It features just about everything you will ever need to know about gluten-free cooking.  The breads are especially good.

 Hi Betty,

I just wanted to write you a quick note. You are one of the reasons I decided NOT to  proceed with traditional medical treatment, and treat my MS holistically instead. After much trial and error I accidentally found something which has changed my life.

I was diagnosed in 2005, and my symptoms came out of nowhere and within weeks I was in the hospital without feeling in my legs, blurry vision, vertigo, fatigue and loss of coordination in my hands as well as slurred speech. I tried so many different things, like eliminating dairy, gluten, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, etc., which allowed me to get back to work and function. But the depression, mood swings, and fatigue remained a constant battle. And I was so effected by the Florida heat I found it hard just going to and from my car.

But it wasn't until I tried the raw food diet that things started to drastically turn around. I went 100% raw on 7/7/07 and within five days ALL of my symptoms were gone. POOF! And not one has returned, even though now I am more like 85-90% raw. My family and husband were amazed at my results, as was my physical therapist, he looked at me stunned and said, "why am I here? You don't need me!" Anyway, like you I just couldn't believe the unwillingness of the medical community to even acknowledge the connection between diet and disease and degeneration.

To make a very long story short. I am now publishing a raw food eco-lifestyle magazine [see www.purelydelicious.net]. Keep doing what you are doing. You are one of my heroes. The message IS getting out there one persona at a time. /s/ Rebecca C.

Hi Rebecca,

Thanks for your note. Congratulations on your successful turnaround of your MS.  Whatever the answer turns out to be for each one of us, it for sure doesn't come out of an injection!!  I do not believe meds are EVER the answer. I truly do believe that the human body is designed to be self-healing, and that the vast majority of dis-ease is self-caused and lifestyle related.

I looked at your website - it is beautiful! I would love to receive a copy of your magazine. Thanks for the offer. I am so glad that you kept searching until you found an answer for yourself. Thanks again for writing and sharing your story.  What a lovely lady you are.

NOTE:  I received a sample issue of Rebecca's magazine, Purely Delicious, and it is very well done and lovely. Check out her website.

  Dear Betty,

I have been a subscriber to your newsletter for some time now and just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the research news items that you include with each issue. The article on MS and our HDL level was very good, as was the article on Leukemia and the MS drug. Thank you for all your care for each of us who has this condition. /s/ Mary Anne K.

Thanks for your note Mary Anne. Sometimes it is really hard to sort through all the research hype. Much of it comes from the PR firms hired by the drug houses, and that always makes it suspect. Thanks again for writing.

 Dear Betty,

I read your newsletter every month and appreciate your efforts and words of love.  I echo them and try to live by them.  This is a beautiful time of year in New England [where I live].  Everything is lush and green.  It is good to remember the bounty that is all around us when life gets bumpy.  Your newsletter always cheers me up.  I hope you can keep the website going.  But if not you have already made a difference in this world.  Love and peace.  /S/  Sarah

Thanks so much Sarah.  Sometimes it is difficult to remember why I have done this newsletter and the website for so many years.  Then a note arrives like yours, and I know for sure why I do it.  Your note and contribution touched me deeply.  You, like many of my readers, are certainly one of God's special people.

A TRIBUTE FOR MY FAMILY

Throughout the years of this newsletter many of you have all become like an extended family to me. I have shared the ups and down of my immediate family and I wanted to share a recent tribute to my family by the San Diego Kings NBA organization.

There is a recently published new book, part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. The Kings organization contributed a story of the Kings tribute to my son and his family, which occurred just three days prior to Kevin's transition (Kevin's story begins on page 277). When the book was published last month the Kings invited my son's widow Christine and his son Zachary to a special tribute night at the Kings Arco Arena. The following article appeared in the Sacramento Bee newspaper on April 27, 2009. The photo of my beautiful daughter-in-law and grandson Zachary was taken by the Sacramento Bee the night of the Kings tribute to Kevin and his family.

Boy's experience with Dad at Kings game chronicled in new 'Chicken Soup' book

Zach Iams' parents were manufacturing a memory, one that a 10-year-old boy could hold for the rest of his life. They wanted him to be able to reference it in the good and bad days ahead, when Zach would be without his father.  More than two years later, the son is a witness to his parents' success.

"It's probably the greatest night of my life," said Zach, whose sensitivity and maturity belie his 13 years. "It was really fun to do with my dad. Since he died shortly after that, it was like he went out with a bang."

Kevin Iams was a 42-year-old dedicated father and husband, a successful Sacramento employment law attorney, when his lung cancer took a turn for the worse. He didn't want his son to remember the chemotherapy and caregivers, the wheelchair and radiation. Kevin wanted a memory that would bring a smile to Zach's face. After years of being a season ticket holder with the Kings, Kevin was no longer able to attend games comfortably. Yet he longed to go to one more game, scream one more time for the home team.

When word reached Maloof Sports and Entertainment's front office about a loyal customer who had been given one month to live, several executives stepped up. And what followed was chronicled in a segment of the book called "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inside Basketball," released in February.

"That's the neat thing about sports and entertainment – a night of memories can last a lifetime," said Kings spokesman Troy Hanson. "I still get a little choked up thinking about it."

Zach and his mother, Chris, returned to Arco Arena earlier this month as the Kings neared the end of their season. They walked the same hallways where that memory was created. Zach held onto the hat he had signed by every Kings player during a special meet-and-greet following the game he attended with his dad on Nov. 15, 2006. To ice the cake, the home team beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 115-111.

"That night overall, Kevin was just completely overwhelmed and just happy," Chris Iams said. "He was ecstatic to be at a game. His energy level on a typical day wasn't very high, but that night we talked forever about the game and the experience at the kitchen table."

In the two days that followed, Kevin bragged from his Davis home to friends about the experience, about the gift bags and floor seats, the meet-and-greet and VIP treatment. On the third day, Kevin passed away.

"Now, I look back at it, and it's amazing that he was even at that game," Chris Iams said. "That night was really special to him to create a memory for Zach. He knew that. So truly I think a lot of that night was it created a great memory for me, but definitely for Zach."

And now their story is being told in a heartwarming book, which includes 101 basketball-related stories from players, coaches and fans. The Kings are selling the book inside their team store and online at www.kings.com for $16. The proceeds from those sales go to a college fund for Zach Iams. 

"That's one of the main memories I will keep about my dad," Zach said. "We kept making jokes throughout the game, saying, 'How did this happen to us? We're VIPs.' When I think of him, I think of him laughing, that's what he loved to do the most."

Note from Betty:  I understand the book is available at Amazon and in bookstores everywhere, and includes Great Hoop Stories from Players, Coaches, and Fans.  My son's story begins on page 277.

MONEY SAVING USEFUL TIPS FROM THE INTERNET

All-Purpose Cleaner

1/2 t. washing soda
A dab of liquid soap
2 c. hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

Tip: If you're out of washing soda, use 2 1/2 tsp of borax, instead.

Window Cleaner

1/4-1/2 t. liquid detergent
3 T vinegar
2 c. water
spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

Creamy Soft Scrubber

Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn't leave grit.

Tip: Add 1 t. of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar, to keep the product moist. Otherwise, just make as much as you need at a time.

Oven Cleaner

1 c. or more baking soda
water
A squirt or two of liquid detergent

Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda so that the surface it totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top, then let the mixture set overnight.

You can easily wipe up the oven the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn't work for you it is probably because you didn't use enough baking soda and/or water.

Mold Killer

2 t. tea tree oil
2 c. water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse.

Furniture Polish

1/2 t. oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 c. vinegar or fresh lemon juice

Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OMEGA 3 IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

I have been a subscriber to the Multiple Sclerosis Quarterly Report for many years. The Summer 2009 issue includes a very interesting short article reporting on a study to evaluate the effect of omega 3 fatty acids on the production of immune cells which appear to be involved in the progression of MS.

MSQR reports:

"Ten participants with RRMS received omega 3 supplementation (9.6g/day fish oil). Participants were evaluated at four time points, baseline, after 1 month of omega 3 supplementation, after 3 months of omega supplementation, and after a 3-month wash out. The study found that immune cell secreation decreased by 58% after 3 months of omega 3 supplementation when compared with baseline levels. This effect was coupled with a significant increase in omega 3 levels in red blood cell membrane and significantly decreased levels in RRMS that may act as an immune-modulator that has potential therapeutic benefit in patients with MS."

My non-professional interpretation of this short report is that this study, although small, supports the recommendation that omega 3 should be an important part of our daily supplements.

It is important to note that good quality fish oil (marine lipid concentrate) is the best source of omega 3. Good quality fish oil's label will indicate the breakdown of EPA and DHA as its source of omega 3.

Flax and some nuts are also a source of omega 3. However plant-based omega 3 contains LA (Linoleic Acid) and ALA (alpha linolenic acid) sources of omega 3. Dr. Mercola's website is an excellent source of information on omega 3. He states:

"ALA, found in flax seed is the precursor of omega-3 fats, can be converted to long-chain omega-3 fats, and can therefore be substituted for fish oils. However, ALA is not equivalent in its biological effects to the long-chain omega-3 fats found in marine oils. EPA and DHA are more rapidly incorporated into plasma and membrane lipids and produce more rapid effects than does ALA. Experimental studies suggest that intake of 3-4 grams of ALA per day is equivalent to 0.3 grams (300 mg) EPA per day."

In other words, it takes much more omega 3 from plant sources than from fish oils.

No discussion of EFAs (essential fatty acids) could be complete without comparing omega 3 to omega 6. Years ago I settled on an overly simplistic formula for myself - omega 3 yes, omega 6 no! In discussing lipids with nutritionists and physicians, I find that they find the subject just as confusing as I have.

All the research I have found indicates first of all that we need both omega 3 and omega 6 in our diet. However, our diet naturally includes all the omega 6 we need, and in excess it is very inflammatory. So it is important that our source of omega 3 not also contain significant amounts omega 6. That is the primary reason that plant-based sources of EFAs are not recommended.

I was just reviewing the role of Omega 3 in management of MS, when I received the following from Dr. Weil.  It underscores everything I had just written above.

DR. WEIL'S ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS:

1.  Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating salmon or other cold-water, oily fish three times a week, or try fish oil supplements.

2.  Avoid polyunsaturated vegetable oils (safflower, sunflower, corn, etc.), margarine, vegetable shortening, and all products made with partially hydrogenated oils.

3.  Eat a low-protein, mostly plant-based diet that excludes all products made from cows' milk.

4.  Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (with the exception of alfalfa sprouts, which contain L-canavanine, an amino acid that can worsen autoimmunity).

If you are a biochemist or a phlebotomist, please know that I do not think I have all the answers. I am just a student.

MORE RESEARCH NEWS

Studies have indicated for years that there is a high percentage of protection from exacerbations for women during pregnancy. The University of California at Los Angeles has reported over many years on their long-term study of the role of estrogen and pregnancy in the demonstration of MS.

Now comes the following report about the role of breast feeding and its continuation of this above-mentioned "protection" afforded by pregnancy.

Breast feeding Can Reduce the Risk of Relapse in Women With MS

CHICAGO -- June 8, 2009 -- Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who breastfeed exclusively for at least 2 months appear less likely to experience a relapse within a year after their baby's birth, according to a study published early online and appearing in the August print issue of Archives of Neurology.

Annette Langer-Gould, MD, then with Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, and now of Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, and colleagues studied 32 pregnant women with MS and 29 pregnant women without MS who were the same age. Participants were interviewed about clinical, menstrual, and breastfeeding history during each trimester and again 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months after they gave birth. In addition, neurological examination findings were collected from the physicians of women with MS.

More healthy women than women with MS breastfed (96% vs 69%), and among those who did breastfeed, women with MS were more likely to begin daily formula feedings within 2 months after birth (30% vs 18%).

"Of the 52% of women with MS who did not breastfeed or began regular supplemental feedings within 2 months postpartum [n = 15], 87% [n = 13] had a postpartum relapse, compared with 36% [n = 5] of the women with MS who breastfed exclusively for at least 2 months postpartum [n = 14]," the authors wrote. "Women with MS and healthy women who breastfed exclusively had significantly prolonged lactational amenorrhea, which was associated with a decreased risk of relapse in women with MS." Most women with MS who did not breastfeed or supplemented with formula feedings (73%) reported that their primary reason for doing so was to take medications for MS. Eight of them (53%) resumed MS medications within 2 months after birth.

"Why breastfeeding might be beneficial in humans with an autoimmune disease like MS has not been studied," the authors wrote. "Studies of immunity and breastfeeding, while plentiful, are predominantly focused on breast milk content and health benefits to the infant. Little is known about maternal immunity during breastfeeding."

The results suggest that women with MS should be encouraged to breastfeed exclusively for at least the first 2 months after birth instead of resuming medications, the authors noted. "Our findings call into question the benefit of foregoing breastfeeding to start MS therapies and should be confirmed in a larger study."

SOURCE: Archives of Neurology
Posting of this article was approved by The Doctor's Guide to the Internet(TM) (http://www.docguide.com)

BLOGGING AND TWITTERING

I am still struggling with making my blog more sophisticated, like adding archives, etc., and adding a "feed" signup form to my main web page.  Hopefully by the end of the summer I'll have it all together with better understanding.  I hope you will signup to "follow" me and stay with me while I learn the intricacies and finer points of blogging.  And please remember that a blog includes two-way communication.  I am looking forward to reading your on-line comments.

For a long time I have wanted to expand Betty's House to include general health related topics. Actually what I teach and practice is universally applicable to most physical challenges, not just to multiple sclerosis. Perhaps the "blogosphere" will turn out to be a way to open that door. As the saying goes, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Stay tuned.

My blog address is:  BettysHouseNaturalHealth.blogspot.com

~~~~~~

Twittering is rapidly becoming a fast and very effective social communication tool.  I will be posting "tweets," brief messages to communicate with you, such as to tell you when a new newsletter has been uploaded to the main website, etc.  If you have not yet signed up to receive these messages, please do so now.

My Twitter page address is:  Twitter.com/iamshouse.

Then just click on the "RSS feed of iamshouse's updates" link at the bottom of the right side column, then "subscribe to this feed" and you should then receive notices of postings by me at that page.  For instance I'll post a Tweet when the newsletter is ready, or perhaps when there is a new and important MS research report, etc.  If you have not already done so, PLEASE do this today.  I'd hate to lose contact with any of you!  The more I think about the possibilities with Twitter, the more excited I become about using it.

~ PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE LAST ISSUE OF THE NEWSLETTER  ~
MAY ALWAYS BE ACCESSED AT THE MAIN WEBSITE.