Last week we discussed how to test your gut health at home, for 0$. Now, if you’ve come to a crossroads, and feel like you need further testing, what do you do? Conventional medicine would have you go to a GI specialist, and more often than not they’d have you out the door in 7 minutes with a prescription for Prilosec, no matter what your symptoms were.
At least that’s what happened to me in the past.
I went to several GI docs, one I thought would be especially helpful (he was the “top doc” at the office). But when he listened to half my symptoms, then gave me a prescription for Prilosec, I was disappointed, to say the least! On top of that, when I asked him about testing to see if I ACTUALLY HAD LOW STOMACH ACID (which is what Prilosec is- a stomach acid blocker), he said he wouldn’t do it.
Needless to say, this is not an uncommon experience. Having very powerful GI meds just handed out like candy is unfortunately a common occurrence.
However, I digress.
Getting comprehensive gut testing done when things aren’t going as planned after being on a healing protocol for an extended period of time, is a great next step. As with most things, they do have their pros and cons, they won’t necessarily be a 100% answer to your questions, but they can be. And they can point you in a direction of further healing or further testing.
The GI Map test is a comprehensive stool test that will give you a fairly good overview of what is going on in your gut. It tests for many bacteria, parasites, worms, fungi and viruses. One of the nice things about the GI Map test are you do not have to stop taking any medications prior to testing. The GI Map test will test for bacterial pathogens like C.Diff, parasitic pathogens like Crypto or Giardia. It will also give you a breakdown of your gut flora and if there is an imbalance present. H.Pylori, Candida, parasites, viruses and antibiotic resistant genes are also tested for. It will also test your intestinal health and inflammation status.
You have to be working with a licensed practitioner to order this test, you can not order it yourself.
Genova Diagnostics is a lab that has several gut health tests available. They have the GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Panel and the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis or CDSA. Both are helpful, but the GI Effects gives a little bit of a deeper dive into what’s going on. The GI Effects Panel gives you a nice chart that outlines each marker and how it is associated with common diagnoses. This is the main difference between the two tests. Both test for digestion and absorption markers, inflammation markers, gut flora and associated imbalances and parasites.
A big difference between Genova Diagnostics and the GI Map test is that Genova tests will tell you metabolic information, in other words, how well your body is processing and absorbing the food you’re eating. When I did the Genova GI Effects test in 2015, I found out that I wasn’t absorbing fats properly at all (a common occurrence). This led me to treat my GI issues differently.
You have to be working with a licensed practitioner to order this test, you can not order it yourself.
Another comprehensive stool test (again they have a few to choose from- I looked at the Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology x3), and this has an added bonus of giving a several page description of your results. This test looks at bacteria and imbalances and associated dysbiosis. Yeast, bacteria or parasites present, digestion and absorption and immune markers. One thing interesting about this particular test is that it seems to go a bit deeper into digestion/absorption and immune markers. In the digestion/absorption section, it looks for “muscle” and “vegetable” fibers, which would indicate food that isn’t being digested properly and therefore not absorbed properly. In the immune section, it looks for a few other immune markers, specifically “lactoferrin” and “lysozyme”, both are helpful in distinguishing between IBD and IBS.
You have to be working with a licensed practitioner to order this test, you can not order it yourself.
Overall, these tests are very similar. You will have to work with a practitioner to determine which is the correct test for you. If I were to test again (which I probably will in the near future) I’d like to choose the GI Map test. That gives me the most detailed account of what I would like to be looking for and the most comprehensive data. But that’s me. What you might need could be different!
Also, when I say practitioner, I usually mean a Functional Medicine Doctor, Naturopath, Osteopath, Chiropractor or something to that effect. Conventional GI doctors don’t *normally* run these tests, but sometimes they will. And, these tests are pricey and usually not covered by insurance. Most will run you anywhere from $350-$500, depending on the doctor. Sometimes you can get your insurance to reimburse you, but usually only for partial payment. HUGE downside, I know.
But, it can be a big time saver when you’re in need of the correct treatment path, which also means a big money saver as well. So sometimes you have to weigh the pros and cons.
Have you had one of these tests done? Do you want to? Let me know!
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
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
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!
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?
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!!
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
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
Don’t think people pleasing & being a perfectionist with 0 boundaries is adding to your stress?
Think again babe 😬
It’s amazing how different my clients have felt after stopping these patterns-
And having support while doing so is paramount.
Embodied Resilience is that place for support and change.
Comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details!!
Don’t think people pleasing & being a perfectionist with 0 boundaries is adding to your stress?
Think again babe 😬
It’s amazing how different my clients have felt after stopping these patterns-
And having support while doing so is paramount.
Embodied Resilience is that place for support and change.
Comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details!!
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
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
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
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
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