|
Journey to Wellness |
Happy Holidays to
everyone, from Davis, California, U.S.A.
The purpose of the Betty's House...Life After MS website, and this newsletter, is to help all people with Multiple Sclerosis believe that they need not be a victim of MS, but rather that they can be a victor; that they can be "enabled" by their MS rather than "disabled," and that the choice is up to them. I believe our body is designed to be self-healing, and that our challenge is learn how to "listen" to our body and to support our body's self-healing process.
It is difficult to believe that another Christmas and New Years is just a few days away. I still enjoy seeing Christmas through the eyes of my grandson. Actually in January he will be 13 years old. Yes, that awesome little 21-inch long gift from the Universe who came to join the Iams family in January 1996 will be a teenager. The amazing cycle of life continues.
As I do with each issue of Journey to Wellness, I hope something included "speaks" to you and challenges you to move ahead in your own journey to wellness.
I did it, and so can you!
IN THIS
ISSUE:
 |
|
Bon Appétit -
Healthy Food Tips and Recipes |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
______________________________________
______|_______|_______|_______|_______|____
___|______|_______|_______|_______|_______|.
______|______|MY
VIEW|______|_____|___
It is a very gold, rainy day today where I live, which seems like a good time to get this newsletter on its way to you. I have had an extremely busy month so the newsletter is late this month. We have many readers in Australia and New Zealand, where of course it is warm summertime. Wherever in the world you live, I hope you and those you love enjoy a lovely Holiday Season, in spite of the turmoil in the world-wide economy. Remember it is the simple things which after all are the most important.
I remind you once again that being diligent with meditation and exercise will relieve the stress of the holidays, as well as economic stresses. I can't imagine my life without them.
Again this month I have included several informative e-mail exchanges, research news, together with regular features. I hope you will find the information shared to be helpful to you in your own journey to wellness. Please remember that this newsletter is meant to be interactive. I encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, challenges, and questions. When you write to me, please include a photo and I'll include them it the newsletter.
~ 0 ~
Rules for Living:
| Leave Yesterday Alone (its gone) |
| Live Today (count your blessings) |
| Don't Worry About Tomorrow (it may not come) |
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Again, as I do every month, my thanks and big hugs to all of you who help make this on-line newsletter and Betty's House possible by contributing $15.00 per year. In our precarious economic climate contributions have been very few and far between for the last few months. If you find benefit in Journey to Wellness, your contribution will be greatly appreciated. It may be sent to Iams House, 139 Inner Circle, Davis, CA 95618, or by credit card by calling 800-651-3155, or 530-753-5595, or by sending me an e-mail. YOU make the website and this newsletter possible. Without your help both will disappear.
Please also remember that when you purchase ANYTHING through Amazon.com (in the U.S. and Canada) on the Internet, if you'll use this Betty's House Amazon.com icon you will be helping in a small way to help pay the cost of this newsletter and the Betty's House website. IT IS AN EASY, PAINLESS WAY THAT ALL CAN HELP.
Check out the Amazon website using this Amazon.com icon. You'll be amazed at all the products available there. They have a lot more than books today, and it really makes for easy, trouble-free shopping. For all of you who have been shopping using the Betty's House Amazon link, thank you for remembering to do that. Each order you place using the Betty's House link means a few cents is returned to Betty's House to help pay the monthly fees for the website and publishing fees for this newsletter. It is not very much, but every little bit helps.
PLEASE NOTE:
1)
Archives of the past year's issues of Journey to Wellness are available
here.
2) If you wish to send an e-mail to me, please be sure to use one of the following
subjects:
"Order"
if you wish to place an order
"Report Please" if you are requesting the recommended Supplements
list
"From a Newsletter
Subscriber"
for all other
correspondence
Please remember to do that so your e-mail isn't lost in the never-never land of spam!!
Bon Appétit - Healthy
Food Tips and RecipesDuring a cold winter my favorite foods are soups. Here are three of my favorites from the Four Steps To Overcoming MS e-book:
2
or 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled until falling apart
1 chicken bouillon cube - optional
5 cloves garlic or 1 T of minced
garlic
1 onion sliced thin
1/2 green pepper chopped
1 15-oz. can of whole or chopped
tomatoes, pureed in a blender
about 1 T cumin
salt and pepper to taste
1 T Mexican seasoning (optional) for
additional flavor
fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
About 20 minutes before soup is ready, heat about 1 T olive oil and fry until lightly browned:
4 corn tortillas cut into lengthwise strips
I used three chicken breast halves, with about 6 cups water. I cooked the chicken until it fell apart, about 2 hours. I then took a fork and “shredded” the chicken, added the other ingredients and simmered for about another half hour, adding the corn tortillas for the last 20 minutes. This makes about 6 to 8 servings, and keeps well for days. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
(This is a favorite soup, especially in the winter time around the holidays.)
This tasty recipe is so easy, and very healthy. Carrots are one of the best sources for beta-carotene, Vitamin C and flavonoids. You will love this (you may also make it with pumpkin or sweet potato, adding pumpkin pie spices, for Holiday time).
1 T extra virgin olive oil
about 1 pound carrots, cut into small pieces
1 large potato, cubed
1 medium onion, chopped
1 t. tarragon
about 3 c. vegetable stock
1/2 c. orange juice
salt to taste
cinnamon and/or nutmeg to taste (optional)
chopped fresh parsley or scallions to garnish
Heat the oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots, potato, onion and tarragon. Toss and cook for about 5 minutes. DO NOT BROWN. Add the vegetable stock, lower the heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Allow to cool and then puree in a blender or food processor. Then add the orange juice, salt to taste, and garnish. This makes four hearty servings and is beautiful and delicious served either heated or chilled.
Note: Even if you think you don't like carrots, you'll love this soup!
Corn Chowder
3 slices turkey bacon, chopped
1 to 2 T olive or canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
2 bell peppers, seeded and diced
2 c. whole kernel corn
2 c. Rice Dream (or milk)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
salt and pepper to taste
cayenne pepper (optional) to taste
Fry the bacon in a large soup pot over moderate heat until the bacon is crisp. Remove the bacon and you will have minimal fat. (I cook mine on paper towels in the microwave and have "O" fat. Add 1 to 2 T. olive or canola oil. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and bell peppers to the oil and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes, until tender and slightly browned. Add the potatoes and simmer covered for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Add the reserved corn kernels. Season with salt, pepper and optional cayenne and simmer for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile remove about 1 cup of the solids from the soup and puree in a blender or food processor. Return the pureed mixture to the pot and stir. Ladle into individual soup bowls and sprinkle with the reserved cooked bacon. Serves 4 to 6.
Note: This is an excellent chowder, and a favorite with my readers. You may wish to thicken it somewhat with a little cornstarch (be sure to mix with a little cold water before adding to chowder at the end of cooking).
The Importance of ExerciseFor several years I called the Exercise column of this newsletter "Use It or Lose It," and while I still believe that, I have discovered that phrase doesn't adequately motivate readers, nor does it describe how I feel about the importance of exercise today.
In the past year I have written frequently about our body's own Internal Guidance System (IGS), and I have compared that to the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that many new cars feature today. The GPS allows us to always know where we are as we drive from one location to another.
That kind of guidance is exactly what our body's IGS system does for our self-healing ability. What I call our IGS is our body's own energy. In Chinese medicine and Qi Gong it is called Chi, and in Yoga it is called Prana. From a Western perspective it is called Life Force.
Whatever we call that force, it enters the body at birth with the first breath, and it leaves when we breath our last breath. That is one of the reasons breathing exercises are so important. I have come to believe that life force is the physical demonstration of what religionists call the "soul."
Chinese medicine teaches it is blockages in our chi — which in the healthy person is always circulating and flowing throughout the body — that is the root cause of all dis-ease in our body.
A few months ago we learned that if we just sit quietly we can learn to physically "feel" that life force. Interestingly the more I study and learn about that life force I find myself very much aware of it often throughout my day. But the highest awareness of that force that I have found is through the practice of Qi Gong.
Every morning I wake up my body with the simple breathing and upper body self massage featured in the bookThe Healer Within by Dr. Roger Jahnke, and every night just prior to going to bed I do a half hour of Qi Gong. The simple Qi Gong movements, coordinated with breathing exercises, literally raises the level of chi in our body and enhances its movement And it is very easy to feel that enhancement of the chi as you do the simple movements.
If you missed the simple and easy suggestions I gave in recent issues, or just haven't gotten around to learning them, here are links to them:
If
you have not yet explored Qi Gong, I urge you to
make that a goal for the new year.
Start with these two simple exercises,
at the beginning and end of your day.
They can be very life-changing!
Sometimes it seems like I am glued to my computer desk and chair for hours at a time. For those of us who are mostly sedentary, here's a very simple stretch that helps energize and relax our body. Try doing this once every hour. If you are in a wheelchair, you can still do it seated.
Stand as tall and straight as you can and take a few deep abdominal breaths. Then reach high with both arms as you lengthen your torso and push your heels into the floor. Reach one hand slightly higher, and then the other—like you’re reaching for the clouds with your fingertips, one hand at a time. Continue this stretch for at least 30 seconds as you breathe deeply.
I receive many requests almost every week for simplification of my program. Actually it is very basic and simple. Here it is, reduced to its lowest common denominator.
THE DOORWAY TO HEALING . . .
and changing
whatever you want to heal or change.
The keys or tools for activating or opening that self-healing system are:
▪ OUR ATTITUDE AND BELIEF SYSTEM▪
OUR INTENTION
The thoughts we think
The words we say
▪ THE BREATH - the physical evidence of our body's life-force energy
▪ PHYSICAL MOVEMENT (exercise)
▪ HEALTHY, FRESH FOODS
Why does it sometimes seem that these things do not work?
It is equally important to know that fear and anxiety may block our body's self-healing tools. I talk to many of you frequently, and I find that fear is very evident in your questions.
All of these tools directly affect our body's energy. The more of them we employ, the more effective we will be in our quest for self-healing. If we always keep our attitude, belief and intention intact, we have the foundation on which to heal.
I try to personally do deep breathing and upper body self-massage first thing after I awaken in the morning (detailed elsewhere in this newsletter), and last thing before I go to sleep. Then every time I remember to do deep breathing during the day. Doctor Jahnke in The Healer Within calls that the "remembering" breath. I'm very careful to concentrate on my intention when I meditate. Exercise (movement) is a part of my life every day, and I try to incorporate as many healthy, fresh foods as possible.
So as you can see, it doesn't have to be anything big to activate these self-healing tools. It for me is just a way of life, and that should always be the goal. There is no such thing as anyone who cannot do this! AND IT WORKS!
I Get Lots of Mail
Hi Betty,
I hope you had a peaceful
Thanksgiving holiday. I know I have a lot to be thankful for and
the holiday gave me an opportunity to get in touch with some things
that have been elusive to me. I have had ms symptoms since 2000 and
was officially diagnosed in 2003. During the last 8+ years I have
had symptoms that were mostly irritating and troubling (tingling,
numbness, minor weakness, minor loss of balance) with 2 major
exacerbations that were more serious but relatively short lived. I
recovered almost fully from them and for the past two years I have
been skating along with only a slight tremor, and some urge
incontinence.
From the time I began to have symptoms until
about 2 years ago my life was very stressful - a divorce, bad
relationships and my own constantly critical, churning self. All of
these factors kept me occupied and distracted from my own issues and
my health. I did make some positive changes and got tested for food allergies. Also, about 3 years ago I
began to seriously explore eastern philosophy and spirituality,
which helped me manage my stress situations and get me pointed in
the right direction.
So, this brings me to today, in the
middle of an exacerbation that is not extreme symptom wise but
extreme in it's reality. I finally realized that I have been
running so hard from all of this, and as a result I've been
keeping it to myself - a form of denial that has kept me isolated
from others both with and without ms. Now I am beginning to see the
need to face up to the reality of MS. Instead of continuing to
see my MS as a sort of raw deal, this past weekend I saw it as an
opportunity for growth and understanding. I see that my need to
keep my prior identity intact has actually caused more suffering
than the symptoms. So here I am ready for what comes next and
hopefully no more wasting energy attempting to control everything
and getting down on myself when I can't.
I knew that an important next step
in all of this had to be coming to you. You have always been my ms
rock. Your advice is so spot on and getting your newsletter was my
monthly check in - the only time I would get any positive feeling
about all of this. I haven't been to a neurologist since my
diagnosis day. Because I don't want to go on the medication I
wasn't sure what the benefit of seeing a doctor would be. Now I
realize that it is important to talk and get opinions even if I fear
that someone will disagree with what I'm doing or maybe even change
my mind. Do you have any advice about what questions I should ask
and what I should expect? I am afraid. What lead up to my diagnosis
was traumatic to me, and I resist jumping back into the system but I
feel I may be being reckless by not seeing a neurologist.
Thank you so much for everything
you do. I love the newsletter and more importantly, I admire your
strength and courage through even the most difficult of life's
challenges. You have been such a positive factor in my life and now
I can finally express it. Thank you.
Best Regards. /S/ Tina
Hi Tina. Thanks for writing. I had a lovely Thanksgiving, thank you, and I hope you did also. It seems like you have been doing some serious soul searching.
It is very heartening to me when I hear from a reader who has "gotten" the power of Qi Gong. The self-massage and simple healing movements (exercise) Dr. Jahnke gives in The Healer Within book are very powerful. I truly believe that:
Qi Gong Holds the Key to Self-Healing
When we accept that we can access the body's life-force energy through the combination of breath and movement featured in the practice of Qi Gong, we truly do have the key to self-healing. I bless the day a good friend bought me my first Qi Gong video program. Main stream allopathic medicine is more and more embracing "energy medicine," which includes Qi Gong. Even Oprah's Dr. Oz talks about it and says he practices it daily.
I am so glad that you are
exploring Eastern philosophy and spirituality. That can be
life-changing in and of itself. My own very serious spiritual
exploration I am sure is the most important reason I am
relatively symptom free today. Learning about your body's
self-healing energy opens the door to helping your body heal
itself.
So many people write to me to
tell me that they sailed along for years without their MS
getting serious, then overnight they were hit hard by an
exacerbation and now they are in a wheelchair and the ask me to
help them. I really want to at first scream - and then cry -
"Why did you wait so long?" It is a great deal easier to
prevent disability than to correct it.
In your case it seems that you
still have only slight disability, and that is great. Also your
spiritual practice and diet revision are very positive steps.
I hope you are taking at least
4000 i.u./day of Vitamin D (colecalciferol
form), EFAs (I take two huge capsules of fish
oil daily), and at least 6 mg./day of methylcobalamin
B-12.
Today I believe
strongly that those three supplements (all of which directly
relate to MS), my daily Qi Gong exercise, and daily meditation
practice are the most important aspect of my program.
8-10 years ago I was convinced that the BBD diet was the most
important, but today I doubt that is the case, at least for me.
The BBD is an extremely healthy
way to eat, and If one is highly allergic to gluten and/or
dairy, the diet is no doubt very important. It is not a matter
of one size fits all. If one is not highly allergic, then
simply eliminating white flour and processed sugars from our
diet would go a long way toward making is all healthier, which
is the key to self-healing.
I certainly know about running
from your MS diagnosis. Especially when you are relatively
normal symptom wise, it is much easier to just "let's pretend it
isn't so!" But denial eventually catches up with us and we must
face the reality that our uninvited guest is still around.
You asked me to comment on your
question regarding a neurologist. I'm probably not a good one
to ask, because I don't have one and haven't seen one in six
years. Prior to that the last three I had seen were always
amazed that I was doing so well, and they always said, "Whatever
you are doing, just keep doing it!" A couple even told me that
I knew more about MS than they did. They have only been taught
to prescribe the so-called disease modifying drugs, and so they
get upset when we don't agree to take them.
That being said, there are some
things they can do to help you should you get into a difficult
exacerbation. I won't tell you what they are at the moment, but
if you have a specific symptom later on I can offer some
suggestions for you to ask your doctor about. My daughter has
very severe relapsing remitting MS, and she refuses to do
anything except follow whatever her neurologist says. We are a
study in contrasts in every way. We are not close and rarely
see each other, and she refuses to accept that I know anything
so we never discuss my thoughts about MS at all. But she has
shared with me everything about her doctors recommendations,
etc. She is 54 years old and is in the process of having all
her teeth pulled due to a side effect of one of the drugs she
takes.
I suggest you carefully
interview a potential new neurologist by telling him you are
looking for a doctor to support you in your decision not to take
the MS drugs. When you have an exacerbation there are some
things they can do to alleviate symptoms. Tell
him/her that you believe the body is designed to be
self-healing, and If they won't help you knowing that, then move
on until you find one that will! Remember, it is your life and
your body, and you should not turn control over to anyone, no
matter what degrees they have after their name.
Whatever you decide to do, I
will be glad to be part of your support team. Thanks for
sending along that lovely photo.
Hi Betty,
I was so happy to see
your email in my inbox today. I so believe in the power of the
things you suggest. When I got diagnosed the first thing I tried
was diet modification. I adopted the Swank very low sat fat right
away and kept on it. I have been on again off again with some
components of the bbd since I discovered your website 4+ years
ago. Now, no ref sugar, gluten or dairy, I still eat beans but no
soy. I take 4000 iu of vitamin D, either 5 or 10 mg
of methylcobalamin B-12, calcium and grape seed extract capsules,
and I just ordered fish oil capsules. I exercise and do some basic
yoga - I love to walk and I rock climb - although not as well as I
used to. Last fall I went on a backpacking trip to Isle Royale. I
couldn't believe I actually pulled it off; I stayed out of fear
mode, didn't cause an exacerbation, and had a great time!
I want to add Qi Gong.
I bought Dr. Janke's book
recently and I started with the self massage which was eye opening.
I didn't realize how out of touch I am with my body - kind of like
'what are you going to do for me' instead of 'what can I do for you'
relationship. It was like finally getting to know me as I am - not
as I think I am or wish I was - weird but positive! The best thing
that happened is that this week I started meditating. I realized
that even though I heard and read a lot about it and understood the
mechanics of it, I was intimidated intimidated. When I tried it
in the past I had some anxiety that I know can happen when you quiet
down with yourself. So I convinced myself that I didn't need it.
But I started again - I did have anxiety but I just sat with it and
didn't fuel it- I think I can stick with it.
Wow - as I type this I
also realize that I'm finally putting all of these things into
practice for real and feeling good about all of it- even if I still
have exacerbations I have the support of all of these things to get
me through. I also feel good knowing that you are there- it is so
essential to have someone to talk to that understands from personal
experience. Thank you so much for your advice about the
neurologist- I really don't want to go back down that road but I
want to make sure that my resistance to it doesn't cause harm. I'm
trying to open up to everything and if I decide to do it, what you
suggest will help me make the right choices.
. . . I can understand
how difficult it is to trust new approaches to health and well
being. So many people are stuck with the belief that only the
conventional medical establishment can fix us. Maybe someday the
other options will be as accepted as the mainstream ideals. You are
definitely working to make that a reality. Thank
you so much for everything that you do! /S/ Tina
In a follow-up exchange when I asked Tina for permission to use some of our e-mail exchanges in this newsletter, she shared with me that she lives in the Chicago area. She also said, "I have made the flowing motion a part of my wellness routine, and it has become a must do - it feels right and good. Over time I'm sure I will be adding more. You may use my e-mail - no problem."
Note: I featured flowing motions in the October and November 2008 newsletter: The
Moving meditation is my favorite. Check it out. It is easy to learn and is part of my evening Qi Gong routine.
Thanks for the posture reminders in the last issue of
the newsletter, Betty. It is so easy to forget those important
things as we get older. /s/ Betsy
Hi Betty. Thanks for all you do. I look
forward to Journey to Wellness each month. But I have a
suggestion. For people like me, could you give a simple
outline of what you recommend? Thanks again. /s/ J.G.
(See Simplifying Self-Healing
Above.)
Hi Betty.
Did you happen to see the
article reprinted below on Dr. Perlmutter's blog MS? Or, you may
have read about it in some of the reports that he talks about.
What do you think about this? /s/ Pam
Bacterium
Linked to Multiple Sclerosis
November 18th, 2008
By David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, ABIHM
Recently, the most convincing data ever presented relating infection with a specific organism to multiple sclerosis has been reported from the Department of Neurology and Pathology, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Subramaniam Sriram and coworkers,publishing their results in the Annals of Neurology, have demonstrated the presence of a specific type of bacteria in 100% of the 37 multiple sclerosis patients they studied.
As the authors reported, "The evidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in both progressive MS and relapsing-remitting patients suggests that the infection of the central nervous system with Chlamydia pneumoniae occurs early and persists perhaps throughout the course of the disease and does not differentiate between different clinical subtypes of the disease." This purported relationship between risk for multiple sclerosis and infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae was recently substantiated in a study appearing in the March 2003 issue of Epidemiology. In this report, Harvard researcher Kassandra Munger found a 70% increased incidence of multiple sclerosis in women seropositive for the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies.
This organism is a fairly recent addition to the list of bacteria known to affect humans. It is now recognized as a cause of pneumonia, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and several chronic diseases. More importantly, Chlamydia pneumoniae has now been recognized as playing at least some causative role in reactive arthritis and coronary artery disease – medical conditions which, like MS, are characterized by ongoing inflammation.
The idea that multiple sclerosis may be caused by some form of infectious agent is supported by several interesting observations. On the Faroe Islands prior to 1920, MS was essentially unknown. Subsequent to the invasion of British troops, the incidence of MS increased dramatically. This would support the contention that MS, at least on the Faroe Islands, was caused by some infectious agent to which the native population had not been previously exposed. In addition, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with documented multiple sclerosis, is typically found to contain high amounts of specific proteins known to be elevated in other nervous system disorders in which infectious causes have been clearly identified.
If there is such a strong relationship between the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae and multiple sclerosis, how could its presence have been missed by researchers for so many years? The answer lies in the fact that the discovery of Chlamydia in the spinal fluid of MS patients required the development of a very sophisticated test to detect a unique protein found on the cell wall of the Chlamydia pneumoniae organism itself. Indeed, this is not the first example of a profound delay in the identification of an elusive bacterium as the cause of a specific illness. It has been only in the past few years that the bacteria Helicobactor pylori has been demonstrated to be the causative agent in most cases of gastric ulcers. Incredibly, Helicobactor pylori has been identified in the stomachs of humans since the early 1900s, but medical researchers couldn’t bring themselves to admit the possibility that a disease like gastric ulcers could be caused by a simple bacterium.
Another observation supporting the relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae and multiple sclerosis is based on the discovery that two commonly used medications for multiple sclerosis, interferon-beta and methotrexate, profoundly inhibit the growth of the Chlamydia bacterium. This is interesting and provocative information as we don’t yet fully understand why these drugs are sometimes effective in MS treatment.
Over the past several years, the medical literature has published various articles describing specific viruses thought to be the causative agent for multiple sclerosis, only to have these reports subsequently refuted. But this new research describing the possible relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae and multiple sclerosis is most compelling. And the good news is that unlike viruses, specific antimicrobial medicines are available to treat Chlamydia pneumoniae.
Based upon this research, it is not unreasonable for patients with multiple sclerosis to consider an empiric treatment for Chlamydia pneumoniae. As this discovery is relatively new, no specific treatment protocols have as yet been created. And it will likely be several years until clinical trials have been designed, approved, funded, completed, and ultimately published, until we know for sure that MS patients should be treated. But in light of the present evidence, empirically treating MS patients for Chlamydia pneumoniae seems reasonable. Obviously this decision should be discussed with the treating physician.
Antibiotics are generally quite effective in treating Chlamydia pneumoniae infections include minocycline and tetracycline. Minocycline may be the more effective treatment since it is more able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier to enter the brain.
Hi Pam,
Yes, I had seen a summary of this report, but not to the extent reported here. I have long believed that a significant trigger for MS -- as well as other disorders -- would ultimately be proven to be a bacterium of some sort. Lyme disease, caused by a tick bite, usually from a deer or horse, creates almost identical symptoms to MS, and about 15 years ago it was discovered that many hundreds of people who had been diagnosed with MS actually had lyme disease. Interestingly the Lyme bacterium is very similar to Chlamydia pneumoniae, and it also responds to tetracycline. THIS IS ALL VERY INTERESTING!
Hello Betty.
One of my long-time readers in Austin, Janice, sent me the link to a newspaper article about a local veterinarian and a similar MS mis-diagnosis. Here's the link - if it doesn't open for you, just cut and paste it into your browser window:
http://www.uvaldeleadernews.com/articles/2008/11/17/news/news1.txt
After reading this article about veterinarian Dr. Barnes' case I responded to Janice that I believe there are many different triggers for the neurological syndrome doctors call MS. Ideally there would be a blood test that would identify all the various foreign bacteria in the blood to rule out any of them ASAP after the onset of neurological symptoms. In the case of these blood-borne bacterial infections, they all respond to massive antibiotics.
Thanks again to Pam and Janice for sending along these articles.
From Here and ThereAt various times in my life I have lived with severe indigestion. The following article caught my eye in a recent RealAge e-mail, so I'm sharing it with you. I do not know how long these links may be active.
Amazing Olive Oil News
Olive oil -- the unsaturated fat that’s great for your heart -- is making headlines again. But this time it’s for helping something a little lower down: your stomach. Research suggests that polyphenols in olive oil may inhibit the bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers.
Heard of H. Pylori? Antibiotics are the treatment gold standard for Helicobacter (H.) pylori <
http://www.realage.com/research_library/searchResults.aspx?link=crsfiles/aha/aha_hepylori_crs.htm>, the ulcer-causing bacterium that’s tough enough to survive the acidity of people’s stomachs. But resistant strains of H. pylori are now found worldwide. Fortunately, some researchers are seeking alternative therapies, and in recent studies, the polyphenols in olive oil showed tremendous potential. Not only could they withstand the harsh gastric juices of the stomach, but they also seemed to kill off H. pylori pretty handily -- even antibiotic-resistant strains. Do you know how to tell the difference in the burn of a stomach ulder and the heat of heartburn.Olive Oil Power Boosters: To protect the polyphenols in your olive oil and get the most out of the stuff, store it in a dark bottle away from sunlight, and don’t overheat it.
If you're getting a burning sensation in your gut, it could be:
1. A case of heartburn
2. A stomach ulcer
How do you tell the difference? Pinpoint the Pain
The location of the pain is one of the easiest ways to tell whether stomach discomfort is more likely to be heartburn <
http://www.realage.com/home_care/heartburn/topics/hb_topics_content.asp?topic=1> or an ulcer <http://www.realage.com/research_library/searchResults.aspxlink=crsfiles/aha/aha_svduodul_crs.htm>. Ulcer pain tends to occur in the abdominal area -- especially just above the belly button -- but people experiencing heartburn (as well as the more serious form of heartburn -- known as GERD, typically feel pain in the chest and throat.Another way to distinguish between the two: Often, eating makes stomach ulcers feel better but typically makes heartburn and GERD symptoms worse.
Featured Exercise
DVDs and Books
I
absolutely do not believe anyone can prevent
the tendency of MS to progress without a
consistent gentle stretching and deep breathing exercise program
T
he worst aspects of MS respond very positively to gentle exercise. Such a deal! And it really doesn't matter what level of disability one has. Many exercises can be done either standing, seated, or lying down. And deep breathing — which is so essential — can be done any time and any where.I am often contacted by readers about various Qi Gong programs they have purchased that they cannot use. I understand. I have many, many different DVD programs but most do not work for me either. That is the joy of the Tai Chi/Qi Gong for Seniors routine. It is designed specifically for people with limited mobility. It is simple and easy, perhaps deceptively so. At first it seems too simple. But over time when you really learn to work with it and do the simple movements in a slow, meditative way, the benefits are enormous. When combined with the QiGong techniques in The Healer Within book, this is a superb healing tool.
Over the years I have evaluated personally many exercise programs, and the absolute best I know of are Tai Chi for Seniors by Mark Johnson, Yoga for MS by Shoosh Crotzer, and Gentle Fitness by Catherine MacRae. I am very confident in recommending them.
~ Yoga for Strength and Qi Gong for Healing ~
In response to questions from some of you, all of the DVD programs have parts that require standing. My observation of each one is as follows:
|
Yoga for MS
includes sections done standing (a small amount), some sitting, and some on
the floor. (It demonstrates instructions for a helper for one who has
problems getting up and down.) The standing portions could be done leaning
against a wall or holding on to a chair back. |
|
Gentle Fitness
also includes sitting, standing and floor sections. |
|
Tai Chi (Qi Gong) for
Seniors includes both
standing and seated portions. Most of this routine can be done seated in
an armless chair (like a folding or dining table chair). |
|
The Healer Within can be done standing, seated or lying down. For the wheelchair-bound person with very limited physical ability, this is the program for you. This book includes sketches of each movement, in all three positions. |
YOGA FOR MS AND RELATED CONDITIONS - I found this modified yoga program in the Yoga Journal about 11 years ago, and it remains a mainstay of my own exercise program. This program is recommended by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
TAI CHI FOR SENIORS - This is a simple, easy-to-do Qi Gong (chi kung) Tai Chi video program. It was the very first exercise program I found after being diagnosed with MS, and about 13 years later I still find it very beneficial and do it almost every day. This program complements the Yoga for MS routine beautifully.
GENTLE FITNESS - Catherine and I connected on the Internet about 8-9 years ago, and I ordered her Gentle Fitness. I find it an excellent program, and use sections of it together with the Yoga for MS program.
These videos make up my personal exercise library, and alternating the programs keeps me from getting bored. Together with deep breathing exercises for a few minutes at least a couple of times a day, and walking about a mile several mornings a week with my ExerStrider poles, weather permitting, not only keeps me fit and energetic, it keeps my legs strong and moving.
Each of these exercise DVDs are available for $29.50 each plus $4.00 shipping and handling. (There is an additional $5.00 charge for international air mail shipping.)
Follow this link for more information on these videos and books.
FOUR STEPS TO OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS includes just about everything I have learned in my own journey to wellness. It is an easy to read, understand and follow e-book guide to the management of Multiple Sclerosis using the healthy lifestyle approach that I practice and recommend. It incorporates each of the four areas, exercise, meditation, diet, and supplements. This book includes an extensive recipe collection as well as an all inclusive guide to the Best Bet for MS food plan. It now includes a complete guide to our Internal Guidance System.
Four Steps to Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis is available for $21.50.
You may order any of the above by providing credit card information by e-mail to me, or by calling 800-651-3155 (in the U.S. and Canada), or 530-753-5595.
Follow this link for more information on this e-book.
THE HEALER WITHIN (see more specific information included elsewhere in this issue) is an excellent book by Roger Jahnke, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, which I no longer carry in stock. You may, however, order it from Amazon.com. Just click on this Amazon link to order. The Healer Within includes very simple easy-to-do Qi Gong based movements that I highly recommend. The best thing about this book is that all the movements may be done standing, seated or lying down.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Environment Causes Increase In
Multiple Sclerosis Among Women Only
7 Nov 2008
Gender has become a dominant factor in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during the last decades. Already with a ratio of 3.2 to 1 MS is gradually changing into a disease predominantly among women. Since genetic factors can be ruled out as a cause of this gender related increase, scientific attention is on environmental factors that may increase MS risk in women exclusively. Most likely environmental factors include smoking, viral infections, Vitamin D deficiency, hygiene changes and dietary factors.
Almost 400 MS scientists and clinicians from around the world gathered this week during a medical scientific conference on 'Multiple Sclerosis and Gender', organized by the independent European Charcot Foundation, to share and discuss their scientific views on the backgrounds of this major shift in gender ratio.
"In due course the raised attention on gender related topics will undoubtedly lead to better results and questions regarding individualized MS treatment, both in women and men", professor O.R. Hommes, chairman of the European Charcot Foundation stated. "This conference has raised the simple question whether females with MS should be treated differently than males".
One of the main focal points in the gender related approach is the effect of pregnancy on disease progression in MS. The disease practically disappears during the last trimester of pregnancy. Why is that and can we use our vast knowledge of natural female sex hormones, such as estriol, progesterone and prolactin, to develop new ways of treating women with MS? Several phase III clinical trials are already underway that will provide answers to this question by the end of 2009.
European Charcot Foundation
As always I hope you have found something in this issue of Journey to Wellness to help you along your own journey to wellness. If something in this newsletter raised a serious question for you, please send me a note and I'll try to respond. I thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. I love reading your correspondence. You are all very special to me. Please also remember that Journey to Wellness is intended to be interactive. I really want to hear from you! Please send me your experiences, challenges, etc. and I will try to include them. And please, include a photo.
Yet again I remind you, please remember to smile and laugh a lot, and to say "I love you" often to those you love. One never knows when we will be saying it for the last time. I truly do know for sure that when all is said and done, and we move on to our next experience, it is only the love that lasts! And that love is the greatest gift you can ever give or receive.
Two years ago this Christmas I had just lost my son Kevin, and it is even hard to remember the holidays. So last year I decided to "run away" and I went on a holiday cruise to escape the painful memories. But this year I am in a better place so I do not feel a need to run away again.
I hope all of you have a -
Merry Christmas
and a
Very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2009
Big smiles and {{{hugs}}} to all. I'll be back with the February 2009 newsletter early in February.
Betty