Going Gluten Free?


Gluten has certainly got itself quite the negative reputation lately hasn’t it? Everyone seems to be trying to avoid it these days, but for good reason. Gluten can definitely do a number on your system, whether you have Celiac Disease or not. But let’s dive into the issue a bit further and look at the link between gluten and Multiple Sclerosis, shall we?
What is Gluten? 
First, let’s define gluten and talk about what it is, and where it can be found (you may be surprised!). Gluten (literally the Latin word for ‘glue’) is a general term for a mix of proteins that are found in wheat and other grains (barley, rye, oat, spelt etc.) It helps dough rise, gives dough elasticity and a chewy texture (why early forms of gluten free everything were flat and felt like cardboard). Oddly enough, North American wheat has a higher gluten content than European countries.
Gluten can hide out in many odd places. Also, if something is labeled ‘Wheat Free’ that DOES NOT necessarily mean it is GLUTEN FREE. The product may contain another grain derivative, like spelt, so beware and learn to read labels!
Due to new laws being enacted in 2014, if something is labeled ‘Gluten Free’ it has to adhere to strict guidelines set forth by the FDA that is does not contain more that 20 parts gluten per million. Where are some odd places for gluten to hide you might ask? Soy sauce, hot dogs, gravy, blue cheese, french fries, pickles and hot chocolate (?!). They key to finding hidden gluten is to research all it’s hidden names (any form of grain) and become proficient at reading labels, a skill that will come with time.
 
Gluten and MS
There are several ways gluten can be linked with MS. First, when gluten is consumed, it creates something in our gut called ‘leaky gut’. “Leaky gut” is and isn’t exactly what it sounds like. It isn’t huge holes in our intestines where big pieces of food leak out, but it is a condition where the integrity of the intestines is compromised and small microbes and toxins leak out into the rest of our body and into our blood stream. This condition of Leaky Gut contributes to inflammation, and is why EVERYONE with an autoimmune condition should avoid gluten, in my opinion.
Another way that gluten is linked to MS is that there seems to be a higher prevalence of gluten sensitives and Celiac disease within the MS community. Several studies have shown that people with MS and their relatives have a higher chance of having Celiac or a sensitivity to gluten. Often times when individuals with MS have eliminated gluten from their diet for a period of time, they have experienced an improvement in their symptoms. Considering that gluten contributes to inflammation in the body and MS is impacted by inflammation in the body, it only makes sense that eliminating a source of inflammation can improve symptoms.
Finding hidden Gluten
How on earth do you find all the hidden gluten in the world? I know, it’s hard for me too. Just being aware of where it can hide out is a great start. I listed a few spots above, but other places it can hide out is in deli meat, restaurant foods, hair care, body care, vitamins and supplements just for a few more ideas. The last 4 on this list might give you a shock if this is a new idea for you. It did for me when I was first looking into it. I NEVER thought my lotions or vitamins would have gluten in them! However, back in the day, they most likely did. Thankfully I started looking at labels only a few years ago, and everything is pretty well labeled now. But that still means we have to look! All vitamins and supplements should be labeled with what it DOES have in it and what it DOESN’T. Same goes for hair/body care.
As for eating out, please be careful. I’ve been so diligent, but my order always seems to get messed up. Don’t be afraid to ask up front about gluten free dishes and then for clarification when they bring out your dinner. If you think something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. It’s YOUR dinner and YOUR experience, not theirs. 
Many people who have MS have found going gluten free to be beneficial. They have reported improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms and MS symptoms as well. There are lab tests that show gluten sensitivities, but an elimination diet is the only true method of finding out 100% whether it (or anything else) bothers your system. Considering the research has found a link between gluten sensitivity and MS, why not try giving a gluten free diet a try for a while and see how it makes you feel? It doesn’t have to be forever, and if it works, wouldn’t that be a bonus?
If you like what you’re reading, consider joining the LissMS Community here! I share further insights and knowledge regularly!
Also, if you’re interested in trying out a gluten free lifestyle but don’t know where to start, let me know! I can help 😉

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

follow along on Instagram:

What she also didn’t know?
The MS diagnosis would be the best thing to happen to her

Ok maybe not best lol, but I now can see what a gift it was.

You see, the MS diagnosis I got eventually gave me a reckoning moment with my health.

Change something, or else this is gonna go downhill fast.
This being my body, my ability to move, to live doing the things I want to do.

And man did it help.

I went from “aggressive MS” to not even thinking about MS on some days.

This process I went through? That’s exactly what I help others with now.

I currently have 2 Individual Client spots open!! (1 might be gone soon though..)

We can work on..
✨How you’re feeling mentally & emotionally about your MS diagnosis.
✨Strategies to mitigate your symptoms, that include nutrition, movement and cognitive/emotional methods
✨Anything else your body needs 

Interested in what this would look like for you?
Comment 🧡🧡 below and I’ll send you details!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosissupport

What she also didn’t know?
The MS diagnosis would be the best thing to happen to her

Ok maybe not best lol, but I now can see what a gift it was.

You see, the MS diagnosis I got eventually gave me a reckoning moment with my health.

Change something, or else this is gonna go downhill fast.
This being my body, my ability to move, to live doing the things I want to do.

And man did it help.

I went from “aggressive MS” to not even thinking about MS on some days.

This process I went through? That’s exactly what I help others with now.

I currently have 2 Individual Client spots open!! (1 might be gone soon though..)

We can work on..
✨How you’re feeling mentally & emotionally about your MS diagnosis.
✨Strategies to mitigate your symptoms, that include nutrition, movement and cognitive/emotional methods
✨Anything else your body needs

Interested in what this would look like for you?
Comment 🧡🧡 below and I’ll send you details!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosissupport
...

22 2
First..
Save this reel so you can come back to it and send it to a bestie so they can feel better too!!

Now.. how do you feel after taking that breath?

A little more calm, centered and focused?
Probably.

How we breathe is such a huge piece of the nervous system regulation puzzle, this well def help in your efforts.

Give it a try a few times a day, and let me know what you notice!!

If we haven’t met yet, Hi! 👋🏼👋🏼 I’m Alissa.

I’m a Holistic Practitioner & Therapist specializing in MS. 
I use all the tools I’ve comprised over my 10+ year career (and 15+ years with MS) to help my clients decrease their symptoms, improve their overall health and get back to living life on their terms, not MS’ terms.

I currently have 2 Individual Coaching spots open!! (if you live in MA I take some insurance!!)
Comment 🧡 below to learn more!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #becausems #thisisms #multiplesclerosiswarrior #healingmultiplesclerosis

First..
Save this reel so you can come back to it and send it to a bestie so they can feel better too!!

Now.. how do you feel after taking that breath?

A little more calm, centered and focused?
Probably.

How we breathe is such a huge piece of the nervous system regulation puzzle, this well def help in your efforts.

Give it a try a few times a day, and let me know what you notice!!

If we haven’t met yet, Hi! 👋🏼👋🏼 I’m Alissa.

I’m a Holistic Practitioner & Therapist specializing in MS.
I use all the tools I’ve comprised over my 10+ year career (and 15+ years with MS) to help my clients decrease their symptoms, improve their overall health and get back to living life on their terms, not MS’ terms.

I currently have 2 Individual Coaching spots open!! (if you live in MA I take some insurance!!)
Comment 🧡 below to learn more!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #becausems #thisisms #multiplesclerosiswarrior #healingmultiplesclerosis
...

7 0
5 Habits to Help MS Symptoms 

In no particular order:
• Food/ our diet
• Movement 
• Breathing 
• Tracking/Review
• Joy! Fun! Presence!

Want my free Eating for MS Guide? Comment FOOD and I’ll send it to you!

Want my 3 minute morning routine that helps your brain, body and mind?
Comment MOVE and I’ll send it to you!

Let me know if you like these lives and want to hear about more topics!

5 Habits to Help MS Symptoms

In no particular order:
• Food/ our diet
• Movement
• Breathing
• Tracking/Review
• Joy! Fun! Presence!

Want my free Eating for MS Guide? Comment FOOD and I’ll send it to you!

Want my 3 minute morning routine that helps your brain, body and mind?
Comment MOVE and I’ll send it to you!

Let me know if you like these lives and want to hear about more topics!
...

8 6
5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms 

In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics

Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?

5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms

In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics

Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?
...

10 0
5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS

1. Addition before subtraction 
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed

More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!

5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS

1. Addition before subtraction
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed

More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!
...

12 1
Just a guess…

Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.

I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)

Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style.. 
But unable to say no when asked to do anything.. 

You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..

In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.

Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.

Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life

Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth

Just a guess…

Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.

I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)

Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style..
But unable to say no when asked to do anything..

You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..

In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.

Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.

Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life

Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth
...

22 2
Stress & MS!!

• How our nervous system should function 
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response

Stress & MS!!

• How our nervous system should function
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response
...

13 0
First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience- 
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!

Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse. 

My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???

While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t. 
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)

You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so. 

If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”. 

I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..

then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”

You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡

Try this instead: 
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud. 
- How did that feel to your mind and body? 

If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience. 

This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse. 

We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!! 

#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior

First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience-
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!

Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse.

My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???

While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t.
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)

You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so.

If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”.

I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..

then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”

You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡

Try this instead:
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud.
- How did that feel to your mind and body?

If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience.

This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse.

We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!!

#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior
...

5 3
This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)

And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
 I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too. 

Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems

This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)

And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too.

Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems
...

18 5
More ways my life has changed 
👇🏼👇🏼

- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things 
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need 
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs 
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!

These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too” 
But they absolutely will!!

I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.

The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness

More ways my life has changed
👇🏼👇🏼

- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!

These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too”
But they absolutely will!!

I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.

The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness
...

19 3
Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?

You betcha.

Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..

Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.

When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.

Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush

The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.

Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress? 

I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.

Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving

Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?

You betcha.

Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..

Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.

When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.

Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush

The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.

Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress?

I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.

Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving
...

18 3

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