Update to my recent column about bedwetting: I have found a solution that appears to be working. First, I put aside my experience with the uncaring doctor, the one who failed to conduct a thorough exam on me, yet told me that my diet was too acidic. I didn’t believe him, of course. I knew I had a pre-existing condition and this doctor was just not fit to give me a diagnosis based on what he’d done.

So, I went home and took a few days to recover and consider how best to proceed. I thought that food may be worth a try, so I stocked up on cranberry juice and got some over-the-counter medicine for a urinary tract infection (UTI). (I was on antibiotics for it before and I just didn’t feel that it had cleared up all the way.)

Now, I am not advocating it for anyone else, but this worked for me. For four days and four nights, I drank nothing but cranberry juice, being mindful of my diet, and taking the over-the-counter medication. The result was that I haven’t had an incident and I’m starting to feel better. I have healed myself with food, the natural way. I’m really excited about that.

Taking diet one step further, many people are quick to say that people living with one chronic illness or another should pay extra attention to their diet, and give up red meat (or all meat). In short, they — we —  are all exhorted to eat a healthy diet.

I certainly have tried to improve my diet. These are things that have been very good for me and everybody can find the things that work for them.

Something that I have known about and held close for the past two years or so, and which I have been trying to implement for myself, is the power of food and the benefit of a plant-based diet. Over a year-and-a-half ago, I abruptly ditched meat and dairy and started experimenting with a plant-based diet. Today, I attribute this full force leap to my failure as to why my lifestyle change didn’t stick then. I simply was not educated enough.

This time I’m transitioning slowly. I’m educating myself. I’m experimenting with colors. I’m incorporating more plant-based diet options instead of eliminating things that I feel I can’t or shouldn’t eat. I hope this will allow my palette to change naturally on its own and I can then kick the foods I don’t want to eat altogether. I know this is not how everyone does it, but I truly think this is what is going to work for me. This is really about self-discovery. It’s a journey.

Last time, when I switched completely, it was really, really tough at first; I didn’t know what to eat or how to prepare the correct foods. Once I figured out some basics I felt great. To be honest, I really thought it would stick. But I had tons of energy suddenly, I had less pain, I felt lighter and not sick after meals. I ate till I was full and got full quickly. I was on cloud nine.

My physical body didn’t change all that much. However, when you’re not feeding your body the nutrients it needs, it’s easy to get sick. I chalk that failure up to simply not being educated enough about changing my diet that first time around. So, this time, no matter how slowly, I’m going to do it right, naturally.

One point I must add: If you are thinking of changing your diet, talk with your doctor first.

Note: Cerebral Palsy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cerebral Palsy News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cerebral palsy.