Kim Cherry ALS Reversal

Healing Advocates

1 Nov 201805:06

Summary

TLDRThe speaker recounts their journey with ALS, beginning with initial symptoms in 2010 and the official diagnosis in 2011. They discuss the challenges of adapting to life with the disease, including sleep issues and dietary changes, such as eliminating gluten and reducing inflammatory foods. As an engineer and inventor, the speaker views ALS as another problem to solve, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude and alternative therapies. They express hope for the future, aiming to improve not just their golf game but also their relationships, and look forward to a day when ALS is no longer a death sentence.

Takeaways

🏊 The speaker's first significant issue with ALS was noticed during winter 2010 when they struggled to swim, which was their regular exercise.
👥 They consulted a neurologist after their 42nd wedding anniversary and received an ALS diagnosis on November 22nd, 2011.
💤 Following the diagnosis, they underwent a sleep study and were prescribed a BiPAP machine to assist with sleep and supplemental oxygen.
🤔 The speaker, an engineer and inventor by profession, approached ALS as another problem to solve, drawing on their history of overcoming challenges.
🚫 They decided not to accept ALS passively and sought alternative treatments and lifestyle changes to combat the disease.
🌾 Dr. Nelson advised them to eliminate gluten and certain grains from their diet, which they began to do, although not immediately.
🍞 The speaker's spouse was accustomed to bread, so they found gluten-free alternatives to maintain a semblance of normalcy in their diet.
🔬 The speaker believes that dietary changes, particularly reducing grains and managing fungus, played a significant role in their lung health.
💪 They emphasize the importance of attitude, support from loved ones, and continuous effort in improving their quality of life despite ALS.
🌟 The speaker is hopeful about the future, looking forward to advancements in natural treatments and alternative therapies for ALS.
🔍 They encourage learning and studying alternative approaches to ALS, viewing these as blessings and potential paths to overcoming the disease.

Q & A

When did the individual first notice issues with swimming?
-The individual first noticed issues with swimming in the winter of 2010, when they started to lose their capacity to sustain a long swim.
What was the diagnosis given by the neurologist after the sleep study test?
-The diagnosis given by the neurologist after the sleep study test was ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
What was the prescribed treatment to help with sleep after the diagnosis?
-A BiPAP machine and supplemental oxygen were prescribed to help with sleep.
How does the individual's background as an engineer and inventor influence their approach to dealing with ALS?
-The individual's background in engineering and inventing has led them to view ALS as another challenge to solve, focusing on finding ways to handle the condition and make things work.
What dietary changes were suggested by Dr. Nelson to help combat ALS?
-Dr. Nelson suggested getting off gluten and avoiding certain grains, specifically mentioning that corn is highly inflammatory and often genetically modified.
What role does the individual believe fungus may have played in their lung issues?
-The individual believes that the consumption of breads containing yeast and sugar, which promote fungal growth, may have significantly contributed to their lung issues.
What resources did the individual find helpful in understanding the impact of grains on health?
-The individual found Dr. Perlmutter's book 'Grain Brain' to be a significant resource in understanding the impact of grains on health.
How does the individual describe the emotional journey of dealing with ALS?
-The individual describes the emotional journey as fluctuating between commitment to fight the disease and periods of doubt, frustration, and anger, emphasizing the need to find ways to control these emotions.
What is the individual's outlook on the future of ALS treatment?
-The individual is hopeful about the future of ALS treatment, believing in the potential for natural treatments and alternative therapies to improve the condition.
What does the individual see as a 'blessing' in their experience with ALS?
-The individual sees the 'blessing' in their ALS experience as the opportunity to learn about and study natural treatments and alternative therapies, which they believe can be part of the healing process.
What is the individual's ultimate hope regarding ALS?
-The individual's ultimate hope is to see a day when ALS is not a death sentence and that neurologists will have the foresight to understand and treat it beyond traditional methods.

Outlines

00:00

🏊‍♂️ Struggling with ALS and the Journey to Healing

The speaker recounts their initial struggles with ALS, which began unknowingly before a formal diagnosis. In 2010, they noticed difficulty swimming, which was their regular exercise. After consulting with a neurologist following their 42nd wedding anniversary, they received an ALS diagnosis. They were prescribed a BiPAP machine for sleep apnea and supplemental oxygen. The speaker, an engineer and inventor by profession, approached ALS as another problem to solve. They began researching and changing their lifestyle, including dietary modifications like going gluten-free and avoiding grains. They also mention the importance of mindset and support from friends, family, and caregivers in their journey. The speaker expresses hope for the future, suggesting that natural treatments and alternative therapies could offer new solutions for ALS patients.

05:01

🌟 The Blessing of ALS in Life

This paragraph is a brief reflection on how ALS, despite its challenges, has become a blessing in the speaker's life. It suggests that the experience of living with ALS has led to personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life, relationships, and the support of loved ones.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventually paralysis. In the video, the individual was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, and the disease serves as the central theme around which the narrative unfolds, detailing the personal challenges and the journey of coping and adapting to the condition.

💡Neurologist

A neurologist is a medical professional specializing in disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. In the context of the video, the neurologist plays a crucial role in diagnosing ALS and suggesting further tests such as a sleep study, which leads to the prescription of a BiPAP machine for the individual.

💡BiPAP machine

A BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machine is a device used to assist individuals with breathing difficulties by providing a higher level of pressure when inhaling and a lower level when exhaling. In the video, the BiPAP machine is prescribed to help the individual with ALS manage sleep apnea, a common issue for those with respiratory muscle weakness.

💡Gluten-free diet

A gluten-free diet excludes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The video mentions that the individual with ALS was advised to go gluten-free, suggesting that certain dietary changes could potentially alleviate symptoms or improve overall health. This is part of a broader exploration of alternative approaches to managing the disease.

💡Genetically modified

Genetically modified (GM) refers to organisms whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering for specific traits, such as resistance to herbicides. The video discusses the potential health implications of consuming GM corn, which is prevalent in the individual's country and may have unintended health effects, including inflammation.

💡Fungus

Fungus is a term used to describe a group of organisms that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. In the video, the individual's lung issues are linked to the presence of fungus, possibly exacerbated by a diet high in yeast and sugar, which are common ingredients in breads and other foods. This highlights the connection between diet and health complications in the context of ALS.

💡Grain Brain

Grain Brain is a book by Dr. David Perlmutter that discusses the impact of carbohydrates, particularly grains, on brain health. The video mentions this book as influential in the individual's decision to reduce grain consumption, suggesting that dietary changes can play a role in managing neurological conditions like ALS.

💡Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's response to harmful stimuli, including pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. The video suggests that certain foods, like corn, can be inflammatory, potentially contributing to health issues. Managing inflammation through diet is presented as a strategy for coping with ALS.

💡Mindset

Mindset refers to a set of attitudes and beliefs that influence how an individual views and approaches situations. In the video, the individual emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset in fighting ALS, suggesting that mental attitude can significantly impact the journey of living with a chronic illness.

💡Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies encompass a wide range of treatments and practices that are not part of conventional medicine, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary changes. The video touches on the potential of alternative therapies in managing ALS, indicating a broader exploration of treatment options beyond traditional medical approaches.

💡Support system

A support system comprises friends, family, and caregivers who provide emotional, physical, or informational assistance to an individual. The video highlights the importance of a strong support system in coping with ALS, emphasizing the role of loved ones and caregivers in providing encouragement and practical help.

Highlights

The individual's first problem was noticed during the winter of 2010 while swimming.

A neurologist was consulted after the 42nd wedding anniversary on November 22nd, 2011.

The diagnosis of ALS was given after a sleep study test in late January to February.

BiPAP machine and supplemental oxygen were prescribed to assist with sleep and breathing.

The individual experienced the longest nights of their life struggling with sleep.

The decision was made to actively fight against ALS rather than accepting it.

The individual's background as an engineer and inventor influenced their approach to ALS.

The importance of a positive attitude and the support of friends, family, and caregivers was emphasized.

Dr. Nelson suggested a gluten-free diet as part of the treatment.

The individual started with Pamela's gluten-free mix to make bread and biscuits.

Fungus issues were linked to dietary habits, particularly the consumption of bread and sugar.

The individual's lung issues were exacerbated by fluid buildup and fungal infections.

The journey to reduce grain consumption and adopt a healthier diet took about a year.

Dr. Perlmutter's book 'Grain Brain' was influential in changing dietary habits.

The transcript highlights the progress made by those who keep fighting and working on their health.

The individual expresses hope for the future, aiming to improve relationships and golf game.

There is optimism about the possibility of natural treatments and alternative therapies for ALS.

The transcript concludes with a call to learn and study alternative approaches to ALS treatment.