To Jon from Tom in Edmonton

[Guest guest]

Hi Jon.

I don't know if you read any of my recent posts, but I have made great strides lately. Literally, on the dance floor. LDN and Benfotiamine. WOW

I have a few beers on Fridays after work, but that is about it. LDN is an alcohol antgonistic, so I don't imagine the two of them are really supposed to get along together very well, although I personally have never had any trouble.

Actually in the early days of having MS, if I had a few drinks my symptoms would go away almost completely. Could turn someone into a lush if not careful.

I have read articles though that definitely point out that to the brain alcohol is POISON, no way of getting around it, and even drinking small amounts on a regular basis can be hazardous to your health. But then enjoying a pint with a friend I am sure can create endorphins, so what is the trade- off? Darned if I know.

Quality of life issues are such a personal thing it is really hard to say that what anyone "should" be doing. I think the secret, if there is one, is information, so that you can at least make intelligent choices as measured against your personal life plan, so to speak.

TC

Tom from Edmonton

[Guest guest]

Tom, you're right on the money. Whatever we do regarding lifestyle changes, diets, etc, has to be comfortable and meaningful for us or it will just serve to create stress and further problems. Diet, in particular, is a potential nightmare. If you try to adhere to some kind of diet that is not appropriate for you, or doesn't satisfy your emotional need for food as well as your physical need, you are in serious danger of damaging your relationship to food and creating a serious eating disorder. If you hate the way you are eating you will really damage yourself. And there must be pleasure in food; it is an important part of life.

Is an occasional beer with a buddy going to hurt you? If you are allergic to beer, which I am, it will really hurt you. For me more than a half can of beer means chills, fever, horrible abdominal cramps and diarrhea for about a week. If you are one of the luckier people I envy, a beer here and there isn't going to hurt a thing. And you're very likely right; the trade off in companionship and socialization has to be well worth it. Have one for me; I miss it!

JT

----- Original Message -----

From: Tom

Quality of life issues are such a personal thing it is really hard to say that what anyone "should" be doing. I think the secret, if there is one, is information, so that you can at least make intelligent choices as measured against your personal life plan, so to speak.

TC

Tom from Edmonton

[Guest guest]

Amen, I couldn't of said it better myself. Unless your keeping a really awful diet, making major changes is going to be impossible to keep and causing stress in your life. If you really have to change your diet, start out by making small changes. Your body and mind will tell you if your moving in the right direction. Saying that let me leave off by saying I'm still a firm believer that a good diet is a major component in our overall health! Have a great day everyone