Me and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

 

★My Journey with Multiple Sclerosis: From Diagnosis to Living Medication-Free★

I’d like to share my personal journey since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and how I’ve been living without medication. I truly hope that by sharing my story, I can offer some support or hope to others who are currently struggling with this disease or other chronic conditions.

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★What is Multiple Sclerosis?★
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting the nerves. This causes inflammation and lesions in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. MS is classified as a rare, intractable disease in Japan and is known for its unpredictable nature of flare-ups and remissions. (Source: Wikipedia)

 

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Back in 2008, while I was living in the UK, I started feeling unwell with what seemed like a typical cold. However, instead of getting better, my symptoms worsened. I became extremely weak, struggled to walk, and eventually lost feeling in my limbs. I couldn’t even hold chopsticks. My body was numb and unresponsive.

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The UK healthcare system is free, but it can take weeks or even months to see a specialist. I decided to return to Japan for a thorough medical check-up. During the few weeks before I left, a friend suggested acupuncture, so I began seeing an acupuncturist 2–3 times a week.

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Despite searching online, I couldn’t find a condition that matched my symptoms. The UK doctor suspected a thyroid issue but couldn’t confirm anything without further testing. I remember feeling completely lost.

At the time, I was juggling three jobs, barely sleeping 3–4 hours a night, and partying hard on weekends. My diet was unbalanced—lots of alcohol and only foods I liked. Looking back, I was likely suffering from modern-day malnutrition.

​Before returning to Japan, I drastically changed my lifestyle. I studied macrobiotics and switched to a plant-based whole grain diet.

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★The Role of Gut Health
MS is an autoimmune disease, and the gut plays a major role in autoimmune health.

I believed that restoring my gut health through a diet suited to my body—like a Japanese-style macrobiotic diet—would help reduce inflammation and strengthen my immune system.

Surprisingly, within weeks of these changes, I began to recover. I could walk again and the numbness started to subside.

After undergoing an MRI in Japan, I was officially diagnosed with MS.

However, since my symptoms were already improving, I chose not to take the immunosuppressants my doctor recommended. Instead, I committed to managing the disease through diet and lifestyle.

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★Long-Term Recovery
I followed a macrobiotic diet for about two years, focused on eating more vegetables, and transitioned to working from home. I also prioritized getting enough sleep, and my condition steadily improved. Eventually, the only lingering symptom was slight numbness in my face.

However, continuing the macrobiotic diet long-term led to anemia, so I gradually reintroduced meat and returned to a more balanced diet.

I remained mindful of my food choices, opting for organic or naturally grown ingredients whenever possible in the UK. I also began practicing yoga to take better care of my body.

Later, I went through pregnancy and childbirth. I was told there was a high risk of relapse postpartum, but fortunately, I remained symptom-free for almost ten years.

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★The Relapse
In 2017, after living in the UK for 19 years, I moved back to Japan.

The emotional toll of leaving a beloved place caused significant stress and led to depression.

A few months later, I began to notice a black haze in my right eye, and over time, I lost most of my vision in that eye.

I was hospitalized immediately, and during testing, I lost nearly all sight in my right eye. It was terrifying.

An MRI confirmed a relapse of MS, this time affecting the optic nerve.

I feared I might go blind. Thankfully, with prompt steroid treatment, my vision almost fully recovered. There’s still a slight difference in color perception between both eyes, but overall, my sight is back.

Once again, I declined long-term immunosuppressants. Since my symptoms were under control and the steroid treatment had worked, I decided to continue managing my condition through diet and lifestyle.

 

★A Holistic Perspective
I don’t reject medications outright. I’ll take them when truly necessary.

But I do question the current medical system that often focuses on “treating symptoms with drugs” without always addressing the root cause.

Instead, I believe in an integrative approach—combining Western medicine with nutritional science, alternative medicine, and traditional Eastern practices.

I also think my recovery was supported by fasting, which I had been practicing since returning to Japan.

After the relapse, I studied nutritional science through a professional course and began learning about the connection between the gut and autoimmune diseases.

Now, I’m enrolled in an advanced course in functional and molecular nutrition.

Inspired by what I learned, I now run cooking classes focused on gut health and seasonal whole foods, promoting wellness from the inside out. I also earned certification as a Fasting Meister and aim to do 3–4 fasting resets per year for detox and overall balance.

 

★Reflection
Maybe my symptoms were mild. Maybe I was just lucky.

But what I can say for sure is that MS taught me how to really take care of myself.

If I hadn’t gotten sick, I might still be living recklessly—eating poorly, staying up late, drinking too much.

That’s not to say I only eat perfectly healthy food now.

I still enjoy the occasional snack—like Koikeya seaweed chips or Chicken Ramen from my childhood!

But I’ve built a strong foundation, and when I feel off-balance, I know how to listen to my body and adjust.

Fasting helps me reset. For me, it’s essential.

There’s a German saying: “Illnesses that fasting cannot cure, doctors cannot cure.”
And in France, they say: “Fasting is surgery without a scalpel.”

I couldn’t agree more.

We are not machines. Everyone’s body is different—strong in some areas, vulnerable in others.

Our symptoms are signs from our body, asking us to pay attention.

Long before my diagnosis, my body was sending me messages: fatigue, headaches, skin rashes, painful periods...

Even now, no matter how healthy I eat or how well I manage my lifestyle, if I’m under stress, my body will respond.

Ignoring those signs can eventually lead to illness. That’s what I believe.

I don’t know if I’ll ever have another relapse. But I’ve done everything I can to take care of myself, and I have no regrets.

Our bodies work tirelessly for us, every single day. And the only one who can truly care for your body… is you.

Realizing that alone has made this journey meaningful.

February 2020

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★Update:
In May 2022, I completed a PNT (Psychology Nutrition Therapist) training program. It deepened my understanding of the powerful connection between mind and body.

I learned how our thoughts directly influence our physical symptoms.

Self-reflection and inner awareness are truly essential to maintaining health—this, I now know for certain.