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The MS Recovery Diet: Identify the Foods That Will Heal Your Disease
More than half a million people live with multiple sclerosis, yet conventional medicine still has little to offer patients. There is no known cure-and even recent breakthroughs in drug therapy do not work to control many of the symptoms or promise any degree of recovery.
But there is an alternative to drugs that can stop and reverse the ravaging symptoms of MS-the MS Recovery Diet. As this book explains, there are five common food triggers that can set off the symptoms of MS-dairy, grains containing glutens, legumes, eggs, and yeast. Yet because MS is such a complex disease, other foods play a role, as culprits or aides. The MS Recovery Diet explains the background, science, and development of this treatment in one source for the first time, and shows readers how to pinpoint their specific problem foods and sensitivities. It also offers more than one hundred simple recipes, as well as strategies to improve digestion, balance the immune system, and repair the body's myelin-crucial steps toward healing the body.
Both of the authors, Ann D. Sawyer and Judith E. Bachrach, who had been diagnosed and disabled by multiple sclerosis, have experienced incredible recovery on the diet. Within the first three months on this program, Sawyer was able to stop the disease progression and begin to walk short distances with an even gait. Bachrach, whose health has been declining because of MS for thirty- eight years, regained feeling in her toes in one week and after one year on the diet, has stopped taking all medication. This book shares the treatment plan that has dramatically changed their lives, and the lives of others who have discovered it. With inspiring personal stories throughout, it offers real help- and hope-for sufferers of MS.
But there is an alternative to drugs that can stop and reverse the ravaging symptoms of MS-the MS Recovery Diet. As this book explains, there are five common food triggers that can set off the symptoms of MS-dairy, grains containing glutens, legumes, eggs, and yeast. Yet because MS is such a complex disease, other foods play a role, as culprits or aides. The MS Recovery Diet explains the background, science, and development of this treatment in one source for the first time, and shows readers how to pinpoint their specific problem foods and sensitivities. It also offers more than one hundred simple recipes, as well as strategies to improve digestion, balance the immune system, and repair the body's myelin-crucial steps toward healing the body.
Both of the authors, Ann D. Sawyer and Judith E. Bachrach, who had been diagnosed and disabled by multiple sclerosis, have experienced incredible recovery on the diet. Within the first three months on this program, Sawyer was able to stop the disease progression and begin to walk short distances with an even gait. Bachrach, whose health has been declining because of MS for thirty- eight years, regained feeling in her toes in one week and after one year on the diet, has stopped taking all medication. This book shares the treatment plan that has dramatically changed their lives, and the lives of others who have discovered it. With inspiring personal stories throughout, it offers real help- and hope-for sufferers of MS.
- GenresHealthNonfiction
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2007
25 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 16, 2012
If you have been diagnosed with MS, you need to read this book. I was sick with strange symptoms for decades, I knew I was sick and when the MS diagnosis came after a horrific case of optic neuritis, it was like a vindication....."See? I told you I was sick, it's not just in my head!" (Yes, with strange symptoms the doctors attempted to write it off as psychosomatic.) I can tell you from my experience this diet works, but don't expect your recovery to happen over night, it took a month of being extremely diligent to notice a difference but after two full months the difference was remarkable and I just kept improving from there. Today I feel better than have in 30 years and have had no MS symptoms for 6 years, I take no pharmaceutical drugs and the diet even resolved some other none MS related health issues like acid reflux!
August 19, 2009
A great, inspirational read by two ladies who have MS, a disease that currently has no cure. The sufferers experience an almost symptom-free life by following the paleolithic diet, that removes proteins that increase intestinal permeability. Between this collection of testimonials and the scientific evidence from The Paleo Diet, By Dr. Loren Cordain, you have a profound need for more medical research into the dietary influences on MS. The exercises listed are also good.
On a side note, the ladies do not realize that soybeans (soy sauce), cashews, cocoa beans (chocolate)and peas are actually legumes. They say to remove gluten, dairy,legumes, yeast, and eggs to eliminate symptoms but aren't aware of their mistake when it comes to recipes. I would ignore most of their recipes because of this problem.
On a side note, the ladies do not realize that soybeans (soy sauce), cashews, cocoa beans (chocolate)and peas are actually legumes. They say to remove gluten, dairy,legumes, yeast, and eggs to eliminate symptoms but aren't aware of their mistake when it comes to recipes. I would ignore most of their recipes because of this problem.
April 21, 2014
At one time, a neurologist said I had MS. I immediately immersed myself into research. This was one of the books I first read. I completely altered my diet based on her suggestions for eliminating symptoms and leading a fulfilling life in full capacity. I can honestly say my skin glowed, my hair shone, I felt great--albeit hungry most the time, but I do think there's a lot of truth to food that has inflammatory properties. Often wheat and dairy are the culprits. With further tests, the doctors no longer think that I have MS (whew!), but if it had been that, this book did help me feel hope for the future and the ability to have some control over what had first appeared to be something that would be uncontrollable.
June 13, 2019
Readers take note: this book is outdated and seriously lacking in scientific backing. Do yourself a favor and look into more recent publications that are backed by research, not anecdotes.
October 2, 2008
This is probably my favorite book so far about MS. I already knew before diagnosis that food plays a big part in healing (or harming) your body. I purchased this book shortly after diagnosis, and I love it! I read a little bit each day, over and over again.
The book covers more than just the diet: it also explains what MS is, the theories about how the disease forms, exercises that help your brain Re-member the body, an overview of the drug treatments used, how diet can help you take charge of your health, and it also includes Stories of Healing from the viewpoint of seven different individuals and ends with a recipe cookbook.
If you can only buy one book about MS, this should be the book! I especially like to read the stories about the different individuals and their journies with MS. It gives me hope and motivates me.
I get something new every time I re-read sections. Just the other day, I was reading the section detailing some of the physical symptoms of the disease, and I had an "aha" moment when I realized that one of my symptoms that I had had several months earlier was actually MS and not what I had thought it was. So, now, I am more accepting of beginning my drug treatment if it will help prevent that particular symptom from reappearing. (I have an appointment with the nurse tomorrow to begin my injections.)
Again, I highly, highly recommend this book!! (I can't state it strongly enough!)
The book covers more than just the diet: it also explains what MS is, the theories about how the disease forms, exercises that help your brain Re-member the body, an overview of the drug treatments used, how diet can help you take charge of your health, and it also includes Stories of Healing from the viewpoint of seven different individuals and ends with a recipe cookbook.
If you can only buy one book about MS, this should be the book! I especially like to read the stories about the different individuals and their journies with MS. It gives me hope and motivates me.
I get something new every time I re-read sections. Just the other day, I was reading the section detailing some of the physical symptoms of the disease, and I had an "aha" moment when I realized that one of my symptoms that I had had several months earlier was actually MS and not what I had thought it was. So, now, I am more accepting of beginning my drug treatment if it will help prevent that particular symptom from reappearing. (I have an appointment with the nurse tomorrow to begin my injections.)
Again, I highly, highly recommend this book!! (I can't state it strongly enough!)
February 16, 2015
Now I am 50/50 with this book. It does have some great information but it needs to go into detail as to why we can't have certain foods. I wish it went more in depth of the diet itself. Most people picking up this book already know about MS. 30 pages is about MS. 100 Pages is healing stories which is great and all but not needed as much. Then we have 140+ pages of recipes GREAT. This also has some Exercises and talks about depression again something we already know. Another thing they replace sugars with Agave nectar but they don't explain why. I believe that sugars and sugar subs should be explained more in detail. Splenda, Equal, Sweet n Low, Nectresse etc are horrible for our systems but not one mention. Yes I agree that Agave nectar should be used but not everyone has knowledge of this like I do. Also you should put how to omit sugar in recipes and what ratio to use for Agave nectar. Yes you say to reduce the amount of agave and reduce heat but you have to replace liquid for liquid. For example if a recipe calls for 2 eggs and 1 cup of sugar you need to change the ratio to 1 egg, 1 egg white and 3/4c agave nectar. Also mentions soy but doesn't say WHY!!! I feel there is so much information not written and so much not needed in this book. I was disappointed, I feel my money was not well spent for this book.
March 26, 2011
Not base on science or research or any real data that I could see. Mostly the opinion of well-meaning women who have found a solution for their MS challenges. Which, yeah, is great.
The following helpful reminders are pretty much all I am taking away from the book (and yep, I see them as helpful reminders, not "nutritional regimes to be strictly adhered to").
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 that you have identified as triggers.
3. Limit saturated fats, processed sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. Stop smoking. (aside: the used book I bought on Amazon REEKS OF SMOKE!)
4. Eat fish, skinless breast of chicken or turkey, wild game or other low-fat animal meat, and nuts for protein, fruits and vegetables. Also use oils such as flaxseed, olive, and sunflower.
5. Limit use of antacids. Use antibiotics judiciously. After use, replace gut microbes with probiotics.
6. Chew your food thoroughly.
7. Eat a lot of flavonoid-rich foods like blueberries and cherries.
8. Spend time in the sun [but don't get too hot].
9. Get plenty of rest.
10. Exercise.
11. Reduce stress.
The following helpful reminders are pretty much all I am taking away from the book (and yep, I see them as helpful reminders, not "nutritional regimes to be strictly adhered to").
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 that you have identified as triggers.
3. Limit saturated fats, processed sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. Stop smoking. (aside: the used book I bought on Amazon REEKS OF SMOKE!)
4. Eat fish, skinless breast of chicken or turkey, wild game or other low-fat animal meat, and nuts for protein, fruits and vegetables. Also use oils such as flaxseed, olive, and sunflower.
5. Limit use of antacids. Use antibiotics judiciously. After use, replace gut microbes with probiotics.
6. Chew your food thoroughly.
7. Eat a lot of flavonoid-rich foods like blueberries and cherries.
8. Spend time in the sun [but don't get too hot].
9. Get plenty of rest.
10. Exercise.
11. Reduce stress.
January 3, 2013
I really appreciated this book. It gave me some good insight on an alternative way to deal with the symptoms. It makes sense. I also appreciated the true stories of others and was grateful to see there was someone else dealing with the same things I have had to deal with. I don't feel so alone in it.
January 30, 2015
Very validating for my symptoms and diet choices. This book also made me grateful for my mild symptoms, supportive husband, and paleo foundational diet.
September 16, 2019
Good information. The testimonies of people who have used this method were very helpful.
March 8, 2011
Very informative if you have or have a loved one with MS.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews