Alternative Treatments: Stem Cell Treatments


Stem Cell Treatments have been making headlines for years. From controversy to life saving treatment, they have certainly made waves. But how can stem cells be applied to Multiple Sclerosis?

What is a stem cell?

First, let’s investigate what exactly IS a stem cell. There are several things that define a stem cell. One is they are capable of developing into multiple different types of specialized cells. Which means they can become any type of cell in the body, also why doctors are so interested in them for treatments for illnesses and disorders. Another is they are able to divide to produce more stem cells.  And finally they are capable of creating functional tissue. Stem cells are always found in the body, from early embryonic stages, until adulthood. Depending on the type of stem cell, they can be found in various places in the body:
  • HSCs (haematopoietic stem cells) these are adult stem cells that are found in blood and bone marrow and are able to produce all the cells needed to create blood and the immune system.
  • MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) these are adult stem cells found in a few places in the body, fat tissue, skin and bone marrow. These cells produce other cells which help other stem cells work properly.
  • NSCs (neural stem cells) these are specialized stem cells that help repair myelin in the brain. These can also be created from other stem cells, particularly MSCs.
  • hESCs (human embryonic stem cells) these are cells derived from embryos. They can produce every other type of cell in the body. There is an issue with the therapeutic use of these however, they have been unfortunately found to cause tumors in some cases.
  • iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) these are cells that have been manipulated from other adult cells to create different types of cells. These also have the issue of causing tumors.
The stem cells that are most used for therapeutic use are HSCs and MSCs. (There have been some treatments that have been studied that use embryonic cells as well. Obviously there are ethical issues that go along with these types of cells and treatments.) Once the stem cells are removed, they are cultured and then applied to treatment. There are two main categories of treatment that stem cells may provide for multiple sclerosis. Anti-inflammatory therapy and remyelination.

Types of Stem Cell Treatments:

The anti-inflammatory therapy, aHSCT, can be described as “rebooting in the immune system”. It starts with harvesting your own stem cells from bone marrow, which is called mobilization. Then you will undergo high-dose chemo therapy which destroys your current immune system, this process is called immunoablation. Then the stem cells, which have already been cultured, are infused back into the body and a new immune system is born! Unfortunately it’s not that simple. Usually you will need to stay in the hospital for around 2 weeks to make sure you respond well to treatment. But assuming all goes well, you can expect to be functioning somewhat normally within 4-6 months after the treatment has concluded.
Currently there are many studies going on to assess the effectiveness of HSCT. In one such study, 24 patients were followed with the goal of having no disease activity for 3 years post treatment. In 69.6% of the patients studied, there was no new disease activity within those 3 years. Going even further, within 7.5 years, eight patients had shown enough improvement to stop receiving their disability payments and they returned to work. In 13 years post treatment, not one patient had a full relapse, and only one lesion was documented on an MRI scan. However, one patient did die during the treatment due to complications with the chemotherapy that was administered.
Remyelination is another type of stem cell treatment. This approach involves harvesting cells from various parts of your body, often from adipose (fat) tissue. You can also use previously harvested embryonic tissue. The cells are then grown in cultures to promote development of myelin forming cells. The cells are then directly injected into the nervous system to have best access to the brain.

Availability and Side effects:

Currently Stem Cell treatments are not FDA approved. There are several clinics in other countries that administer HSCT, but only a few clinics in the US offer it currently, and only for individuals who meet certain requirements. Usually this is a treatment for people who have had limited improvement with other “conventional” treatments and have significant impairment. However, one way to access stem cell treatments is through clinical trials. There are many going on currently and who are looking for participants. Check in with your doctor to see if this might be a good treatment for you.
This is a very invasive treatment, so there are serious side effects to consider. With HSCT, you will be essentially destroying your immune system, so the risk of infection is high. There is also a chance of having a negative reaction to the chemotherapy that is administered as well, which happened in the trial I referenced and resulted in patient death. This is one of those treatments that you have to weigh the risk to benefit ratio, and determine if it is a good choice for you.
Stem Cell Treatments appear to be very promising. Obviously they come with their risks, but doesn’t any treatment? Hopefully in the future more studies can be done to show their efficacy and it will become an FDA approved course of treatment. Until then, we can look to clinical studies to access this treatment if we choose to do so.
Have you looked into Stem Cell treatments? Have you done it yourself? Let me know!
 If you’re enjoying what you’re reading, consider joining the LissMS Community here—> bit.ly/LissMS
References:

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:

Thankfully I haven’t heard any of these in a while.. maybe that means I’m getting my point across 🤷🏻‍♀️

But if you’re new here, I value holistic lifestyle medicine (snake oil 😂) but ALSO conventional medicine, I utilize it all after all. 

Yes, what we do as an individual matters for our health.
But so does the health systems we as individuals operate in.

Tomorrow is my MS-aversary, 16 years of having this disease. my newly diagnosed 24 year old self would be pretty shocked that I’m 40 (like in general lol) and also not in a wheelchair.

Here’s to many more years defying what I initially thought to be true about MS.

Comin with me? Hope so. 

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #thisisms #lifewithms

Thankfully I haven’t heard any of these in a while.. maybe that means I’m getting my point across 🤷🏻‍♀️

But if you’re new here, I value holistic lifestyle medicine (snake oil 😂) but ALSO conventional medicine, I utilize it all after all.

Yes, what we do as an individual matters for our health.
But so does the health systems we as individuals operate in.

Tomorrow is my MS-aversary, 16 years of having this disease. my newly diagnosed 24 year old self would be pretty shocked that I’m 40 (like in general lol) and also not in a wheelchair.

Here’s to many more years defying what I initially thought to be true about MS.

Comin with me? Hope so.

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #thisisms #lifewithms
...

25 4
I’ve tripped a few times in the last few weeks.. nothing crazy, but I noticed.

And I noticed my thoughts… is this a “THING”??

Oh the constant wonderings of an MSer… 
is this a regular life occurrence?
Or is this a new symptom? 😂😂

When was the last time you had this thought process??

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior

I’ve tripped a few times in the last few weeks.. nothing crazy, but I noticed.

And I noticed my thoughts… is this a “THING”??

Oh the constant wonderings of an MSer…
is this a regular life occurrence?
Or is this a new symptom? 😂😂

When was the last time you had this thought process??

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior
...

47 3
When you’re living with MS, it’s not that you don’t want to feel better…

It’s just that life keeps interrupting the plan.
Stress, symptoms, fatigue — they throw you off track.

That’s where support, structure, and accountability change everything.

That’s exactly what my membership is for.
✔️ Evidence-based strategies for MS
✔️ Real community and support
✔️ Gentle consistency that actually works

Only the waitlist is getting access as a Founding Member.

Comment WAITLIST and I’ll send you the link to add your name 

#lissms #MultipleSclerosis #MSwarrior #MSsupport #ChronicIllnessHealing #MScommunity #HolisticHealing #NervousSystemHealing

When you’re living with MS, it’s not that you don’t want to feel better…

It’s just that life keeps interrupting the plan.
Stress, symptoms, fatigue — they throw you off track.

That’s where support, structure, and accountability change everything.

That’s exactly what my membership is for.
✔️ Evidence-based strategies for MS
✔️ Real community and support
✔️ Gentle consistency that actually works

Only the waitlist is getting access as a Founding Member.

Comment WAITLIST and I’ll send you the link to add your name

#lissms #MultipleSclerosis #MSwarrior #MSsupport #ChronicIllnessHealing #MScommunity #HolisticHealing #NervousSystemHealing
...

12 2
But seriously.. this isn’t too far off 😂

Life handed me a lemon that was a MS diagnosis at 24. 
Life handed me a lemon that was multiple relapses and MS progression by 30.

Then I snatched those lemons, made some healing lemonade, and feel night and day different than I did 10 years ago when my symptoms were at their worst. 

I could do it, my clients are doing it, I know you can too.

That’s why I’m so passionate about doing what I do. I know it’s possible for you to feel better in your body and be able to do the things you want to do. 

Like go for a walk or hike with your spouse, say yes to a spontaneous night out with friends or get up and down off the floor playing with your kids. 

That’s why I want to invite you to the waitlist for what I have coming.

Think, somewhere to go online, where you can: connect with others who have MS, get questions about MS answered, get tools that can help your symptoms, support & accountability to help with actually doing those things.

Comment WAITLIST below and ill send you the link to join the list 

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #becausems #thisisms #communityheals #mscommunity

But seriously.. this isn’t too far off 😂

Life handed me a lemon that was a MS diagnosis at 24.
Life handed me a lemon that was multiple relapses and MS progression by 30.

Then I snatched those lemons, made some healing lemonade, and feel night and day different than I did 10 years ago when my symptoms were at their worst.

I could do it, my clients are doing it, I know you can too.

That’s why I’m so passionate about doing what I do. I know it’s possible for you to feel better in your body and be able to do the things you want to do.

Like go for a walk or hike with your spouse, say yes to a spontaneous night out with friends or get up and down off the floor playing with your kids.

That’s why I want to invite you to the waitlist for what I have coming.

Think, somewhere to go online, where you can: connect with others who have MS, get questions about MS answered, get tools that can help your symptoms, support & accountability to help with actually doing those things.

Comment WAITLIST below and ill send you the link to join the list

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #becausems #thisisms #communityheals #mscommunity
...

15 2
I have a saying about dealing with MS (and any other autoimmune/chronic illnesses) that inevitably comes up in my work with clients:
“You don’t get it, until you get it”

Meaning, you don’t understand living life with MS (or any of the above), until you live in a body that has it.

Which is why living with MS can be so tough and lonely, because its hard to find people that truly understand what you mean when you say you’re exhausted, or brain foggy or “fine”.

This is also why I believe that having a community of others who get it is invaluable.

I’ve seen countless times over where someone new to one of my groups is able to feel fully seen and heard for the first time, and that is priceless for them and their healing.

They walk away feeling validated, understood and at home, which are hard to come by at the doctors office 😂🙄

You’re not too much
You’re not alone
You’re not lazy
You’re just talking to the wrong people.

If you wanna talk to the right people, I’m creating something for you..

Think, somewhere to go online, where you can: connect with others who have MS, get questions about MS answered, get tools that can help your symptoms, support & accountability to help with actually doing those things.. 

BUT- only the waitlist is going to hear about it. So- if you want to be notified and involved in creating whats coming, comment WAITLIST and you’re in 

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiscommunity #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosissupport

I have a saying about dealing with MS (and any other autoimmune/chronic illnesses) that inevitably comes up in my work with clients:
“You don’t get it, until you get it”

Meaning, you don’t understand living life with MS (or any of the above), until you live in a body that has it.

Which is why living with MS can be so tough and lonely, because its hard to find people that truly understand what you mean when you say you’re exhausted, or brain foggy or “fine”.

This is also why I believe that having a community of others who get it is invaluable.

I’ve seen countless times over where someone new to one of my groups is able to feel fully seen and heard for the first time, and that is priceless for them and their healing.

They walk away feeling validated, understood and at home, which are hard to come by at the doctors office 😂🙄

You’re not too much
You’re not alone
You’re not lazy
You’re just talking to the wrong people.

If you wanna talk to the right people, I’m creating something for you..

Think, somewhere to go online, where you can: connect with others who have MS, get questions about MS answered, get tools that can help your symptoms, support & accountability to help with actually doing those things..

BUT- only the waitlist is going to hear about it. So- if you want to be notified and involved in creating whats coming, comment WAITLIST and you’re in

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiscommunity #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosissupport
...

13 3
As I type this post, we’re on the way to 100 degrees today and we’re in the middle of a heat wave.
🥵 is an understatement lol.

If you’re an MSer.. you know an increase in temperature can cause our already compromised neurons to work even less effectively than normal.

There’s a few things I have found helpful for managing the heat: 

BE PROACTIVE: Instead of waiting until you’re about to melt, use cooling strategies before you really need them.

CREATE AN OASIS: If you don’t have central AC in your house, make (at least) one room in your house a cool oasis to hide in. 

ACCESSORIZE: Get alllll the cooling products. @koldtec @releafpack and a cooling vest are a must! 

HYDRATE: Drink plenty of water and add electrolytes! Trace Minerals is my fav, but there is Buoy, LMNT or Liquid IV too! 

But most of all, make sure to advocate for yourself and your comfort. 

You deserve comfort as well as any other person.
Please don’t let anxiety and fear of “ruining” a summer day keep you from asking/stating what you need.

What are your top ways to stay cool?? Tell us below! 

PS!!
I’m deep in the trenches creating a one stop shop for anything and everything MS healing. A place where you can plug into and get ideas for recipes, workouts, stress management and living life with MS.
As well as support and understanding from people who get what it means to live with an autoimmune disease.

Only the waitlist will get an invite- comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems #heatintolerance #healingmultiplesclerosis

As I type this post, we’re on the way to 100 degrees today and we’re in the middle of a heat wave.
🥵 is an understatement lol.

If you’re an MSer.. you know an increase in temperature can cause our already compromised neurons to work even less effectively than normal.

There’s a few things I have found helpful for managing the heat:

BE PROACTIVE: Instead of waiting until you’re about to melt, use cooling strategies before you really need them.

CREATE AN OASIS: If you don’t have central AC in your house, make (at least) one room in your house a cool oasis to hide in.

ACCESSORIZE: Get alllll the cooling products. @koldtec @releafpack and a cooling vest are a must!

HYDRATE: Drink plenty of water and add electrolytes! Trace Minerals is my fav, but there is Buoy, LMNT or Liquid IV too!

But most of all, make sure to advocate for yourself and your comfort.

You deserve comfort as well as any other person.
Please don’t let anxiety and fear of “ruining” a summer day keep you from asking/stating what you need.

What are your top ways to stay cool?? Tell us below!

PS!!
I’m deep in the trenches creating a one stop shop for anything and everything MS healing. A place where you can plug into and get ideas for recipes, workouts, stress management and living life with MS.
As well as support and understanding from people who get what it means to live with an autoimmune disease.

Only the waitlist will get an invite- comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems #heatintolerance #healingmultiplesclerosis
...

16 10
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
...

26 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
...

10 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!
...

11 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
...

23 2

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