Tag Archives: multiple sclerosis

Success Story & Interview Multiple Sclerosis

Nervous System, Success Stories, , ,

Success Story by Diane diagnosed with MS        

Has Now Been Out of Her Wheel Chair for 36 Years!

The MRI doctor said it had progressed??     “That’s when I decided to walk away.”

Transcript of Conference call August 13th,  2018

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1982 while majoring in music at McGill University. That was my original life passion and dream.

I landed in hospital paralyzed from my shoulder to my toes on the right side, considerable speech loss due to facial paralysis, little colon/bladder function and 90% vision loss in one eye. That was just the beginning … Looking back, I had no idea I faced many challenging years on my journey back from those Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms to good health …

The prognosis of the doctors, neurologists, psychologists and psychiatrists was at best a 50-75% MS recovery to a cane, no children, no career … over the next 10 years, I would regain my health for short periods, but I could never stay healthy for any meaningful length of time. My doctors said with MS, it was simply the nature of the disease … so just accept it.

During my final crisis in 1991-2 there were too many weeks I could not drive my car, walk properly without holding onto walls, could not even climb up or down the stairs, … eating, getting dressed was difficult, you name it. I had tried everything that western medicine had to offer … and more. I decided I could not wait for a miracle and I would not wait for the Multiple Sclerosis symptoms to consume me.  I resolved to continue, no matter what. I remember refusing the offer of a handicap license; I did not believe I was. For me, it was not the help I needed and I was afraid that accepting it would have meant I gave up hope of recovery. I felt that as difficult as walking was, I was better to try – at least this would keep my body moving.

I remember I was so scared that I would never come back from those debilitating Multiple Sclerosis symptoms that I consciously decided never to be put in a situation like that again – I did not ever want to have another crisis. I chose not to be at the mercy of this disease … living with the fear that some mornings I could not walk, drive my car or even hold my child.

In looking at my health conditions during those years, I began to question medical proficiency because surely there are cause and effect relationships to be drawn when a series of events happen! By the way, I ended up being diagnosed with 4 other significant diseases before the age of 30:

Erythema Nodosum

Sarcoidosis

Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

I remember asking a specialist “if there could be a connection between the 5 diseases, because I simply could not believe that somebody could be so doomed” and I was told “No, no connection at all – that is the way it is”.

Well it didn’t make sense to me at all, they had given me so many labels. I was much more tired than the typical MS patient – so CFS made the list. I had tremendous pain and according to their book, MS is not painful, so Fibromyalgia was another label. And on they went …

I pointed out to my neurologist  that specializes only in  MS, that 8 out of 10 people in the waiting room were in pain … so who said MS is not painful?  By that time, I’d had it with the medical system and got very angry and frustrated by that 5th label!

So, I began researching natural modalities and remedies.

When we get sick, it is usually not overnight – often it is just the final drop that makes the vase overflow. And it usually happens over time, even years … one symptom, then another one … then another … until they call it a disease.

My research led me to eastern philosophies, nutritional strategies, herbal medicines, mental visualizations, alternative therapies and so on. The more I studied them, the better all these pieces of the puzzle seemed to fit. When I finally started to get well, they all mysteriously disappeared …the MS, Sarcoidosis, Erythema nodosum, CFS and Fibromyalgia.

My family doctor was a staunch supporter and simply said “whatever you’re doing Diane, don’t stop!” and my neurologist finally threw up his hands and said , “it’s gone, I don’t know why, but it’s gone, check-in annually so I can document this” … and I did, though I stopped going several years ago.

I believe people need to know they have choices .

You do have options and choice … and they are a powerful combination.

I had finally decided to take ownership for my own recovery!

I did not think or say if… I said once I would come back … this is a very important point and I believe crucial to successfully fighting any illness or disease (or achieving any goal for that matter). You see, in my mind and in my heart – there were no doubts.

I did not know how long it would take.

I did not know what I would have to do.

I did not know how much money it would cost.

My one burning desire was to get well, then stay well.

I wanted to enjoy life without depending on others – I wanted and still want to do everything I choose, when I want, as long as I want, and I still do whatever it takes to stay healthy.

The years of nutritional support I required to get my body functioning normally included a clean diet with lots of whole foods plus large quantities and correct formulations of nutrient dense herbal medicines and nutritional supplements. Through early trial and error with a number of herbal product lines, I eventually found the correct formulations in Nature’s Sunshine Products and today, they remain a critical part of my maintenance program and my natural health practice. These were core products I took:

Bod-e-Detox to support my chronic intestinal problem, my liver and my colon.

I-X: it is fantastic for numbness and tingling, for energy and for circulation, especially to the head.

Stress Formula: it has lots of B’s in proper ratio, C’s with bioflavonoids and herbs to nourish the nervous system.

Super Oil: is a balanced blend of good fats: including even primrose, linseed (flax), cold pressed salmon, lecithin, vitamin E, and lemon, all combined to heal the myelin sheath.

Herbal Ca: a herbal combination very high in calcium and magnesium and  all the minerals required for better absorption; it is also great for spasms.

K: to strengthen and tone my bladder; I would get up 10 times a night to go to the bathroom and I took high amounts about 12 a day, then I lowered dose as improvement continued. To this day, I do not need any for maintenance.

Perfect Eyes: as I had lost sight in one eye and this is an excellent formula for eyes.

During the last crisis, 1991-92, for 18 months I took over 30 different products, at different times. You need to start somewhere. Just trust the herbs and use the tools that an NSP specialist can offer, like the Zyto Compass Scan or the Body Systems Questionnaire to help you decide which ones to use.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Nature’s Sunshine Products for my recovery and ongoing good health. They have put the science, research and quality into an exceptionally complete line of herbal products which is why I recommend Nature’s Sunshine to others. Used appropriately and properly, their nutrient dense all-natural plant sourced herbal products simply work.

I also owe an immense debt of gratitude to my friend and mentor Gail Pyke, the lady who guided me in 1991-92. She was extremely strong in her convictions and  what she believed.  She helped me, motivated me, and even inspired me to re-train and do what I do today.

Good health is a proactive, individual choice. The human body requires basic elements consistent with its long evolution, yet western society imposes inconsistent and incompatible influences on our ability to be and stay healthy.

Today I’m playing the piano again, have 2 healthy grown children, travel , teach others how to be healthy and own my own wellness centres. I am continuing my education and pursuing my passion of helping others avoid what I had to endure through my counselling and education programs.

2018 Update

It’s now over 36 years since the crisis that landed me in the hospital. Yes, the doctors diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis in 1982 and the other diseases were to follow but I never took ownership of them, they were simply names of conditions I worked very hard at healing naturally. “Your body has the amazing ability to naturally realign and heal itself,  if you just give it some basic attention!”.

Questions:

Did you have people that discouraged you from doing your herbal program?

Many people insisted that I go to the doctor. I had done everything that the doctors had asked of me with no success – doctors had nothing more to offer me at that point, except a dismal future. Some of my best friends told me I was being taken for a ride by using herbal products to heal. I decided that if they were not supportive of my choices I would just cut ties. As difficult as that was, I felt it was necessary.

Did you take pharmaceutical drugs?

At first, I didn’t know any better, so I took them and they just made me worse. I had to give them up. After taking them for 5 days my bed would be turning, I had to crawl to the bathroom. The doctor told me it would take 3 months for the drugs to work. My thought was that if it causes so many side effects then how it could heal my body?

Did you feel improvement?

Very little. But I would celebrate my victories. If I had spasms, then I would time them and find that they would not last as long as the last time. So that was a victory. I did reflexology, I did ankle rotations and I went to the chiropractor. I now work with one lady who could just now barely move her toe, but she could move it and that is a victory.

How much did it cost?

For me there is no question of cost. We borrowed the money, so I could do this program. I can’t put a price on it. If I am not healthy I can’t do anything. I could not work without health. I could not look after children without health. I would be a burden without health. There is no cost. You are never too old, you are never too young. And you need to stick to it. I decided to do the program until it worked. I made a decision and I became involved in taking control of my own health. I took courses and I got to know that nobody could help me to get healthy but me. Money was not going to stop me from getting healthy.

One day after doing the program for many months and still seeing no results I called my Mom and I cried. I had spent all my money. I had taken all my supplements. I was ready to give up. I cried all night. Then something happened. During the night I got this inspiration. I would not quit, I would not give up. Where would I be if I quit. I would do the program until it worked.

What about taking drugs for bladder and colon control like I do? Can you take herbs with them?

You just keep taking the drugs and add the herbs, as long as you experience no interactions. As you start to feel better you can decrease the drugs and increase the herbs. Herbs rebuild your body. Its like mending a sock. It takes time for the herbs to build.

What about fear?

Feeling fear is normal. You really don’t know fear until you are in a crisis. Its like going out in the night. You can’t see ahead, and you don’t know what is coming. But just know one thing. If you are doing the right thing your body will  do the right thing and come back to health and balance!

What did Diane mean by “clean diet”?

No processed foods. Eat as close to nature as you can. Organic, non-GMO. Lots of vegies. The dietary suggestions in Lorene’s book for healing cancer is an excellent resource for healing all conditions. This article gives a summary: Optimum Diet for Health

How long did it take?

From the time I was in a wheel chair it took a year to get out of my wheel chair. During that time I took about 30 different products some in very high doses.

Have you ever had an MRI?

Yes, the last time I had an MRI was about 4 years ago for a totally different reason. The doctor told me that my MS was progressing as expected! Progressing??? I had been out of my wheel chair and walking for 20 years and he told me my MS was progressing! That is when I decided to “walk away!”

Comment by Lorene

A person I know was diagnosed with MS just after Diane was. She had been travelling and had a full slate of vaccinations; tetanus, cholera, etc. She smoked and drank and followed the SAD diet. Contrary to Diane, she decided to take the medical route, including drugs. She tried a few herbs, but with little commitment. Today she is so structurally deformed she can barely walk even with a walker, is mostly in a wheelchair. Although she has a very positive attitude, she has low quality of life. Honour to Diane who took charge of her own vision and today does have quality of life and is helping all kinds of people overcome MS and so many other health challenges.

Comment by Jean :

It had taken me 4 years of healing and its always bit by bit. We’ve been taught to get a quick fix. Sometimes it’s just a very slight change. I am 79 years old and bit by bit I am getting there. I can’t expect it to happen overnight. “It is never too late! ”

 

Please contact Lorene Benoit if you wish to start improving your health. She has worked as a herbalist since 1982 and specialized in Nature’s Sunshine herbs, those used by Diane, since 1991. She promotes staying well and following basic health programs for your wellness insurance.

As Diane says, “I can’t put a price on it. If I am not healthy I can’t do anything.” Health needs to be our Number ONE Priority!

 

Our gratitude to Diane for sharing her personal experience. I have had the honour of staying with  Diane many times when teaching Tree of Light Herbal Certification in Mississauga, where Diane has one of her Healthy You Naturally clinics. I have seen her healthy lifestyle, met her two beautiful daughters and her husband. Thanks also to Donna Roth for arranging this interview with Diane.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis, , , , , , ,

Multiple Sclerosis

These are some very basic recommendations which have helped those with MS.

Super Oil – 3-4 per day. (90 per bottle)

Other healthy oils such as cold pressed olive oil, coconut oil on salads and veggies are good – at least 2 Tbs. /day.

RE-X is helpful for relaxing and nourishing for nerve support. 6/day (100 per bot)

Adrenal Support – 2 per day  (60 per bottle)- contains B complex, plus you need adrenal support for your thyroid and for the stress. Most with MS test better on this than Stress Formula.

Any heat conditions,  red face, burning parts of body, etc.  IF-C, the Chinese formula for clearing heat rising. 8 per day (100 per bottle)

With an NSP member number, you can access all the fact sheets on www.naturessunshine.ca to understand benefits. For the US, products are available at Nature’s Sunshine.com. Call our office for product equivalents. Anyone may use Account #309344 to request a discount direct account.

Other tips essential for your health:

  • ensure bowels are working  minimum one good movement per day, preferably 2-3 x/day
  • chiropractic or physiotherapy work can help make sure no nerve impingement is going on
  • massage, especially on spine to relax nerves – Helichrysum essential oil is very good for nerves; also  Lavender
  • drink lots of pure water for bowels, hydration and brain function
  • fill yourself with healing love and light every day – take time for yourself.

This quote from Louise Haye in her book, Heal Yourself, may be helpful:

MS may relate to: mental hardness, hard-heartedness, iron will, inflexibility, f ear

So check if anything at all is going on in any area of your life where this may be affecting you.An affirmation she gives is:

“By choosing loving, joyous thoughts, I create a loving, joyous world. I am safe and free.  “

Below are references copied from well -respected health texts;  according to which self care is not happening and this may need your attention.

Any comments in ( ) are mine, the others are direct quotes.

From Prescription for Nutritional Healing, p.246 – 247

“ MS is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the nervous system. Its symptoms include a staggering gait, blurred vision, dizziness, numbness, breathing difficulties, weakness, tremors, slurred speech, bladder and bowel problems, emotional problems and paralysis.

… the underlying cause is unknown, however, stress and malnutrition often proceed the onset of symptoms. As in so many degenerative disorders, a strong immune system is essential.

A well balanced diet is of great importance. All food eaten should be organically grown (no chemicals) including fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds (raw), and nuts, fertile eggs and cold-pressed oils. Plenty of raw sprouts.

Massage, exercise, especially swimming, and keeping mentally active are extremely valuable in bringing about remission of symptoms. Exercises that may increase body temperature can decrease the function of the nerves involved, and make symptoms worse. Exercises in cool water help by supporting the body’s weight.. Stretching exercises help to prevent muscle contractures.

The family (and Friends) of an MS sufferer must learn about the disease. Emotional support is essential. (But so is physically healthy support essential!)

Fibre is important for avoiding constipation. Periodically take warm, cleansing enemas with the juice of a fresh lemon.

Avoid extremely hot baths, showers, and overly warm surroundings, as these may trigger an attack.

Do not consume sugar, coffee, chocolate, salt, highly seasoned foods, processed, canned foods.” (These are all irritating to the nervous system and therefore increase stress; deplete vitamins, especially C and B complex, bind up minerals that could be used for healing.)

Short fasts are helpful. (This is also mentioned in the Breuss Cancer Cure).

From Nutritional Almanac, p. 273 – 275

The cause of the disease is still unknown, although it has been seen to follow malnutrition, emotional stress and infections. Helpful nutrients mentioned are lecithin, magnesium  (50 mg /day for spasms, bladder, weakness & twitching),  B6-50mg & other B Vits.( found in complex and Super Oil , Vitamins C, D, E, & Zinc. Nutrients and other natural ingredients have been found to slow or even prevent the advancement of MS.

A diet rich diet high in seed oils, fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, vitamin & mineral supplements and very limited in saturated fats, sugar, and processed and refined foods is beneficial.

High fiber diet is important for constipation, with adequate amounts of water and a diet high in unrefined roughage foods.

Increase in essential fatty acids..found in oils. These are important for the development and integrity of the brain and spinal cord.

“Avoid chocolate, spicy foods, coffee and salt. Alcohol and smoking should also be avoided. Alcohol interferes with unsaturated fatty acid conversion, destroys various B vitamins and worsens MS symptoms. (These are already nutitritional deficiencies which all MS people need to address.)

Smoking adversely affects a diet high in unsaturated fatty acids, lowers blood levels of Vitamin C, and temporarily worsens MS symptoms.(Smoking increases stress, not relieves it)

Both references list rest, avoiding fatigue, getting gentle exercise, such as SWIMMING.

A good reference for general suggestions…

that promote health for all people, including diet as suggested in Lorene Benoit’s book: The Paw Paw Program – A “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer – The World IS Round and Cancer CAN Be Treated Naturally.

Sugar and cancer connection is well explained in this book. Eliminating sugar, in fact, is critical to optimum health and prevention of all chronic conditions, diseases and early detection! As well, extensive dietary recommendations are given to help people understand how to eat better. Some recipes are also included.

MS – possible misdiagnosis and Lyme?

Recently there has been considerable information about Lyme disease being misdiagnosed  as MS. A quick internet search seems to support this, so it may be wise to consider this. The challenge is, that in some parts of Canada, (BC for sure), the medical association is still not really recognizing the existence of Lyme, (unbelievable denial!) so definitive testing is usually done via the US. Recommend to check this site for more information:

http://www.lymeinfo.net/multiplesclerosis.html

Diet for Cancer….. and Creation of Optimum Health

Cancer, Chlorophyll, Healthy Solutions, , , , , , , ,

Dietary Recommendations for renegade cell growth, aka cancer, and all chronic or degenerative health conditions:

The DO NOTS:

  • Avoid “white” foods: white flour, sugar, processed salt, white fats, processed dairy, except some organic yogurt butter, or raw natural cheeses, quark, kefir, etc.  Goat’s milk products are better digested for humans, clean and raw is best.
  • Do not eat sugar in any form, ESPECIALLY refined sugar products. Learn to recognize different names for sugar. Do NOT substitute with  artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Only acceptable sweeteners are fresh fruit, stevia or xylitol.
  • Do not eat refined high gluten, especially wheat products – most North Americans have developed gluten intolerance, meaning they do not digest it properly, leading to fermentation and intestinal inflammation.
  • Do not drink cold water with your meals.  If you must drink with your meals, have hot or warm herbal teas, or Chlorophyll to stimulate, not shut down digestion.
  • Do not use the microwave.
  • Do not use canned vegetables.
  • Do not use chemical cleaners
  • DO eat as much raw or slightly steamed organic vegetables as possible. See: Super- AntiOxidants Foods, which includes a basic recipe for Super Shakes, or go over these with your Natural Health Consultant (NHC).
  • DO read labels on food.  Know and understand how many toxins are in what is available as “food” today.

So this is what you should NOT eat.

The DO’S:

What about what you SHOULD eats? Please refer to my book,  The Paw Paw Program – A “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer, which has references throughout to help you with a healthy diet. I have many details throughout the success stories, under basic recommendations, under the 4 Pillars of Health, plus in the Recipes chapter. Some simple suggestions to follow are:

  • Eat more vegetables – of every colour, raw, baked, steamed or stir fried
  • drink hot or warm herbal teas, or Chlorophyll to stimulate, not shut down digestion, plus adding minerals, and alkalizing your blood.
  • Choose low glycemic fruits
  • Eat low gluten, alkalizing grains
  • Eat nuts and seeds made more digestible by sprouting, soaking and grinding.
  • Dairy alternatives, such as almond, barley, soy or brown rice milk are acceptable- check for sugar content.
  • Choose organic, especially for any animal foods.
  • DO wash all fruits and vegetables in Nature’s Sunshine Concentrate.  Use it in your bath or shower, as shampoo and as your household cleaning agent.
  • DO read labels on food.  Know and understand how many toxins are in what is available as “food” today.
  • DO eat as much raw or slightly steamed organic vegetables as possible. See: Super- AntiOxidants Foods, which includes a basic recipe for Super Shakes, or go over these with your Natural Health Consultant (NHC).
  • Healthy supplements to take to build your body during your cure are the following:

    For more suggestions, get the book – a great health investment for everyone!

 

For Cancer…..

MOST IMPORTANT:  This is the easy part.  Follow the Paw Paw program as per directions to start and increase as per instructions in the book.  Depending on your cancer, you may be required to take this for 4 months up to a couple of years.  Maintenance and prevention are recommended, as all people develop cancerous cell growth and we need to keep it under control.  For those who have had cancer, this is highly recommended. For more information about Paw Paw, ask your NHC.  Paw Paw can be used along with Allopathic Medical Therapy; in fact it can enhance chemotherapy effectiveness.

  • Insure your body has sufficient minerals.  Chinese Mineral Chi or Essential Liquid Minerals are both excellent natural sources of minerals and suggested for a long time.
  • Take Protease Plus Enzymes to help metabolize protein and help breakdown cancer cells.
  • Super Oil  or Super Omega 3 will help with your “internal electrical wiring”, and rebuilding healthy cell membranes.
  • Support your body with Zambroza, the strongest blend of antioxidants known to date.
  • Support the area of the body where the cancer is.  You may want to add herbs specific to your type of cancer. For example, for cancer of the prostate, support with Saw Palmetto Extract, Liver with a liver formula, as your NHC recommends.

The Paw Paw program – A “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer is an informative book clearly explaining the effective, safe, natural approach to cancer. It is jam packed with tips for achieving optimum health no matter what condition one encounters, with recipes, diet and other lifestyle suggestions to maintain optimum health and prevent disease.

For serious health conditions, it is important to work with a natural health care practitioner or consultant who is comfortable working with your condition, especially cancer. The amount of research can be overwhelming. You would not try to strip down your car engine and rebuild it without assistance or previous knowledge. Consider this, as you need to rebuild your body to eliminate cancer or any other disease. The advice of a qualified NHC can assist you in the optimal selection of a program for you and to monitor your results with you.

Remember, cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, diabetes – all chronic health challenges can be helped when you help your body return to a state of balanced health!  Believe it!  Be proactive in your cure – do not leave it all up to the medical community – work with them to help yourself.  A natural health  professional can work with others with whom you choose to share your healing journey.

This program is designed to enhance the natural healing abilities of your body, rather than ‘fight’ any particular disease. It is one part of a comprehensive program, including corrective diet, emotional clearing, exercise as required, proper elimination and other natural health and life building aspects.

The Paw Paw program and any aids in the book are not counter-indicated with orthodox medical treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. It can enhance the effectiveness and decrease the negative side effects of these approaches.

Prepared by Lorene Benoit Health Services, MHH, CHC, BEd,  Duncan. BC, 250-748-6802, TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com