|
Throughout our life we find ourselves wearing many "hats" that differentiate roles we play and jobs we perform. One of my "hats" was one which I wore with a feeling of great satisfaction. That satisfaction came from several sources. One was the value I placed upon the service I was able to give to those I cared for. Another was the effort it took to fulfill the educational requirements necessary to fill the shoes of a Registered Nurse. The literal Hat I earned upon graduation was always worn with a sense of accomplishment; a goal reached after prolonged effort and sacrifice.
Even though my professional career was cut short because of illness, I have continued to share that knowledge with others who have a desire to understand how to best care for their own health...mentally, spiritually and physically.
The core of who we are is not segmented into differing compartments. I believe that the approach to optimal health is best achieved through blending those three aspects of self: mental, spiritual and physical. Of these three, the physical is the easiest to control...even when all of our body's internal safeguards break down.
In the mid-1980's a study was performed at a hospital in San Francisco to see what effect our mental outlook and emotions played upon our immune system. AIDS had only recently been discovered, and attempts were being made to find a way to boost nature's defenses. The study involved subjecting patients with AIDS to several hours of movies...some funny, some sad, some stressful, some frightening. Blood samples were drawn before and after the movies to assess changes in white cell count, the body's defending army, if you will, against the invading enemy called "infection". The result of this study showed that when uplifting, and/or funny movies were viewed, the blood test following the viewing showed an elevation in the body's immune system function through a rise in the white cell count. Conversely, when horror shows, stressful action-filled movies and tear-jerkers were viewed, the white cell count dropped from the levels previously drawn.
Interesting!
Similarly, what we put into our bodies in the way of food or "fuel" also can have a positive or a negative effect on our over-all health and our immune systems. Why do I mention this? The answer is simple. With Multiple Sclerosis being such a debilitating disease that strikes at a time when we are in the prime stage of our lives, we need to do everything within our power to help ourselves. These are things which we ALL have control over, regardless of where we live or what our financial situation is.
For the past 15 years I have used natural remedies to control the symptoms of MS. For an RN with a background in science and pathophysiology this was a big leap of faith; however, it is one of the best decisions I have made with regards to my health. The decision came about following a collapse of my diaphragm which resulted in being placed on a respirator and given 1000Mg per day of IV Prednisone. Although I credit this with saving my life, the resultant damage to my liver, bones, and eyes was substantial. I decided to take an active roll in my own treatment, and took the advice of a friend who had mailed me an MS diet. I did NOT believe it would help but decided to try it anyway. I was totally surprised at the outcome. After about six months I was able to put away my wheelchair and stop the daily oral Prednisone medication. I can't say I have been totally free of problems, but I know this was responsible for the remission I eventually achieved. Another friend recently sent the following link to me regarding natural remedies which I am passing along Dr. Mercola's Natural Health Newsletter ...
|
