My article published in Generations Winer issue 2010-11

My Ataxia diet. Author: Ball, Jeannie Smith Geographic Code: 1USA Date: Dec 22, 2010 Words: 698 Publication: Generations After being misdiagnosed for quite a few years with symptoms of unbalance, clumsiness, fatigue, and some dizziness; I finally went to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and received a diagnosis of sporadic SCA (a neurological disease that might be hereditary). I was told I should consider intravenous drugs to possibly stop the progression of this disease. I came home to California devastated. I was unsure of how my life would be from then on. I did know I wanted to try other alternatives before I committed to taking prescription drugs. I saw taking drugs as a last resort. My first step was to try a gluten-free food plan. I began to see some results and then wanted to experiment more with nutrition. Someone told me that when others had eliminated flour, refined sugar and alcohol from their dietary habits that it helped alleviate symptoms of their disease. I thought it would be worth a try. I wasn't sure how I would adjust to eliminating flour or refined sugar products. But, I was introduced to a new way of eating; nothing processed or prepared, no additives, and only fresh organic foods. I knew I could easily give up flour and alcohol, but sugar would be a challenge. Sugar is hidden in almost all processed foods. I joined a 12-step group that supports me in eliminating all flour, refined sugar and alcohol. It was easy for me to avoid flour since I'd already been off gluten. Alcohol was also easy because I noticed the negative effects after a few sips. It would increase problems with my gait, slur my speech and intensify my neurological symptoms. Sugar was more challenging. I went through withdrawals and never wanted to eat sugar again. I had no idea just how bad it was for my body. With the help and understanding of my group sponsor, I got through it. After being off flour and refined sugar for three days I noticed that my mind became clearer, and continued to become clearer each day. I also began to lose that bloated look, and started gaining more energy while losing excess weight. That gave me the incentive to continue because it seemed to be working. Most of the symptoms have been gone for over two years. I attribute my improved health and SCA remission to my 12-step program and new eating habits. Now I listen to my body instead of denying what it's telling me. And I don't push through pain or make other people's needs more important than my own. I have had two MRI's to date that do not show any more degeneration. So I am hopeful that by living a healthy lifestyle, I will be able to help keep most of my symptoms at bay. But if it slowly progresses that's OK too, because I'm presently living each day with more energy. And, I'm grateful that I found a 12-step program that will help keep me on track. I've been told by many doctors that it is not possible to stop the progression of this degenerative disease. But the lessening of my symptoms, and the energy gained has brought me such relief. Not having any flour, refined sugar or alcohol; eating weighed and measured amounts of food that my body needs to be healthy; taking regular naps; getting rid of things that just don't enhance my life any longer and replacing them with healthier things I can do for myself, has given me more quality of life while I'm here. I found my food plan and lifestyle has affected the people around me in many ways. People that know me see a huge change, not only in my weight, but my actions. I was an angry person because I had to deal with frustrating symptoms of a disease, but the serenity I have gained is worth so much. I'm grateful to have found spiritual, mental and physical discipline guided by something outside of myself and it seems to be working for me. You could say I'm practicing self care daily. The effects are amazing! If you are interested in learning more about Jeannie's food plan you may contact her at JeanniemSB1@gmail.com.