Thinking like a scientist helps beat multiple sclerosis

(This post was written for use on the wonderful Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis web site.)

Those of us who have been successful when following a lifestyle modification program for multiple sclerosis (MS) believe in our bones that healthy living effectively treats MS. After all, there does not seem to be any other way to explain going ten, twelve and even more years without a relapse once we start living ultra healthy. The recent study published by Professor George Jelinek, M.D., provides more scientific support for our views. While the study has its weaknesses (e.g., relying on self-reports of subjects rather than measures such as MRIs), most drug companies would be elated to offer any drug that could offer such great research results.If you haven’t read Jelinek’s new report, you can see it here: Remarkable five year follow up results of OMS retreats.

Moreover, the results of Jelinek’s new study are simply consistent with a plethora of research being published everyday by researchers all over the world. Increasingly it is apparent that nothing beats ultra healthy living in preventing disease–whether it be cardiovascular, liver, or neurological disease. It is interesting indeed that the very diet that helps treat MS helps prevent and treat heart and vascular disease as well as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The following table probably shows why Jelinek’s OMS program has such good results–unlike other proposed MS ultra healthy living programs, it is based on solid research. For example, Jelinek’s program recommends avoiding red and organ meats which studies throughout the world are now showing contribute to heart disease, neurological problems and even early death. (As the table shows, studies have reported that red meat increases mortality by 31% in men and 35% in women, and red meat increases the risk of cancer mortality by 27% in men and 50% in women.) At the same time, Jelinek’s proposed diet includes legumes which studies show can contribute to extremely long lives. While the table includes only a few of many studies, it helps summarize the overall picture: Jelinek’s OMS program intelligently reflects the best of current scientific research.

All and all, many studies are showing the healthiest diet includes whole plant foods and fish–an abundance of fruits and vegetables, low glycemic foods, small oily fish (such as sardines and salmon), nuts, legumes and whole grains. At the same time, an ultra healthy diet excludes red and organ meats, large fish, and sweets. Jelinek’s proposed diet reflects these research findings to a “t”. In summary, Jelinek’s OMS approach contributes not only to neurological health but also to all around good health and vitality.

Please note that the table rows highlighted in yellow provide special alerts and comparisons for those with MS. As mentioned, the research quite consistently shows problems with red and organ meats for everyone and for those with MS. Likewise, research consistently shows benefits in eating legumes and whole grains–for everyone and for those with MS. While other programs for living with MS encourage eating of troublesome red meats and discourage eating of legumes, Jelinek’s OMS program both avoids meats and includes healthy legumes and grains. It is is this all around scientific approach that makes Jelinek’s OMS approach most helpful. When all is said and done, the research will likely show that Jelinek’s OMS program is the one that is most helpful for those with MS.

Many of the suggested diets for those with MS have much in common–all suggest eating generous amounts of vegetables, for example. Those that are suggesting eating red meat and organ meats while avoiding legumes are likely, however, to lead to problems. Even if eating red and organ meats worked for MS, early death from heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease becomes more likely when eating these foods. All in all, Jelinek’s programs makes sense! Bravo! As usual, we never have enough research. Let’s all push for this whenever we can.

A side benefit of an ultra healthy living program is that it will even help with the abs. While our friends may get rotunder and rotunder, we all soon become leaner than average. What’s not to like? Looking good has always been the fun part of adopting the OMS program.

Please let me know if you find my blog helpful. Please add a comment. What did you like? What would you like added? Thanks! Together we can change the way the world views MS. Please also join the Intelligent Guide to MS page on Facebook. I will use that page to make timely posts on new research and other issues likely to be of interest to others.

Please remember to consult your with doctors about how to stay as healthy as possible. Nothing here should be interpreted as medical advice. Instead, please use the information you find here in your discussions with your doctor.

Copyright 2012 Rebecca Hoover