Q: Who will benefit from reading this book?
A: Those who will benefit the most include anyone with allergy symptoms, those who have already been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, and those who have autoimmune disease in their family history. Anyone who wants to strengthen their immune system to avoid illness, in general, will also gain a better understanding of how certain foods negatively impact the immune system.
Q: What is autoimmune disease?
A: According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, there are 50 million Americans who suffer from autoimmune diseases, one out of every five persons, and the prevalence of these diseases is rising. Collectively, autoimmune disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in children and women under 65 and represents $100 billion in annual direct health costs. There are more than 80-100 known autoimmune diseases and an additional 40 diseases that are suspected to be autoimmune-related. Women are more likely than men to be affected, and autoimmune diseases tend to “cluster” in families – not as one particular disease, but as a general tendency to the autoimmune process. For example, one family member may have rheumatoid arthritis; another, celiac disease; another, multiple sclerosis.
Q: How many people are affected by multiple sclerosis?
A: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that 400,000 Americans have MS, with 200 new cases diagnosed each week. MS affects twice as many women as men, and more than 2.5 million people are affected worldwide.
Q: Why did you write this book, and what sets it apart from other books on the topic?
A: The prevalence of autoimmune disease in the United States has doubled within just the past four years. It represents a gigantic puzzle, with many working to locate the puzzle pieces that explain what’s going on and/or offer support. After my extensive research, I realized I had important puzzle pieces of information that no one else had available to them. First of all, I had two anecdotal accounts of recoveries from MS that have lasted 30 years. Both of these recoveries were based on dietary strategies and supplements. Secondly, I had the scientific research that explained why these recoveries took place and how certain foods adversely affect the immune system. And, finally, I saw an opportunity to give back. The gift of information that was handed to us 30 years ago allowed us to lead productive, abundant lives. The book is my expression of gratitude for that gift. I hope it will help bridge the gap between nutritional research and the public.
Q: Why was it important to include the spiritual aspect of the book?
A: The recovery of health that took place 30 years ago and the recent creation of this book were both spiritual journeys. Each time, God revealed the path and the assistance to stay on the path. The spiritual and scientific aspects of the book are woven together just as they occurred.
