Monday 18 March 2013

Fighting MS with Food.....And loving it!

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that causes damage to the central nervous system.  In laymen terms that means..........It's too HOT in the kitchen, so COOL it down!     
Inflammation is a huge culprit in MS but is also experienced by healthy people everyday.  Inflammation is your body's first response to an infection or trauma.  For example, if you scrap your finger on something sharp your immune system will start the process to repair itself. 
Step 1.  Inflammation- Redness, Heat, Swelling (your body's way to kill off any harmful infections)
Step 2.  Release the Army- White blood cells and proteins (this finalizes killing off infections and puts a clot on the site to prevent spreading)
Step 3.  Put a bandage on :-)

Now having an acute form of  inflammation is normal, but what if there was no trauma or infection? and Step 1. gets out of control and starts inflaming for no reason and doesn't turn off.  This is chronic inflammation and comes in different types of illnesses; rheumatoid arthritis(inflammation of joints), asthma(inflammation of bronchial tubes) and MS (inflammation of the brain and spine). 
In Multiple Sclerosis, the central nervous system (brain and spine) is under chronic inflammation and by the help of medication and a proper diet you can properly manage this disease.    
So if MS is an inflammatory disease, it would make sense to have a diet that is rich in 
ANTI- inflammatory foods.  Right??  I found it difficult to find a diet that was backed up by scientific research to show slowing in the progression of MS.  All the doctors I talked to said that eating a balanced diet (Canadian Food Guide) is the best way to eat and that no studies have shown eating a particular diet will help with MS.  
Now if you talk to anybody fighting a chronic illness they will tell you that they act like their own doctor, dietitian, nurse and therapist.  You gradually learn what works for you and what doesn't.  So I did my own research and right now I'm eating foods like; kale, spinach, salmon (lot's of it, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids), papaya, blueberries, avocado, hemp seeds, flax oil, extra virgin oil, turmeric spice, coconut water(more hydrating than water) and broccoli.  I love to cook and these foods act like a coolant to your system, so I try to find different ways to incorporate them into my diet.    
  

Welcome to FeFe’s Diner 

Veggie smoothie I make in the morning (banana takes away the bitterness and makes it  so much more enjoyable to drink!)




Salmon&Linguine Pasta dish

Baked roasted red pepper Salmon 

Smoked Salmon with navy bean sauce on French baguette, topped with olive oil 



If you have any recipes or a type of food that has helped you during an illness please share in the comment box down below.  It would be greatly appreciated by readers.







Additional Links:




Friday 1 March 2013

Your Donation makes a Difference!

So you hear the news....
You have MS..... 
Now what do you do??
Well you have two options:
1. You can be angry and become discouraged with life
or
2. You can get in touch with the MS Society team





After being diagnosed I was told by doctors to get in contact with the MS Society.  This organization provides services and programs for people affected with Multiple Sclerosis.  They offer educational classes, leisure programs and host social events.  Studies have shown that supportive programs help decrease the risk of depression and enhance quality of life. 
The first class I attended at the MS Society was called 'Tax Talk.'  In this class we were educated on our disability rights and given information on how to file a tax return and how to claim medical expenses.  I found this class very informative because an MS diagnosis comes with a very high price tag.  The price of medication, vitamins, mobility equipment, modifying equipment and any other assisting devices.  If you think going back to work will help contribute to these expenses, you could be right........provided your employer will take you back.
Another thing I really appreciate about the MS Society team is that they ADVOCATE for you!  With MS 'some' employers don't consider you an asset but see you as a liability.  In a meeting with my work, 3 weeks after my diagnosis, they said they were considering terminating me but wouldn't because "MS can get better and when it does call us." Then I was put on medical leave.
I've grown a thick skin to the ignorant comments people say about MS.  
After the meeting with my work I contacted the MS Society and asked them if my rights were being violated.  Within 1 hour I was given a list of contacts on who to call and an MS Society worker offered to come with me and speak with my employer.  These guys mean business lol.
Having MS means you will face difficulties finding employment and being accommodated for.  The MS Society not only fights for you but educates you on how to advocate for yourself.  Till this day, I have not received  a formal apology for their inappropriate statement and action.  
Human Rights must be protected!            
As a result of having these programs and services available for people with MS, they are able to transition back into the community with more confidence, hope and support. 
So if your wondering where your donation is going, it's  going towards changing someone's life for the better.







'Let's make MS History' ONLINE DONATION:
http://mssoc.convio.net/site/TR/Walk/AlbertaandNorthwestTerritoriesDivision?px=1680663&pg=personal&fr_id=2038

MS Society website:
http://mssociety.ca/alberta/edmonton/

Alberta Human Rights:
http://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/