So now, for something personal. I don’t usually go into a ton of detail on the overarching factors of my life. However, today, I do want to share a bit of information. And I hope you will take it as no more than that.
Just about 3 years ago, in 2006, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While I had been experiencing symptoms of this illness for several years, there was no conclusive information as to what this array of symptoms was due.
Oddly enough, receiving such a pathological diagnosis as multiple sclerosis helped me to turn inward and listen more closely to my body. While I would not ever call this diagnosis (or any) a gift, I would call it very eye opening. Having a serious diagnosis taught me to better manage my energy.
With this diagnosis, I have become an expert on myself. And for that I am grateful. Now, I know what works best for me. What is it? Among other things, sleep (lots of it), easy cardio exercise, strength training and eating well (for me that means no grains and of course, NO gluten).
When it comes to dealing with MS, I believe that each person is a unique individual that heals quite differently. I am sharing my story in order to let people know that when you find balance from within, this illness (and perhaps others) can be dealt with on a day-to-day level resulting in significant quality of life and productivity.
So, there you have it. At this point, it takes more energy to not disclose it and so I feel that it is time to share what I am experiencing both with my online community (you) and others with that I am in contact within my life. Yes, I do things a bit differently and perhaps oddly, due to this diagnosis. Yet, in many ways, I am quite “normal.” To say the least, I am very happy.
Thank you for listening and one request, please if you feel anything for me, let it be happiness and hope. These are the two guiding principles of my life and I want to share them with all of you each and every day.
Thank you for being my readers and my friends.
Brenda says
Elana please goggle info re Vitamin D3 and MS. You may find
it helpful. Thank you for the great food blog.
Gluten Free Anna says
Elana-
You are beautiful and lovely, so it’s no surprise that your disclosure post is as well. I love that disclosure felt like the path of least resistance, and reading this post made me love your blog even more! Sending you healthy vibes, and it sounds like you are doing a great job listening to your body. What a wonderful gift of self-love!!
xoxo
Anna
Annette says
Hello—have you ever looked into Chronic Lymes Disease or another tick-infection as the cause of your symptoms? It can mimic MS and actually cause the same kind of MRI results. It wouldn’t show up on a normal doctor’s lymes disease blood test–you’d have to go to a Lymes Literate doctor who specializes in Lymes–and the research is rather controversial because if what many believe is true…then A LOT of people have Lymes and don’t even know it. I only mention this because Lymes is curable. I had Lymes and 2 other tick infections for 3 years without knowing what was going on. I finally got to the bottom of the problem and after 6 months on antibiotics (and a strict yeast-preventative diet) I am great. Of course the Lymes triggered my dairy & gluten issues…but whatever! :) I agree with you that you can learn a lot from an illness….it’s amazing how it can change your life for the better. Good luck with everything!
Mary says
Dear Elana,
I have been a reading and enjoying your website for a while, and often think of sending you a “thank you” — now seems like the right time.
I have been using your recipes with great success and sharing your website with many,many others — as anyone interested in whole, healthy food can enjoy your recipes. Thank you so much for doing all the trying and testing, for sharing your wonderful recipes, for the gracious commentaries, and the encouragement to pursue a healthy lifestyle.
Mary
victoria says
I admire your strong wise spirit Elana. It is interesting to see all the stories here about others with MS. I became interested in researching it when watching the series West Wing recently on my Netflix. I was astounded to find lots of science now supporting the connection between MS and vitamin D levels in a persons bloodstream. Apparently those of us who shun the sun and who live at latitudes with weaker sunlight – especially during winter – are at a significantly higher risk of MS. I would encourage others to research this connection. There are so many other things that vitamin D protects against (cancers, osteoporosis) – have been increasing my intake significantly based on the info learned. Hope this may help others.
Gina Funicello says
Dear Elana,
You are SUCH an ispiration and though I have been a ‘silent’ fan of yours for some time now, this posting has prompted me to finally register a comment.
As a holistic nutritionist, I have YET to encounter a single individual (regardless of age or diagnosis) who has not derived benefit by cutting back on heavy proteins, avioding gluten, dairy, and denatured, processed foods. Your site is INCREDIBLE! I have referred many to take a look around at your marvelous recipes and enticing pics- and they have ALWAYS been inspired! So, with great admiration, I thank you for doing what you do, being who you are, and sharing as you have :) Life certainly does challenge us, and sometimes provides us with remarkable opportunities to explore and discover who ‘we,’ individually, truly are. I think that one of the greatest things we can ever aspire to own, to know, is ourselves…and you are, once again, an outstanding example and a beacon of inspiration for all of us!
I wish you all of the happiness and hope to which you refer, along with love and light…we are all richer for your journey!
Sincerely,
Gina
Eden says
Elana–
Thanks for sharing more of your story. MS has affected my family too–a sister-in-law has had it for about 10 years. I know it can be a very difficult diagnosis. I’m so grateful that you’ve been able to figure out ways that diet and exercise help your body. I’m so impressed with your attention to your health and how you listen to your body. Thanks for all of your incredible recipes and sharing your food life and more on this site. It is all so inspiring.
Mari says
Excuse my ignorance (I know very little about MS), but is there a link between Celiac Disease and MS? It seems like quite a few of your bloggers also have MS. And I was just talking to a friend of mine who has MS and is just now figuring out that she has problems with gluten as well. I know that having Celiac Disease leaves us more vulnerable to many things like Osteoporosis, infertility and cancer. Just wondering if MS is more likely as well? Thanks Elana for all that you do. I look forward to your posts every week! Mari
cdecocina says
Elana, it´s surprising how we are capable of knowing which things are good for our body and which not. I write a blog about the Seignalet diet, designet by a french doctor some years ago. He found that most autoinmune diseases experienced a complete remission under a strict diet. The diet was: no cereals (except rice), no dairy and no overcooked food, specially meat. He treated some cases of multiple sclerosis. The neurological sequels did not disappear, of course, but all cases underwent a complete remission, with no burdens. Maybe you could find this useful.
This diet is not very known, but the basis is very scientific. As a doctor, I find it very interesting.
Tracy says
Dear Elana,
I have wanted to comment on many of your posts. I share your posts with people all the time. I believe we live in a world that is screaming in pain. Diagnoses or not, we are all suffering from malnutrition. I believe taking control of our nutrition is the only way to truely heal mind, body and in some cases spirit. Leaders in taking these step are emerging and I fell blessed to get to watch you lead so many to a better way. I feel proud to have found a distant kindred spirit. Thank you for doing what you do.
Have a Great Day,
Tracy