If you’ve ever had an MRI you might be familiar with the name Gadolinium. It’s the technical name for contrast. Contrast is used to get sharper MRI images. In the case of Multiple Sclerosis, it’s how active lesions can be seen. Until recently, contrast was thought to be safe. But latest research is showing a different picture.
The MRI is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields, gradients and radio waves to create images of internal organs of the body. It was invented in the early 1970’s by Paul Lauterbur who would later win a Nobel Prize for his work on the MRI. It is used in diagnosis, staging of cancer/disease and follow up.
The first MRI used with an individual with MS came in 1981, 4 years after the first medical MRI scan. 7 years later, the first gadolinium based contrast dye was used for the first time to enhance the MRI scan for a clearer picture and improved interpretation.
Gadolinium is a rare earth metal that was discovered in 1880. When used in MRI contrast, it is chelated, or bonded then created into the dye medium. Without the chelation process, gadolinium would be toxic to our bodies.
The most commonly used contrast agents in MRIs are gadolinium-based. The contrast causes molecules in your body to react differently to the MRI, therefore showing up differently on the scan.
In previous research, it was only thought that individuals with severe kidney illness or renal failure would be impacted by any long-term side effects. However, recent research has shown that gadolinium may be retained in tissue, primarily the brain, of all people.
At the beginning of the year, the FDA put out a new warning for gadolinium-based contrast agents, as well as new safety measures and a new medical guide for patients. This is prompting further research and study to be done on the safety of the contrast. The FDA is also urging doctors to consider risks for patients when choosing the need for contrast. Research is showing that small amounts of gadolinium may be left in the brain when people have had multiple doses of gadolinium. It was once believed that the gadolinium would totally clear from your body, but this new research is showing that it might not be fully eliminated.
The FDA states that side effects of the leftover gadolinium have not shown to be harmful, however anecdotal evidence points to other conclusions. Side effects common linked to gadolinium use are dizziness, nausea, headache and itchiness at the injection site. The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis, which is rare. In several articles I found symptoms of greater gadolinium toxicity, which unfortunately look very similar to MS symptoms. Those side effects include pain, bone pain, skin changes, muscle issues, I issues and cognitive difficulties among others.
When going for an MRI, and given gadolinium, the instructions afterwards are to drink a lot of water. This will hopefully help to detox and flush it from your system, but clearly this might not be enough. If actual toxicity is present, there are treatment options available. These include chelation therapy, which is the standard for all heavy-metal toxicities. Sauna, epsom salt bath, specific diet/foods to aid in detox and supplements.
Going forward, gadolinium might not be needed at all. New advancements in MRI technology have proven to be just as effective as comparing non-contrast and contrast MRI’s to check for disease progression. In one large study, where 3T images were tested, only 4 out of 1992 lesions were missed. These scans are currently available and in use. While gadolinium might still be needed at times like at initial diagnosis, using follow-up scans may be phased out in the near future.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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