I believe that I have had MS since age 20 as many of you who read my blog posts already know. Of course, I only knew that in hindsight when I was carbo-loading for a marathon and overdid it on gluten pasta. Having MS has been a great lesson in finding my balance and all the factors that can take away from my balance or add to it. This has been of great value to me and it is a constant reworking, reevaluating, searching, and refining to find my best balance in the midst of a chronic dis-ease. This is helpful for the reader and this is why I bring this up.
We have an incredibly kind winter this year; some would say it is a non winter. With unusually warm temperatures and dry roads which are unheard of at this time of year, I have started doing a little running. It feels incredible to me. I am not in good shape but just moving my body feels amazing to me. I was an athlete for most of my life and it brings me joy to exercise. My legs feel strong, solid and coordinated. I have not felt this good in years.
I think part of the reason for this is I am eating so much more plant based protein. I even did a talk March 9th on a plant based diet and how it benefits health. The more I read research about the benefits of reducing meat protein and how it is related to greater longevity, I realize my recent refinement has added value. The benefits of reducing meat help so much with the total quantity of saturated fat ingested in one day. Meat has a lot of saturated fat- any animal based protein does, including seafood. This message really hits home and I am constantly aware of the balancing act required with regards to saturated fat intake.
I am aware that even a single meal that is higher in saturated fat will throw my balance off. Last night, I cooked scallops in coconut oil along with cherry tomatoes, papaya, and other veggies. Well, it was delicious, but it threw me off today. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat; I don’t usually saute with it and scallops are quite rich.My brain felt sluggish today; I could not focus and get things done. I made minor mistakes all day, which added up to me feeling out of balance. I knew right away why I was off. So I ate very low fat for the entire day and by the end of the day I was feeling that my brain function was coming back. I could avert a flare, by my reorientation towards better balance.
As you become more and more in tune with your body, and your individual sensitivity level, you will know the subtle clues that alert you of what to do, to regain your balance. You can live and even thrive with MS. It is possible. Start to believe it! It just requires some discipline. I wish you all optimal health. Much love, Robin