Reversing Multiple Sclerosis Using the Plant-based Lifestyle - An Interview with Rebecca Stonor
- By Green Eye
- Feb 6, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 10, 2021
"I’m no longer on any MS medications."
"I’ve had no relapses or progression on an MRI! I also noticed skin issues cleared up like dermatitis and acne. I had more energy and even started running"
"I had more energy and even started running."
"I've been whole food plant-based for over 2 years now and have never felt better."
GREEN EYE: How long have you had MS?
REBECCA: I was first diagnosed in August 2015, but probably had MS years before then. I was also diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis in 2011.
GREEN EYE: What convinced you to go plant-based?
REBECCA: I have a background in science so quickly looked at the literature between diet and chronic disease. I first started out on a paleo diet, high in nutrient dense fruits and vegetables, no dairy or refined grains, no gluten. I then found 'Overcoming MS' and attended the OMS retreat in the Yarra Valley. Then after some more research and some more pondering I thought “what if I just gave up all meat and eggs?” The link between animal products and inflammation made me give it a try. So I’ve been completely plant based for about 3 years.
GREEN EYE: What were some of your symptoms as an MS sufferer?
REBECCA: Cognitive issues, difficulty staying on task, felt my personality had changed, extreme fatigue, poor dexterity in my fingers, speech was affected, but the most scary symptom was vision loss, this is what lead me to my diagnosis.
GREEN EYE: How did the plant-based lifestyle help with your health/symptoms?
REBECCA: I’ve had no relapses or progression on an MRI! I also noticed skin issues cleared up like dermatitis and acne. I had more energy and even started running.
GREEN EYE: Have you been able to stop/reduce your use of allopathic medication because of the plant-based lifestyle?
REBECCA: Yes. I’m no longer on any MS medications. I do take thyroid hormones but hope to reduce these too.
GREEN EYE: How long were you plant-based before you began to see positive results?
REBECCA: Within 6 months. But it can take up to 3 years for diet to have an effect.
GREEN EYE: Apart from alleviating your MS symptoms, how else did the plant-based diet change your life?
REBECCA: I have been my ideal weight, for the first time in years, for the entire time I’ve been plant based.
GREEN EYE: Who would you recommend the plant-based lifestyle to?
REBECCA: Anyone, not just MS sufferers. Those who have not yet been diagnosed with a chronic health condition because it’s much easier to prevent than reverse disease.
GREEN EYE: Did you become aware of the environmental impacts of ‘non plant-based diets’ verses the plant-based one?
REBECCA: Yes, definitely. I’m very environmentally conscious and I’m just disappointed that I didn’t start this way of living earlier. I also do it now for the animal and social ethics.
GREEN EYE: Tell us about yourself - your journey, story, and recovery.
REBECCA: When I was first diagnosed with MS, life felt completely hopeless. To say I was devastated is an understatement. I was uncertain about what the future had in store for me.
Soon after this earth shattering news I quickly typed the words "MS and nutrition" into a Google search. I was flooded with information on what to eat, what not to eat, and skepticism that diet did anything for the progression of the disease.
I also joined a secret Facebook group for people with MS in South Australia. People were posting about their issues with walking, pain and incontinence and it scared me even more. A woman I now consider a friend wrote "have you heard of OMS?" in response to one of my first desperate posts, apparently it had been working for her.
I found the OMS website and finally had some evidence that diet and lifestyle actually does influence the severity, progression and relapse rate of the disease. I joined a local group of OMSers who catch up regularly to discuss tips and tricks to staying focused and compliant. I receive a free copy of Professor George Jelinek's book, Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis and devoured it. I attended an Overcoming MS Retreat at the Gawler Foundation in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia. I left that retreat knowing that I was no longer afraid of having MS. It gave me HOPE that life was going to be OK. I was going to be OK.
About a year later a little thought popped into my head..."what if I gave up fish and eggs?" Going whole food plant-based was the next step. I learned about how animal protein promotes inflammation in the body and decided I didn't need it any more. Like most chronic illnesses, MS is an inflammatory disease and George's book is all about reducing inflammation. To be honest, I think the OMS program incorporates fish and eggs into the protocol so that people can follow it and remain compliant. If someone picked up a book titled "Go WFPB to recover from MS" they might think it was too radical. I think Prof Jelinek needs to give people more credit.
I've been whole food plant-based for over 2 years now and have never felt better. I'm fitter and leaner than I was in my 20's. I have more than hope, I have evidence that eating plant-based is the path to recovery.
Green Eye would personally like to thank Rebecca Stonor for sharing her incredible story. Have a similar story? Get in touch with Green Eye by clicking HERE and sending us a message!
Share Rebecca's story on social media, so people can prevent disease and save resources, using the plant-based lifestyle.
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