Mark777's Status Updates

Thank you for sharing your experiences. You have had great success making holistic and natural treatments work for you. You have really researched the subject! Thanks for the list of resources and treatments to consider. (I'd like to remind everyone that since, everyone is different, and will respond differently to treatments, either medical or natural, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor before starting any natural or over-the-counter treatments.). All the best, Kathy (Team member)

Thank you, Kathy, for sharing those three links — they were an excellent read and really resonated with me.

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in the mid-90s, at age 17, back when I was still drinking fluoridated tap water. Around that time, I had already begun reading books on spirituality and Eastern philosophy, which intuitively led me down the path of natural healing over conventional medicine. Deep down, I knew medication wasn’t right for me.

One book that changed my life was Essence of Yoga by Michael Volin. Everything I learned from that book, I still practice today — more than 25 years later. Daily yoga has helped me maintain flexibility and keep my joints well-lubricated.

In 2001, I briefly took Panadeine Forte to manage a sharp pain in the center of my spine. Within weeks, I developed nasal blockage and insomnia, which forced me to rely on nasal sprays that only made things worse. Eventually, I made the connection, stopped the painkillers, and within days my breathing returned to normal. That experience opened my eyes to how one medication can trigger a cascade of new issues — and it strengthened my decision to pursue natural healing through organic nutrition and movement.

In 2017, I developed seborrheic dermatitis. The dermatologist told me there was no cure and prescribed Advantan corticosteroid cream. After researching the ingredients on the EWG Skin Deep database, I was shocked by the toxicity ratings and threw the cream away. Instead, I completed a 21-day water fast — and by the end, the rash had completely disappeared. It’s been years now, and it has never returned.

In 2018, I began following Dr. Joseph Mercola’s health guidance. His emphasis on eliminating seed oils, embracing sunlight, and returning to ancestral principles of nutrition has been pivotal in my healing journey.

Over time, I’ve made it my mission to research everything that could potentially harm or heal me. I continuously refine my diet and environment to include only clean, non-toxic, organic products. It’s been seven years since I completely eliminated processed foods. My diet now consists mainly of organic fruits, raw and pressure-cooked vegetables, and small amounts of organic meat, eggs, or fish twice a week. If it’s nutritious, organic, and free of plastic packaging, it earns a place in my kitchen.

To support joint and spine health, I rely on daily organic beef bone broth, which provides the collagen essential for intervertebral disc repair. I often combine this with pumpkin soup, kefir, MCT oil, turmeric, and ginger — a combination that works wonders for reducing stiffness and inflammation.

After my most recent 21-day water fast and consistent use of the Block Blue Light Mega red light therapy panel, my energy levels have skyrocketed. I now feel fully energized on just six hours of sleep per night. It’s remarkable — I can walk long distances, experience little to no spinal pain, and only feel minor discomfort in my legs after extensive movement.

When pain does arise, gentle yoga, a rocking chair session, or occasional use of the Spine-Worx Spinal Alignment System quickly restores balance. Over the years, I’ve also noticed that emotional stress can trigger a deeper form of back pain, which subsides once I return to a calm and loving state of mind. Keeping my thoughts clear and my heart peaceful is as essential to my healing as diet and movement.

Beyond Dr. Mercola, I also follow Sayer Ji’s GreenMedInfo, ConsumerLab.com, Mamavation, and Lead Safe Mama. These resources — along with ChatGPT and Mike Adams’ Enoch AI — have been invaluable in deepening my understanding of holistic wellness and body chemistry.

Through all of this, I’ve come to realize that healing isn’t just about what we take — it’s about what we remove: toxins, stress, and anything that disconnects us from nature.

That's great to hear! I like to believe that natural approaches, simple practices, and what nature provides often holds exactly what we need to be healthy and strong. We'd love to hear exactly what you've been doing and learn how much it's contributed to your improvement! Patiently waiting, -Latoya (Team Member)

Thanks for asking about his experience. Many in our community use natural or holistic treatment plans. Here are a couple of articles written by our health leaders on the subject: https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/living/natural-remedies-2 and https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/living/going-natural-my-decision-to-stop-taking-biologics. All the best, Kathy (Team member)

Hi Mark
What natural approaches have you been using?
I am in the uk.
My story I only found I got AS when I was 62 in 2021, I probably had it all my life but didn’t know till the covid vaccine triggered it.
In 2022 I saw a rheum I started biologics inflixmab which had to be stopped very soon after treatment due to severe recurring infections I was ill for six months I had fungal infections on top of it all,I was on antibiotic after antibiotic for chest infections/ pleurisy.
Obviously I don’t want to be as seriously ill as I was so since 2022 I haven’t been on biology therapy.
What do other people take?
my sister died age 55 from Vasculitis, inflammation of the blood vessels,it came on very suddenly like the AS did with me I found out not long ago she was on biological therapy and died from pneumonia caused by the biological therapy.