My Personal MS Protocol

Since MS became a reality in my life, I've struggled to put my years of knowledge to use.  Frankly, being unhealthy, after years of being health-conscious, has been a challenge.

Of course, being unhealthy is a challenge for anyone, but I've spent over twenty years working in the health food industry, taking every new supplement to hit the market, doing every new exercise plan, trying all the different diets.

My family was shocked when my symptoms became clear.  One family member actually said I was the last person who should be dealing with something as major as this, since I had apparently been doing everything right. 

But I look at it this way:  Who knows where I'd be today, if I hadn't done so much earlier in my life?

Recently, a friend asked if I've ever given in to the "why me" mentality.

My answer was an honest, "No, I never have."   To my mind, that would be a waste of time and energy.  My philosophy has always been that we live in the physical world, and bad things happen.  This is a bad thing.  Now how do I best deal with it?

My way of dealing with MS is alternative, because that is how I've lived my life for so long. 

My way is definitely not for everyone, but we all have to make our own choices.  I'm not anti-drug, not by any means.  I just prefer not to take them if I don't have to.  (Although I do use Low-dose Naltrexone, which is a drug, albeit a very mild one.)

So, what do I do?

• I follow a gluten-free diet.  No wheat, rye, barley or oats.

• I've started on enzyme therapy.  Enzymedica ViraStop, 3 capsules, 3 times a day, on an empty stomach.  (One hour before eating, and two hours after.)

• I take certain supplements daily.  CoQ10, DHEA, pregnenolone, calcium and higher amounts of magnesium (for the muscle spasticity), MSM (for inflammation), Omega-rich oils, including flax, fish and coconut.  Therapeutic doses of vitamin-D, and a medicinal mushroom commonly called Turkey Tail.

I play around with other supplements, adding and subtracting, but these are my staples.

I also use LDN (Low-dose Naltrexone) which I order from overseas and compound myself.   I use progesterone cream, for hormonal balance but also because there is evidence that it is important to myelin repair.

I walk as much as I can, balance permitting.  I also do light free-weights three times a week.  Building muscle is important; when a flare-up occurs, the more muscle you have, the better.

In addition to all this, I do my best to stay positive.  MS research is moving very quickly, and there is a lot of hope today.  I personally think a positive attitude goes a long way, and I'm always researching.  One never knows what small thing might make a big difference, both in my life and the lives of others.