He is one of my biggest inspirations – for many reasons. Mathew is active and healthy; he lives a fulfilling and purposeful life. His sportsmanship and perseverance are unparalleled. He finds time and energy every day to run and do strength training. Meanwhile, he is following the Best Bet diet that his father, Dr. Ashton created 2 years ago, after his son was diagnosed with MS.
Mathew Embry’s story
His first exacerbation happened in 1995 at around the age of 20. Matthew was playing soccer, and all of a sudden, he could no longer feel his feet. He immediately knew that something was seriously wrong. Shortly after, Mathew was diagnosed with MS with an uncertain prognosis. His father, Dr. Ashton Embry however dug into the medical research that was available at the time and came up with a system that could positively affect the disease’s progression. Mathew started the diet that his dad created 6 weeks after his diagnosis and 18 months later his symptoms started to subside, until eventually, they were completely gone. Ever since then, for 26 years, he has been living symptom free.
The Best Bet Diet
The founding principle of the Best Bet Diet is to avoid foods containing ingredients that resemble the ones in myelin (myelin is a layer or sheath around the nerves including those in the brain and the spinal cord), as these might trigger the autoimmune reaction.
The Best Bet Diet consolidates previous recommendations on saturated fats with the latest research showing that certain proteins (gluten, casein) can interfere with immune and nervous system functions. It also builds on the research on leaky gut syndrome and therefore excludes legumes from the diet.
Best Bet also recommends that you avoid artificial fats such as cooking oil or margarine, foods with high sugar content, and processed foods. Since this diet does not completely cut out gluten-free grains (e.g. buckwheat, millet) and other starch-rich food sources, it is somewhat easier to cover the carbs that you need than with other, stricter diets (AIP, paleo). Another plus of the Best Bet diet is that it provides detailed guidance on how to do micronutrient supplementation.
Foods to consume
- Vegetables and fruits
- Sea fish and sea food
- Low fat meat (chicken and turkey breast)
- Extra virgin olive oil, cold pressed oils
- Gluten-free grains are allowed (with a stricter diet only 2-3 times per week)
- Eggs in moderation, based on individual tolerance
Foods to Avoid
- Gluten-containing grains
- Dairy products
- Legumes
- Red meat
- Hydrogenated vegetable oils, margarine
- Sugar
Recommended Vitamins and Micronutrients
- D3
- Omega 3
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Probiotics
- Vitamin B Complex
- B 12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Zinc
- Selenium
The full list is available in PDF on the MS Hope website. The website is worth exploring a bit more―you can find a complete downloadable and free cookbook (which you can also order) and much more.
Dr. Ashton Embry advises MS patients to fine-tune their diet with a food allergy test. This way you can filter out foods that, although normally considered healthy, may be problematic for your body specifically (eg.: peas, celery). The credibility of these tests are often debatable though, so be careful and inform yourself properly before investing in them.
Daily exercise
As I see it, daily exercise takes precedence in Mathew’s life. Doing the diet has become natural to him over the years, so his Instagram posts focus now less on the kinds of food he eats but more on his early morning strength workouts or his late night runs. I think by now the reason why regular exercise is important for us and why it is beneficial for our body is apparent to all of us. Besides boosting the body’s oxygen and nutrient supplies, it benefits the heart, strengthens the muscles, improves blood circulation and reduces stress.
In Mathew’s opinion, it is just as necessary to commit to exercise, as it is to diet. It is critical to use and train your muscles on a daily basis. If it is 10-15 minutes a day, great! The point is to start moving. If you are ready to do more, you could try stretching that into longer, more intensive workouts. That may be anything based on your preference and abilities: gymnastics, walking, swimming, strength training, or yoga. Ideally, you would want to cycle cardio and strength workouts.
Mathew’s initial choice was swimming, because the water’s temperature protected him from overheating while it also provided him with large dozes of oxygen. After 10 days of regularly going to the pool, he was practically able to do every movement that he had struggled with before.
Discipline, aka “no cheat days”
It is often apparent from Mathew’s communication that he puts a lot of emphasis on discipline. He highlights the importance of discipline, commitment and the power of action. Eat clean, exercise, meditate and repeat tomorrow. At the beginning, it is hard to do everything all at once and I do not think you need to. But if you can make these healing practices a part of your life, step by step, you are on the right track.
Is GoodPhyte the Breakthrough Nutritional Aid?
In the beginning of 2024 Mathew had a conversation with Amy Puzey, a dedicated nutritionist and researcher to consider trying out her product, called GoodPhyte. After reviewing her latest research findings, Mathew and his father decided to incorporate this supplement into his own and the MS Hope protocol.
What is Phytase exactly and how it can help?
It’s an enzyme that targets phytate, an anti-nutrient commonly present in various foods such as seeds, nuts, legumes, and grains, as well as products derived from them – think about bread, pasta, hummus, nut butters, pizza, oatmeal, and so much more.
And why does it matter?
Because phytate has the potential to hinder the absorption of essential nutrients like zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and amino acids by the body. However, by taking this enzyme people may experience enhanced absorption of these vital nutrients. This improved absorption could potentially alleviate symptoms, boost energy levels, and support overall well-being. And this is exactly what you can read among the inspiring testimonials.
There’s a Q&A video about GoodPhyte with Amy and Mathew, if you’d like to learn more.
For a good cause: Mathew as ambassador
I follow Mat on a daily basis, and he is the person I can most identify with. I think it is in part because he is healthy and in great shape, and because his values are very close to mine.
Besides being a role model for his lifestyle, Mathew took on the role of ambassador and he inspires others similar to him to do the same. He asks questions, challenges physicians and motivates them to do cutting-edge research that could contribute to the effective therapy and treatment of MS. In light of the results of a 2022 study examining the link between EBV and MS, he encourages the physicians involved to continue their research.
