At 25, he was living hard, smoking, drinking, and ignoring his health until one phone call changed everything: “You have MS.” In that moment, fear became fuel. Faced with choosing a drug from a list, Jake Smith chose to take control. Now a husband and father, he’s thriving through science-based nutrition and disciplined lifestyle changes.
Mathew: Hello, everybody, and welcome to Hope & Health. Today, I'm with Jake Smith, who’s going to share his testimony about how he’s controlling his multiple sclerosis with science-based nutritional strategies. Jake, thank you so much for being here.
Jake: Thank you so much for having me.
Mathew: Jake, your story is incredibly inspiring. Let’s start at the beginning with your diagnosis.
Jake: I was diagnosed with MS on April Fool’s Day. It was just a phone call, and they said, “You have MS.”
Mathew: Wow. Before that diagnosis, what kind of lifestyle were you living, and what symptoms made you go to the doctor?
Jake: It was an unhealthy lifestyle—no control over what I ate, partying, just living carelessly.
Mathew: What would a typical day look like?
Jake: I never ate breakfast, barely ate during the day, then had dinner and maybe a few beers. Snacks, chocolate, late at night. Smoking too. No exercise except occasional sports, like Frisbee.
Mathew: So, pretty hard living.
Jake: Yeah, living hard.
Mathew: Then what happened?
Jake: The symptoms came on fast. My first migraine ever was like an ice pick in my eye. Then half my face went numb. Coordination in my right arm was off—I couldn’t even use a mouse properly. I went to the hospital three or four times. They did CT scans, which I regret, and eventually, a doctor asked about family history. I mentioned my cousin had MS. They brought a neurologist in, did tests, scheduled an MRI, and that’s how it all started.
Mathew: Did you know much about multiple sclerosis at the time?
Jake: A little. My dad knew more because of my cousin. We knew it was debilitating but didn’t understand the full extent. Learning about the severe outcomes made it very scary.
Mathew: What emotions were going through you?
Jake: I was terrified. I’m a worrywart by nature, and getting the diagnosis was life-altering. The neurologist called, told me there were four drugs, and asked me to research them and choose.
Mathew: Wow. That must have been overwhelming.
Jake: It was. I was put in touch with an MS nurse, but it felt more like a program to get me on the drugs. When I asked if they would help, she said, “It’s like an RRSP—put in now for later.” I didn’t believe her.
Mathew: Who helped you next?
Jake: My fiancée, Casey. She researched everything, and we consulted our family. None of us had medical backgrounds, so we relied on pamphlets, websites, and testimonials. Red flags were everywhere.
Mathew: So, what conclusion did you come to?
Jake: Out of fear, I started the drugs but also followed the MS Hope program to the letter.
Mathew: How did you find MS Hope?
Jake: Through social media. Casey found it, and we decided to start immediately.
Mathew: What gave you confidence to explore something other than pharmaceuticals?
Jake: The lack of side effects. Taking control of my health felt empowering, especially with the uncertainty MS brings. Planning my life—weddings, future events—made it important to act.
Mathew: What did day one look like?
Jake: Day one started with a smoothie, meal prepping lunches, and light exercise. It was a huge lifestyle shift. I couldn’t fully read the program at first—it was too overwhelming—but Casey helped. I made gradual changes, like reducing peanut butter at night, and within days, symptoms began to improve.
Mathew: And the transformation?
Jake: Insane. Coordination returned, numbness faded, weight dropped quickly, and my relationships improved. Following a structured lifestyle and nutrition plan completely changed my life.
Mathew: What about the neurological symptoms?
Jake: Numbness in my face, scalp, and toes disappeared. Coordination issues resolved. After a few weeks, there were no symptoms. It improved my quality of life and relationships tremendously.
Mathew: How long did it take before you came off medication?
Jake: We started the program in May. By late August, I stopped the drugs because I didn’t need them anymore. The lifestyle changes were enough.
Mathew: How did your neurologist respond?
Jake: He acknowledged exercise was good for MS, but otherwise didn’t engage. When I showed him research from MS Hope, he didn’t push back, but he wasn’t enthusiastic either.
Mathew: Now, how many years in are you, and what’s a typical day like?
Jake: I’m several years in. I wake up with my daughter, follow a structured routine—smoothie, vitamins, lunch, exercise. Finding time for workouts is harder now with family, but we manage with a baby jogger.
Mathew: And how has this impacted your life goals?
Jake: It pushed me to live fully. I married Casey, we have a daughter, and I can pursue life without being defined by MS. Fear became a motivator rather than a limiter.
Mathew: How do you use fear as motivation?
Jake: I stay mindful. When fear arises, I remind myself I’m in control, doing everything I can, and not letting MS define my life.
Mathew: Do you celebrate milestones?
Jake: Yes, small wins, like supporting Casey during our child’s birth or being active with my son. These checkpoints reinforce progress.
Mathew: What about your cousin with MS?
Jake: Same disease, different choices. She didn’t change her lifestyle and passed away three years ago. It’s a stark contrast and a reminder to stay on track.
Mathew: Jake, thank you so much for sharing your journey.
Jake: Thank you, Mathew. I hope it inspires others to take control of their health.
