Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis
by Professor George Jelinek
the evidence based 7 step recovery program
I started the Overcoming MS program (OMS) shortly after returning home from the hospital, in around August 2015. During my diagnosis, I was placed on the medication Tysabri, and both have played a vital role in my healing journey. I've remained disease activity-free and relapse-free since then, for over 10 years, which just blows my mind.
The key elements of the Overcoming MS program are below (taken from the website). For more of a deep dive into each topic and the overall program, visit overcomingms.org/program
Diet
- A plant-based, whole food diet low in saturated fats and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. It excludes meat, dairy, and processed foods, focusing on fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seafood. Checkout my What I Eat page for the foods I buy and eat regularly on OMS, the methods we use to cook with.
- Flaxseed Oil for omega-3 fatty acids - Minimum daily consumption: 20 ml (about 2 tablespoons), maximum daily consumption: 40 ml (about 4 tablespoons). Many people use flaxseed oil on their food after it has been cooked and cooled. You could try it drizzled on a jacket potato or on toast to replace butter, or make a dressing with flaxseed oil, or put on steamed vegetables. More info here overcomingms.org/program/diet/oils
- Optional B group vitamins, B12 supplement if needed
- Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through sun exposure and supplements is critical. Vitamin D supports immune function and may reduce the risk of MS relapses and disability progression.
- Get out in the sunlight (15 minutes 3-5 times per week when UV index is 5 or higher, and before applying sunscreen). Test your vitamin D level and take supplements. Supplement with between 4,000 and 10,000 units of vitamin D per day of the cholecalciferol form of vitamin D, as it is more effective than Vitamin D2 (which Dr's may prescribe). A healthy vitamin D level is thought to be between 100–150 nmol/L.
- Regular physical activity is essential. The Overcoming MS Program recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, three to five times a week, to improve mobility, strength, and mental health.
- Stress can exacerbate MS symptoms. The program incorporates daily meditation and mindfulness practices to manage stress and promote emotional well-being.
- The Program supports the use of disease-modifying therapies and other medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. We aim to provide impartial and balanced information to allow people with MS to make informed choices about which medications are right for them.
- Family members are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce their own risk of MS and other common health conditions, as well as support their loved ones with the condition.
- The Program advocates for a lifelong commitment to these lifestyle changes. Continuous adherence to the Overcoming MS principles can lead to sustained health benefits and improved quality of life.
For more information visit...
OvercomingMS.org
Recovering from Multiple Sclerosis - Real life stories of hope and inspiration is also fantastic and motivating with a collection of testimonials from people who've achieved remission on the OMS program. Overcoming MS have now released a cookbook too, which is a collaborative effort with over 200 OMS friendly recipes inside from OMS'ers around the world. A personal favourite of ours is the Lentil Bolognaise that I cook almost weekly and my family and I LOVE.
Finding OMS was a beacon of hope in my darkest hour. It's given me so much control over my future, especially when I thought I'd lost it all, and that alone has been life-changing. I very much doubt I'd be doing so well today if I didn't read the books and throw myself in headfirst. It has completely changed my mind and my life for the better and is an invaluable resource of research-backed guidance for anyone diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I feel that OMS is really just about nurturing the mind and body and getting back to basics, back to the way we should be eating, thinking and living.
Much Love
Simonne x
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