A mother-of-three who was left confined to a wheelchair with chronic fatigue is walking again – thanks to a daily diet of two litres of milkshakes.
Jeanette Elisha-Elliss, 47, suffered the mystery illness for three years before her health dramatically deteriorated.
Her weight plunged, her hair began to fall out and she experienced terrifying episodes of complete paralysis.
Doctors failed to find an effective treatment so Jeanette, who had spent four months in a wheelchair, started doing her own research.
She bought a Ph test and discovered a lack of minerals was causing her body to shut down. Jeanette, a former art teacher, found her cure lay in whey protein shakes.
She bought a big tub for £20 and mixed herself shakes with water every two hours – day and night – as well as large amounts of beetroot juice which is high in nitrates.
She was stunned when her spasms of paralysis disappeared after just two days and she managed to walk in a fortnight.
Mrs Elisha-Elliss said: ‘The hospital and doctors couldn’t help me so I had to help myself. I was up in the middle of the night drinking beetroot juice and protein shakes. I was pretty much overdosing on various nutrients.
‘The science is out there. People are turning to the internet because they know they are ill, even when medical tests suggest they are not.
‘Doctors are missing vital signs of acidity in the body, hormone and neurological disorders.
‘Patients are criticised for turning to the internet, but like many other, I felt I had no choice.’
Mrs Elisha-Elliss, of Belstead, Suffolk, started to lose muscle control in May, shortly after marrying gardener Kevin, 51.
She went to her GP and was immediately referred to hospital because she was showing the signs of a stroke.
But blood, urine and EMG tests all came back blank and doctors were unable to find a diagnosis.
Jeanette says she was dismissed as a hypochondriac by hospital staff in Ipswich and decided to take her treatment into her own hands.
She believes her symptoms were linked to low mineral and amino acid levels in her body – something not tested for by doctors.
Jeanette has now managed to balance her hormone levels, lower her blood pressure, stabilise her weight and regain her short-term memory.
The protein shakes help address her lack of amino acids while the beetroot juice helps maintain the level of nitrates in her system.
They work together to trigger receptors for both the nervous system and the hormone levels.
Mrs Elisha-Elliss claims it is this lack of this nutrition that led to her spasms of paralysis and extreme tiredness.
She has now written a book about her experience called The Eli Diet Theory – hopes to educate others on the importance of diet to good health.
She added: “We are putting our faith into some medical professionals who believe they know more about our bodies than we do.
‘Trying to suggest you have any understanding of a condition leaves you open to criticism, judgement and possible labels of hypochondria.
‘By not understanding basic human biochemistry, patients are being pushed towards antidepressant and psychiatric doctors who are even less qualified to diagnose organic medical problems.
‘Although people are living longer, we are not getting healthier.’
Nutrition coach Susan Hart confirmed that protein shakes and beetroot juice can improve health – but recommended a natural source.
She said: “Each case has to be treated on an individual basis but it is understandable how taking protein in this instance would have had a dramatic effect.
‘The main things we need protein for are energy and muscle mass. It makes up our bodies building blocks so without it you are certainly going to feel the effects.
‘The protein supplement shakes are always really precise so they are good in the sense that you can see the exact levels of what you’re putting in your body.
‘My advice would be to try a natural source of protein first as the supplements tend to contain a lot of sugar and carbohydrates. I would go for eggs or grilled chicken.’
A spokeswoman from The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust said: ‘We are aware of Mrs Ellis’ concerns and we have responded to them accordingly. We wish Mrs Ellis all the best with the publication of her new book.’
