your Diet

In 1986 I was diagnosed with M.S. and within a few short months I was unable to walk well, had debilitating fatigue, endured leg pain that made me grind my teeth and had profound numbness in my right leg and foot.   It was in the early months of 1987 that I ran across Dr. Swank's book.   After reading his book cover to cover, I began eating as he proposed.

For those with M.S. or those close to someone with the disease, you have probably done your research and have found that it is thought M.S. is a virus that resurfaces in young adulthood. This theory and the autoimmune hypotheses have dominated the medical field for the past century.

There is a third hypothesis, though, that bares notice. Multiply Sclerosis is identified by the diseased lesions or plague on the mylin sheath of the brain and spinal cord. Because small blood vessels; arterioles, capillaries and venules are present in this area, it is thought that circulation plays an important role in the creation of M.S.     Microscopically, these small vessels are seen to be thickened, twisted, have nodules and either constricted or dilated in patients with M.S.   There was also evidence of clots within these vessels housed in the lesions.

Dr. Roy Swank, a pioneer in this M.S. research, observed that large meals consisting of saturated fat caused blood cells to aggregate or clump.   He also discovered that it caused the blood to be thicker, slowing the circulation of the blood. Of course this explanation is simplistic and there is much more to this study which I discuss in my workshop “Push M.S. Away With Your Fork”, but for now you may be asking what does all this mean?

For me, twenty years ago, it meant hope . Dr. Roy Swank suggested a diet that would improve these circulatory conditions, thus relieving the devastating symptoms of M.S.  

Some of the important components to this dietary regime to improve blood cell formation and blood flow, in those with M.S., is to reduce saturated fats while adding back in essential fatty acids, which can be successfully taken in supplements. Thousands of M.S.ers have benefited by making these small dietary changes. The results are remarkable.

After following the dietary regime for just a few months, I noticed less numbness, more stability in standing and a reduction in pain. By the end of six months I was able to ride a bike and within 9 months I wondered if I did indeed have M.S. (I went to another neurologist to be retested and the diagnosis was confirmed).

Today I live an active life. I am not symptom free. I still have some numbness in my right foot and am affected by heat and stress. The quality of my life has so dramatically improved, however, that over the past several years I have helped others with M.S. discover the same nutritional truths.   My nutritional wellness center; The Cherbas Center ; Nutritional Wellness & Personal Growth is located at 3701 Sixth Avenue. If you'd like to chat about what this diet can do for you, please call me. 253.473.8781 Julieanne Cherbas, R.N.

Julieanne is a member of South Sound Healers Network.