This is a lifestyle programme that is changing the lives of people living with MS across the world. It is based on rigorous scientific research that has shown that lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise and meditation, can deliver better health outcomes for people with MS.

Research about MS has been going on for decades and Professor George Jelinek, who has MS, has used previous research findings and his own on-going research to show that preventative approaches work for MS. This led him to develop the 7-Step OMS Recovery Programme. Today OMS is a global organisation with the aim of educating, supporting and empowering people living with MS, and the wider MS community including health professionals, about the evidence-based research that informs this lifestyle approach.

Let’s look at each of the 7 steps in turn, starting with diet.

Step 1 Basically, the OMS diet is a plant-based wholefood diet plus seafood, that limits the intake of saturated fat. It also supplements with omega-3s - flaxseed oil is best - that are neuroprotective. Whilst giving up meat and dairy can seem difficult for many, there are plenty of delicious foods to replace them and numerous recipes and ideas on the OMS website (www.overcomingms.org).

Step 2 is about sunshine and vitamin D. There is growing evidence that vitamin D is important in both preventing MS and improving health if you have MS. In the U.K. we don’t get enough vitamin D through sun exposure so we need to supplement (generally taking between 5,000-10,000 IUs daily).

Step 3 is all about exercise and the programme recommends 30 minutes daily 3-5 times a week. The evidence shows that regular moderate exercise makes a big difference to people with MS and has additional benefits like improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation. If the recommended level of exercise seems too much initially, remember that any exercise is better than none, and you can start slowly and build up gradually.

Step 4 recommends meditation and mindfulness as a way of reducing stress and the rate of relapses, and is seen as essential to both mental and physical health. Recent scientific research is showing that meditation and mindfulness can help with depression and pain, can increase compassion and happiness, and can ‘rewire’ the brain. Again, there is masses of information on the website, but also plenty of apps, classes and retreats that will help you on the path to practising daily meditation.

Step 5 advocates choosing to take medication if and when needed to help get symptoms under control. Many disease-modifying drugs have been shown to lower relapse rates and reduce the progression of MS and taking medication is not in conflict with the programme.

Step 6 is about how to prevent family members from getting MS as genetics makes up 25% of the risk. It includes sun exposure and supplementing with vitamin D, eating a healthy diet low in saturated fat, exercise and managing stress well.

And finally, Step 7 is a reminder to do whatever it takes to lead a healthier life with MS. Recovering from MS is definitely possible - although there is no cure - with the majority of people who follow the programme leading better, more rewarding lives. And it’s never too late to make these changes. 

Undoubtedly, following the programme can bring positive change as these 3 quotes illustrate from people following the programme:

‘It’s a wonderful combination of evidence-based science, inspirational hope and good sense.‘ David and Karen Law

‘It will transform your life.’ Mark

 ‘OMS has given me the tools to get my life back. There aren’t words to express my gratitude.’ Sarah

OMS has loads of information and resources on its website (www.overcomingms.org) to support people with MS who are making proactive choices to improve their health by following this evidence-based 7-Step OMS programme. Additional information can be found in Professor George Jelinek’s books (details on the website).

Locally, there is a support group that meets monthly for about an hour in the evening on Zoom (pre-pandemic it met at the MS Therapy Centre, Hereford). The group welcomes both people following the programme as well as anyone wanting to find out more. It’s a small and dynamic group that shares information and ideas and if you would like more details please email: omscircleherefordshire@googlegroups.com