Living with MS Naturally: My Story
From Heat Shutdowns to Hot Summer Days: My Story of Living with MS Naturally
For many years, heat was my enemy. Not just uncomfortable, completely debilitating. My whole body would shut down in the heat. I couldn’t function. It would take hours to recover, sometimes the rest of the day. I had to plan my entire life around avoiding warmth.
Today? I can sit outside on hot summer days, even when it’s over 100 degrees. I go inside because it’s hot and I want to cool off, not because my body is shutting down from MS. That’s not a small victory. That’s life-changing.
But this didn’t happen right away. It took years of following MS diets before I made the breakthrough that changed everything.
And if I can reverse one of my worst MS symptoms, there’s hope for you too.
Hi, I’m Cathy, and I’ve been living with MS naturally for over 45 years. I’ve managed my MS without medication since 2005, using food, lifestyle changes, and a whole lot of patience and self-love. This blog, MS In The Country, is where I share everything I’ve learned on this journey. Not as a doctor or health professional, but as someone who’s lived it and figured out what actually works.
How My MS Healing Journey Really Began
I was just 15 years old when MS first showed up in my life. My first symptom was optic neuritis. I went completely blind in my left eye. At that age, I didn’t understand what multiple sclerosis was or what it would mean for my future. I just knew I was scared.
The years that followed were filled with uncertainty, more symptoms, and trying to live a “normal” life while my body felt anything but normal. Like so many people with MS, I tried to stay strong. I kept going even when it felt impossible. I did what the doctors told me to do.
For years, I took MS medications—interferons and even chemotherapy drugs. But instead of getting better, I felt worse. More flares. More side effects. More frustration. My body was breaking down, and I felt like I was losing control of my own life.
Then in 2004, everything changed. I had a severe flare-up that felt like a stroke. I knew in that moment: Something had to change. I couldn’t keep living this way.
The Turning Point: Choosing to Manage MS Naturally
That major flare in 2004 pushed me to take a completely different path. I started managing my MS naturally, beginning with food. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t quick, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made for my health.
That’s when I discovered Dr. Roy Swank’s research on diet and MS. I couldn’t believe this information had been around for decades. Why hadn’t my neurologist told me about this? I was excited and hopeful for the first time in years.
A few months later, I found Ashton Embry and his website about MS. This completely changed everything. Not only my diet but also my lifestyle. I finally had a roadmap, backed by research, that made sense to me.
I started eating lots more vegetables, drinking more water, and following the principles I’d learned from these researchers. And slowly, gradually, I started feeling better.
I continued diving deep into research about food, inflammation, and the nervous system. I spent hours reading studies on sites like the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), learning what the latest research said about nutrition and neurological health. I tried different approaches. I paid attention to how my body responded. I kept what worked and let go of what didn’t.
Living with MS naturally became my focus, and my body started responding.
Within about a year, I noticed some differences. Less fatigue. Clearer thinking. Better energy. The changes were gradual, and I stayed steady, but I wasn’t getting dramatically better.
For years, I followed various strict MS diets. They helped me maintain stability, which was valuable. But I wanted more than stability. I wanted to actually get better. I wanted my symptoms to reverse, not just stop progressing.
The Real Breakthrough: Learning to Listen to MY Body
Then in 2015, everything shifted. I made a decision that changed my entire approach to living with MS naturally: I stopped following strict MS diets and started listening to MY body instead.
This doesn’t mean I abandoned everything I’d learned. It means I started paying closer attention to how specific foods affected ME personally, not just what the general MS diet recommendations said.
I dramatically increased my leafy greens from 3 cups to 6-10 cups daily. I added flaxseeds, starting with just 1 tablespoon. And most importantly, I started cutting out “healthy foods” that weren’t actually good for MY body.
For example, I had been drinking lemon water for years because “it was good for you.” Everyone recommended it. But I noticed it caused me to lose my voice and constantly clear my throat. I’d always had to wear food-grade gloves when juicing citrus fruits because they caused my hands to break out in a rash. Finally, I connected the dots. Lemon water was irritating my throat too. When I stopped, the problem disappeared.
Another major discovery: foods high in histamines. For years, my face would occasionally break out in a rash. I tried everything, wondering what was causing it. I didn’t have allergies, so I didn’t think it could be histamines. One day I decided to cut out high-histamine foods anyway, and that was it! The rash stopped.
This is when my heat intolerance finally started reversing. Not when I was rigidly following someone else’s diet plan, but when I started truly listening to what MY body needed.
This taught me one of the most important lessons about living with MS naturally: The research gives you a foundation, but you have to customize it to your own body. What helps one person might irritate another. You are the expert on your own body.
Since 2005, I haven’t taken any MS medications. I still have some symptoms, so I’m not going to tell you I’m symptom-free or “cured.” But I’ve reversed symptoms I never thought I’d overcome, including that devastating heat intolerance.
And here’s what matters most: I feel good. I enjoy my life. I have hope.
What “Living with MS Naturally” Actually Means
When I say I’m living with MS naturally, I mean I’m managing my symptoms through:
Nutrition that fights inflammation – I eat 8-10 cups of leafy greens daily, along with cruciferous vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in omega-3s. Every meal is an opportunity to support my nervous system.
Hydration that supports my nervous system – I drink 75+ ounces of water daily. I’ve learned that some of the tools I use, like my Taopatches, only work well when I’m fully hydrated. If I don’t drink enough water, I feel the difference immediately. Staying hydrated really is that important for living with MS naturally.
Stress management that protects my nerves – Stress has always set me back, so now I work hard at staying calm. Not just for my mental health, but because stress is inflammatory and directly affects my MS symptoms. I’m learning to be patient and kind with myself, no more negative self-talk.
Simple routines that support healing – I’ve created gentle daily habits that make living with MS naturally feel doable, not overwhelming. Small, consistent changes have added up to big results over the years.
Staying current with research – I regularly read scientific studies and stay informed about the latest research on MS, nutrition, and natural health. I love sharing what I learn with you, always being clear that I’m sharing research and personal experience—not medical advice.
Life in the Country: Where Healing Happens
My husband and I raised our two sons on over 40 acres of land in the country. They grew up surrounded by nature, learning firsthand how powerful and healing the natural world can be.
Living here has been full of adventure, some joyful, others challenging. Like the few times we fought wildfires to save our house. Country living has taught us strength, resilience, and the beauty of simplicity. It’s also shown me how much slower, gentler living supports healing.
This peaceful, rural setting isn’t just where I live, it’s part of how I heal. The quiet. The trees. The space to breathe. It all matters when you’re living with MS naturally.
The photo you see on this page was taken during one of our little family adventures, back when the boys were still young enough to want hugs in public. Those moments, the simple, ordinary moments of family life, are what I’m able to enjoy because I took control of my health.
Why I Started MS In The Country
I created this blog to share my MS healing journey and offer hope to others who feel alone, overwhelmed, or stuck. After years of living with MS naturally and seeing real improvements in my health, I knew I had to share what I’d learned.
This isn’t a blog full of medical advice or big promises. I’m not a doctor or certified health professional. I’m someone who’s lived with MS for over 45 years and learned through research, trial and error, and paying close attention to my body.
I can’t tell you what to do for your MS, only your doctor can do that. But I can share:
- What has worked for me personally
- Research I’ve found helpful from credible sources like NCBI
- Practical tips for managing symptoms naturally
- Encouragement for the hard days
- Real-life examples of living with MS naturally
One of my readers once reached out asking for help with her diet. Later, she wrote back to thank me because her symptoms had improved after making some of the changes I’d suggested. Moments like that remind me why I do this. If my experience can help even one person feel better, it’s worth sharing.
What You’ll Find Here at MS In The Country
This is a soft landing place for people like you and me. Those who are tired of feeling alone, tired of feeling sick, and just want a gentler way to live. Living with MS naturally doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.
Here, you’ll find simple, practical content about:
Managing MS symptoms naturally – Specific tips for fatigue, heat intolerance, pain, brain fog, and other common MS symptoms, based on what’s helped me and what current research supports.
Navigating hard days with a calmer mindset – Mental and emotional tools for those days when MS feels overwhelming. Because healing isn’t just physical, it’s emotional too.
Practical routines and habits – Easy-to-implement daily practices that support your body’s natural healing abilities without adding stress to your life.
Food and nutrition for MS – Simple ways to eat more healing foods, reduce inflammation, and give your nervous system what it needs to repair and recover.
The latest research made accessible – I stay up-to-date with scientific studies about MS and natural health, and I break down what I learn into language that actually makes sense.
Real stories from living with MS naturally – Not just the victories, but the struggles too. You’ll find authenticity here, not perfection.
My Approach: Research-Based, Experience-Tested
I take living with MS naturally seriously. While I don’t have medical training, I do extensive research. I regularly read scientific studies. I follow the latest developments in MS research. I learn from functional medicine practitioners and natural health experts.
Then I test what I learn on myself. I pay attention. I track what works and what doesn’t. And I share it all here with you, always being clear about what’s research, what’s my personal experience, and what requires talking to your own doctor.
If you’re newly diagnosed or just learning about MS, the National MS Society has helpful information to get you started with the medical side of things. I’m here for the natural living side, the daily choices that can make a real difference in how you feel.
What I’m Still Working On
I want to be honest with you: I’m not “cured” and I’m not symptom-free. I still have numbness in my feet that I’m actively working on reversing. I also developed osteoporosis, which I’m now healing naturally alongside my MS.
Some days are harder than others. But here’s what’s changed: I don’t let MS control my life anymore. I’ve reversed my worst symptoms. I have energy. I can be active. I enjoy my life. I wake up feeling grateful instead of scared.
That’s what living with MS naturally has given me, not perfection, but genuine quality of life.
You’re Not Alone on This Journey
If you’re walking your own path of living with MS naturally and feeling overwhelmed or alone, please know: You’re not alone. I’m here, and I understand.
This journey isn’t always easy. There are setbacks. There are days when you do everything “right” and still feel terrible. There are moments of doubt and frustration.
But there are also victories—small ones at first, then bigger ones that completely change your life. There’s hope. There’s healing. And there’s a whole community of us who are choosing natural approaches and finding real relief.
What You Can Expect from Me
Honesty – I’ll never promise a cure or guarantee results. I’ll share what’s worked for me and what the research says, but I’ll always be real with you.
Encouragement without pressure – Healing doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It can be slow, gentle, and filled with grace. You don’t have to do everything at once.
Evidence when possible – When I reference research, I’ll link to it so you can read it yourself and make informed decisions.
Respect for your journey – What works for me might not work exactly the same for you, and that’s okay. Everyone’s path to living with MS naturally is unique.
A safe space – You can ask questions, share struggles, and be exactly where you are in your healing journey. No judgment here.
Let’s Walk This Path Together
Whether you’ve had MS for decades or you were just diagnosed, whether you’re managing MS naturally already or just starting to explore the possibility—you’re welcome here.
I created MS In The Country because I believe we heal better together. Because I know how isolating MS can be. Because I wish I’d had a place like this when I was struggling and scared and didn’t know where to turn.
Everything I share here comes from a place of genuine care. I want you to feel better. I want you to have hope. I want you to know that living with MS naturally is not only possible—it can give you your life back.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for trusting me with your story. I’m honored to walk this path alongside you.
Frequently Asked Questions About My MS Journey
How long have you been living with MS naturally?
I’ve been managing my MS naturally without medication since 2005, over 20 years now. But I’ve had MS for over 45 years total. The difference in how I feel between when I was on medications and now is dramatic.
Are you a doctor or health professional?
No, I’m not a doctor, nurse, nutritionist, or certified health professional. I’m someone who’s lived with MS for over 45 years and has done extensive research on natural approaches. Everything I share is based on my personal experience, scientific research I’ve studied, and what has genuinely helped me. I always encourage readers to work with their own healthcare providers.
Do you recommend going off MS medications?
I share my personal journey of living with MS naturally, but I never tell anyone what to do with their medications. That’s a deeply personal decision that should be made with your doctor. What I can do is share what’s worked for me and provide information so you can make informed decisions for yourself.
What’s the most important change you made?
Honestly? It’s a tie between increasing my vegetable intake (especially leafy greens) and staying properly hydrated. These two simple changes created the foundation for everything else that followed. But mindset and stress management come in as a very close second.
Can you help me with my specific symptoms?
I can share what’s helped me personally and point you to research I’ve found helpful, but I can’t provide medical advice or treatment plans. Each person’s MS is different, and what works for me might not work the same for you. I always recommend working with your healthcare team for personalized guidance.
How long did it take to see results?
I started noticing some improvements within the first year—better energy, clearer thinking. But I stayed steady without major breakthroughs until 2015, when I stopped following strict MS diets and started listening to MY body instead. That’s when the real healing began, including finally reversing my heat intolerance. The bigger changes took years of consistent effort and paying close attention to what my specific body needed. Natural healing takes time, patience, and personalization.
Ready to start your own journey of living with MS naturally? Head over to my Start Here page for practical first steps, or browse the blog for specific topics that speak to you. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter, I’d love to stay connected with you on this journey. 🧡
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