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Finding hope, health, and purpose

Ten years ago, on an ordinary Friday afternoon in August 2015, I sat in a neurologist’s office and heard the words that would change my life: “It looks like you have multiple sclerosis.” I’m not sure if she said those exact words to soften the blow, but it didn’t change the fact that they altered the course of my life.

You can go through all of the emotions often felt when someone you love dies because, in a way, it is a type of grief. In that short moment, your future has gone. Yet, even amid the devastation, there is often a flicker of determination—a quiet voice that says, “What can I do to improve my chances?” Guided by a determined pragmatism, I took on the challenge of doing whatever it would take to be well.

What is MS? Understanding the diagnosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and often unpredictable disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord, disrupting the flow of information within and between the brain and body. Symptoms develop, ranging from numbness and fatigue to vision loss and, in some cases, pain and significant disability. The course of MS can be relentless, progressing over time and robbing people of their independence.

Searching for answers: What causes MS?

The causes of MS are complex and not fully understood. Genetics play a role, but research shows that environmental factors contribute significantly to the pathology and outcomes of people with MS. Research points to viruses—like Epstein-Barr virus—as potential triggers for the immune system’s misguided attack.

         If you or someone you love is facing a debilitating disease like MS, know this: there is hope. You have more power than you think.

However, another piece of the puzzle has become increasingly clear: our modern Western diet and lifestyle also play a role. Research into the role of the gut microbiome shows that people with MS often have dysbiosis, where the diversity and overall balance are disrupted, leading to immune system dysfunction.^1,2 Dysbiosis can be caused by factors such as infections, antibiotic use, dietary changes, or chronic inflammation. But the predominant cause of microbiome dysfunction is due to what we feed it.

The role of diet and lifestyle

The typical Western diet—high in animal protein and saturated fat while being low in fibre—has been shown to fuel inflammation and may contribute to the progression of autoimmune diseases like MS.³ After my diagnosis, I dove into the research, desperate for hope. What I found was both sobering and empowering: while I couldn’t change my genes, I could change what I put on my plate and how I lived each day. Instead of beating myself up for the mistakes of the past, I put one foot, or fork, in front of the other and began to shift the balance toward a healthier way of living.

Changing the course: A whole food plant-based diet

Before my diagnosis, I considered myself to be someone who ate well. Animal products were featured in all of my meals and snacks. I believed, as we all do, that these foods gave me the protein, iron and calcium I thought my body needed. Vegetables and some fruits were included in my meals, but rarely would I have consumed the recommended daily intake. I also never considered how much saturated fat I was eating due to my high dairy and high meat diet. It was no secret that I loved butter!

After reading the science and learning that my diet had likely been disease-promoting, I adopted a whole food plant-based diet that is naturally low in saturated fat. I now fill my plate with colourful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds while avoiding animal products and processed foods. The science is compelling: such a diet can reduce inflammation, support a healthy immune system, improve wellbeing⁴ and may even slow or halt the progression of MS.⁵

I often get asked if I ever go ‘off plan’ and treat myself to a burger or a block of chocolate. However these people don’t understand the nature of the disease. I see the way I eat now as a diet of abundance. I never feel I go without treats or lack delicious things. It’s not that I can’t eat certain foods, but more so that I choose those that benefit my health. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not perfect, but it’s all about progress over perfection and supplying my body with the nutrients it needs to be well.

As a scientist, I understand that anecdotal evidence is the weakest form of proof when it comes to establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. However, my story is not unique. There is a growing body of research indicating that changes in both nutrition and lifestyle can help manage symptoms and may even slow the progression of disease. More than one lifestyle intervention can benefit the other. While there is currently no cure, I believe that if the changes I am making have kept me out of a wheelchair and helped prevent other chronic illnesses, then my efforts have been worthwhile.