A few months ago, a study made waves in the MS community. It was about how scientists at OHSU discovered how to regenerate myelin using a specific compound called sobetirome, which is used in thyroid hormone therapy (which actually hasn’t been used in people due to the side effects).
Researchers developed a new form of the compound that would get through the blood brain barrier and get to the central nervous system. Both patients and researchers were calling this discovery a total game changer, which makes sense. Currently there is no drug on the market that will repair myelin. Demyelinization is what is responsible for symptoms and disability with MS.
As glad as I am that researchers are looking at every possible avenue for the treatment of MS, I couldn’t help but think that re-myelinization is already available.
Oligodendrocytes are the cells responsible for producing myelin. They start to decline as you age, only producing myelin into your late 50s. But there are things you can do to help keep producing oligodendrocytes, and myelin.
Sleep: Sleep is a magical time when your body goes into repair mode. And repairing myelin during sleep is no different than anything else. Studies show that oligodendrocytes increase while you’re sleeping. Make sure to limit blue light in the evening, get direct sunlight in the morning and make your bedroom as dark as possible.
Eat Quality Fats: The tissue of the nervous system is made up of mostly saturated fats and cholesterol, with the highest cholesterol amount being found in myelin. Right alongside these, is DHA, which is needed for brain health and myelination. You’ll find all of these in animal fats and wild caught fish.
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Imagine someone you know who is thriving at age 80 or 90, still active and sharp as a tack. They probably have elevated BDNF levels. BDNF is a protein that strengthens brain cells and increases the rate of myelinization. Increase your BDNF by exercising, getting deep sleep, having social connections, getting sunlight and meditating.
Exercise: Speaking of exercise, exercise is a powerhouse for MSers. Exercise has been shown to both improve myelin amounts while decreasing myelin loss, among all of the other benefits it has. Because of these two benefits, it has also been shown to decrease memory loss as well.
Watch your EMF exposure: Unless you’re taking steps to reduce your EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure, you’re getting bombarded with it left and right. WiFi is one of the major culprits here, since we always have it on, and it’s always around us. EMFs can be responsible for myelin deterioration. Try turning off your WiFi at night, or putting your phone on airplane mode or in another room.
These are just a small few of the ways you can start to repair and remyelinate your own myelin, right now! Without medications, but by using natural methods.
References:
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I’ve been talking to many of you about your questions regarding eating for MS.
There’s lots of confusion about what is “right” and “wrong”.
Lemme tell you, I’ll answer this in the guide for sure- and it prob won’t be the answer you’re expecting?
Drop any other questions below and I’ll answer them!!
Or, comment WAITLIST to be notified when it’s ready!!
I’ve been talking to many of you about your questions regarding eating for MS.
There’s lots of confusion about what is “right” and “wrong”.
Lemme tell you, I’ll answer this in the guide for sure- and it prob won’t be the answer you’re expecting?
Drop any other questions below and I’ll answer them!!
:: first, comment WAITLIST below to be notified when my new Eating for MS Guide is available!::
When I was first diagnosed with MS I didn’t even think to ask if anything else besides medication would help me.
It didn’t even occur to me that changing my diet or managing stress would also play a part in my disease.
It took a few years, several relapses and failed medications for my BOYFRIEND (now hubby) to ask my neurologist if any diet would help.
And even then, my neuros answer was 🤷🏻♂️.
If you also haven’t considered it, let me be the first to tell you:
✨IT’S ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE✨
to decrease your symptoms and influence your long term prognosis by implementing lifestyle changes.
What we eat
How we move
How we manage stress
Our toxin burden
Our hydration status
Etc etc etc
all go a long way in helping us MSers live better with MS.
I lived this transformation; from totally exhausted and unable to get off the couch to hiking mountains or playing golf,
I KNOW it’s possible for you, too.
I’m in the final stages of putting together a comprehensive resource on Eating for MS, comment WAITLIST and I’ll let you know when it’s ready!!
:: first, comment WAITLIST below to be notified when my new Eating for MS Guide is available!::
When I was first diagnosed with MS I didn’t even think to ask if anything else besides medication would help me.
It didn’t even occur to me that changing my diet or managing stress would also play a part in my disease.
It took a few years, several relapses and failed medications for my BOYFRIEND (now hubby) to ask my neurologist if any diet would help.
And even then, my neuros answer was 🤷🏻♂️.
If you also haven’t considered it, let me be the first to tell you:
✨IT’S ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE✨
to decrease your symptoms and influence your long term prognosis by implementing lifestyle changes.
What we eat
How we move
How we manage stress
Our toxin burden
Our hydration status
Etc etc etc
all go a long way in helping us MSers live better with MS.
I lived this transformation; from totally exhausted and unable to get off the couch to hiking mountains or playing golf,
I KNOW it’s possible for you, too.
I’m in the final stages of putting together a comprehensive resource on Eating for MS, comment WAITLIST and I’ll let you know when it’s ready!!
This is one of the most impactful shifts for my clients, to totally reframe their idea of consistency.
Because at one point perfectionism took over and told them the lie that only perfection = consistent.
This shift clears the way for action.
Action that allows for slow change to take place, that changes your life.
Change that allows for your body to start to repair.
Repair that allows for less MS impact on your day.
If you’re ready to change your life but in a way that fits into your life, DM me CHANGE and we’ll chat!!
This is one of the most impactful shifts for my clients, to totally reframe their idea of consistency.
Because at one point perfectionism took over and told them the lie that only perfection = consistent.
This shift clears the way for action.
Action that allows for slow change to take place, that changes your life.
Change that allows for your body to start to repair.
Repair that allows for less MS impact on your day.
If you’re ready to change your life but in a way that fits into your life, DM me CHANGE and we’ll chat!!
I’ve seen this trend with women under 35 and over 35.. so let’s see if we can adapt this for others living with MS!
Those of you who are living with MS for just a few years ask a question and those of us who have been living with it for many years will answer!
Who knows, this may bomb, but the idea is fun!!
Ask away!
I’ve seen this trend with women under 35 and over 35.. so let’s see if we can adapt this for others living with MS!
Those of you who are living with MS for just a few years ask a question and those of us who have been living with it for many years will answer!
Who knows, this may bomb, but the idea is fun!!
Ask away!
Last week I wanted 0 to do with working out.
I love working out,
I love being able to lift heavy things and feel strong.
But last week?
Nah, I was all set.
However.. I have some goals and abilities I want to maintain.
Strength training is one way of the consistent ways I help myself to feel good despite living with MS.
So I made sure that there wasn’t a reason I didn’t want to workout besides my inner toddler, and lo and behold- there wasn’t.
So off I went.
I gave myself permission to go lighter and slower, which helped me be successful in doing it at all.
I often find that when I stop strength training for a while, everything starts to hurt, so that’s obviously not what I’m going for.
I also have a goal of gaining muscle. Muscle decline happens anyway with age, I don’t need to help it along with not moving.
✨Following through with my daily habits is a form of self care.✨
If you’re done with thinking:
“I know what to do, I just can’t seem to do it”
DM me ACTION and we’ll chat
Last week I wanted 0 to do with working out.
I love working out,
I love being able to lift heavy things and feel strong.
But last week?
Nah, I was all set.
However.. I have some goals and abilities I want to maintain.
Strength training is one way of the consistent ways I help myself to feel good despite living with MS.
So I made sure that there wasn’t a reason I didn’t want to workout besides my inner toddler, and lo and behold- there wasn’t.
So off I went.
I gave myself permission to go lighter and slower, which helped me be successful in doing it at all.
I often find that when I stop strength training for a while, everything starts to hurt, so that’s obviously not what I’m going for.
I also have a goal of gaining muscle. Muscle decline happens anyway with age, I don’t need to help it along with not moving.
✨Following through with my daily habits is a form of self care.✨
If you’re done with thinking:
“I know what to do, I just can’t seem to do it”
DM me ACTION and we’ll chat
Instead of being a lump on the couch, now I can go hiking up a mountain with my husband
Or walk 8 miles around NYC with my sister
Or do a workout at the gym
Or shower, go shopping and cook dinner all in the same day
This is possible because:
✨Yes, the medication I’m on helps for sure
But truthfully my life has improved so much because of:
✨My daily habits and lifestyle (my morning routine, my diet, my sleep habits, my workouts..)
✨ But what REALLY moved the needle is actively working to have a mindset that allows me to be flexible with myself, to give myself grace when I “mess up” (aka- when I don’t follow through on a habit)
✨This is a mindset that doesn’t require perfection✨
This allows me to be consistent with the habits- like diet changes or movement programs or whatever else I want to do, which then allows me to see progress (aka: my body feeling better)
Which THEN gives me the motivation and desire to keep doing what I’m doing.
✨This is the secret to “success”- right here.✨
Consistent action + giving yourself grace + noticing progress = motivation to keep going.
It’s not quick or sexy, its actually rather boring.
But boring is actually way better!!
If you want a life where you:
Feel good in your body,
Have energy to spend on your friends and family,
Don’t think about what the MS symptom of the day will be..
I help you create that life for yourself in my signature program, Holistically Healing MS.
Today is the last day it’s on FLASH SALE…
Comment MOUNTAIN below and I’ll send you the details!!
Instead of being a lump on the couch, now I can go hiking up a mountain with my husband
Or walk 8 miles around NYC with my sister
Or do a workout at the gym
Or shower, go shopping and cook dinner all in the same day
This is possible because:
✨Yes, the medication I’m on helps for sure
But truthfully my life has improved so much because of:
✨My daily habits and lifestyle (my morning routine, my diet, my sleep habits, my workouts..)
✨ But what REALLY moved the needle is actively working to have a mindset that allows me to be flexible with myself, to give myself grace when I “mess up” (aka- when I don’t follow through on a habit)
✨This is a mindset that doesn’t require perfection✨
This allows me to be consistent with the habits- like diet changes or movement programs or whatever else I want to do, which then allows me to see progress (aka: my body feeling better)
Which THEN gives me the motivation and desire to keep doing what I’m doing.
✨This is the secret to “success”- right here.✨
Consistent action + giving yourself grace + noticing progress = motivation to keep going.
It’s not quick or sexy, its actually rather boring.
But boring is actually way better!!
If you want a life where you:
Feel good in your body,
Have energy to spend on your friends and family,
Don’t think about what the MS symptom of the day will be..
I help you create that life for yourself in my signature program, Holistically Healing MS.
Today is the last day it’s on FLASH SALE…
Comment MOUNTAIN below and I’ll send you the details!!
If you’ve been a client, I’m sure you’ve heard me rant about how society’s expectations for women have set us up for autoimmunity and illness.
We were praised for being quiet, not rocking the boat, keeping the peace, helping others before ourselves, not talking back, etc etc.
But where did this get US? The women behind the behaviors?
Sick, anxious and depressed- that’s where.
Healing MS or any autoimmune disease can’t happen until you put yourself first.
That doesn’t mean all of a sudden become a b*tch and ignore the world.
It means considering yourself as much as you consider others.
One of my clients this week was talking about the boundaries she set in her life and how proud she was of herself.
She was able to manage the uneasiness (aka: terror) of:
potentially letting others down,
being abandoned and
discarded for voicing her needs.
No wonder we’re all sick when even saying our needs outloud is scary!
What allowed her to do that after all these years of staying silent?
Well many things, but one of them is “nervous system regulation” aka: utilizing small exercises that allow your body to “respond appropriately” aka: not entering an anxiety freak out spiral- to daily stressors.
This is the “stress management” you’ve been looking for and what will change your life.
My program Embodied Resilience is your road map to how.
Drop a 🌀🌀 in the comments and I’ll send you details
If you’ve been a client, I’m sure you’ve heard me rant about how society’s expectations for women have set us up for autoimmunity and illness.
We were praised for being quiet, not rocking the boat, keeping the peace, helping others before ourselves, not talking back, etc etc.
But where did this get US? The women behind the behaviors?
Sick, anxious and depressed- that’s where.
Healing MS or any autoimmune disease can’t happen until you put yourself first.
That doesn’t mean all of a sudden become a b*tch and ignore the world.
It means considering yourself as much as you consider others.
One of my clients this week was talking about the boundaries she set in her life and how proud she was of herself.
She was able to manage the uneasiness (aka: terror) of:
potentially letting others down,
being abandoned and
discarded for voicing her needs.
No wonder we’re all sick when even saying our needs outloud is scary!
What allowed her to do that after all these years of staying silent?
Well many things, but one of them is “nervous system regulation” aka: utilizing small exercises that allow your body to “respond appropriately” aka: not entering an anxiety freak out spiral- to daily stressors.
This is the “stress management” you’ve been looking for and what will change your life.
My program Embodied Resilience is your road map to how.
Drop a 🌀🌀 in the comments and I’ll send you details
It’s ok if it takes time from learning about something to implementing it into your lifestyle.
There is a lot that needs to happen in our mind and body for us to be ready to change something about our day to day life.
And it’s ok if that process takes longer than you “think it should” or want it too.
You know what *won’t* help you when this happens?
Being mean and judgemental to yourself.
You’re not lazy and nothing is wrong with you, so stop saying that to yourself.
You know what *will* help you when this happens?
Taking action.
Action is the antidote to the fear and overwhelm you’re feeling.
But- in a whole different way than you have been trying.
The key is slow and steady, not sexy or flashy- but this means it’s something better- sustainable.
Sustainable means “able to be maintained or held”- which is the goal for habits right?
Being “perfect” for 2 weeks then “messing up” (missing a day) then feeling like a “failure” for that one day, then being “off the wagon” for 3 months isn’t doing you any good (said with muchhhh ♥️♥️♥️)
We want a Supportive Sustainable Lifestyle aka being able to keep up with your habits and progress overtime (ideally for the rest of your life right? It’s about the journey not the destination)
If you want to create a lifestyle that is supportive to reducing your MS symptoms, so you don’t need to be thinking about being on or off “the wagon” again, my signature program Holistically Healing MS is for you.
And good news, it’s on flash sale this week- and the lowest price it will be ever again.
Comment MSSUCKS below and I’ll send you details
🧡🧡🧡
It’s ok if it takes time from learning about something to implementing it into your lifestyle.
There is a lot that needs to happen in our mind and body for us to be ready to change something about our day to day life.
And it’s ok if that process takes longer than you “think it should” or want it too.
You know what *won’t* help you when this happens?
Being mean and judgemental to yourself.
You’re not lazy and nothing is wrong with you, so stop saying that to yourself.
You know what *will* help you when this happens?
Taking action.
Action is the antidote to the fear and overwhelm you’re feeling.
But- in a whole different way than you have been trying.
The key is slow and steady, not sexy or flashy- but this means it’s something better- sustainable.
Sustainable means “able to be maintained or held”- which is the goal for habits right?
Being “perfect” for 2 weeks then “messing up” (missing a day) then feeling like a “failure” for that one day, then being “off the wagon” for 3 months isn’t doing you any good (said with muchhhh ♥️♥️♥️)
We want a Supportive Sustainable Lifestyle aka being able to keep up with your habits and progress overtime (ideally for the rest of your life right? It’s about the journey not the destination)
If you want to create a lifestyle that is supportive to reducing your MS symptoms, so you don’t need to be thinking about being on or off “the wagon” again, my signature program Holistically Healing MS is for you.
And good news, it’s on flash sale this week- and the lowest price it will be ever again.
Comment MSSUCKS below and I’ll send you details
🧡🧡🧡
One of the criticisms I see about using lifestyle medicine to help improve MS symptoms is that it means “I think my disease is in my control, totally up to me and therefore my fault”.
The things in our control, are only a piece of the puzzle in how we feel, our MS symptoms and disease progression.
Many more things also go into our health equation:
- Genetics
- Age
- Socioeconomic Status
- Education
- Health care access
- Your community
- Economic stability
I’m not saying that lifestyle medicine doesn’t matter, it does a lot. I’m just saying it’s not the *only* thing that matters.
What are your thoughts on this? I know it’s a highly charged topic for some!
One of the criticisms I see about using lifestyle medicine to help improve MS symptoms is that it means “I think my disease is in my control, totally up to me and therefore my fault”.
The things in our control, are only a piece of the puzzle in how we feel, our MS symptoms and disease progression.
Many more things also go into our health equation:
- Genetics
- Age
- Socioeconomic Status
- Education
- Health care access
- Your community
- Economic stability
I’m not saying that lifestyle medicine doesn’t matter, it does a lot. I’m just saying it’s not the *only* thing that matters.
What are your thoughts on this? I know it’s a highly charged topic for some!
Living with MS is hard.
Some days are harder, some easier.
If you’re in a season where it feels hard, I see you.
I believe in you.
🧡🧡🧡
Living with MS is hard.
Some days are harder, some easier.
If you’re in a season where it feels hard, I see you.
I believe in you.
🧡🧡🧡
The food we eat can have a powerful impact on our MS symptoms and how we feel.
It’s not a magic bullet- because nothing is.
But, there is incredible potential for healing and improvement.
If you’re not quite ready to follow a “diet template”, like The Wahls Protocol or Autoimmune Protocol, that’s ok.
Focus on getting some of these foods on your next trip to the store:
🥗Brightly Colored Fruits & Veggies
🥬Deep Leafy Greens
🍤Seafood & Shellfish
🥜Healthy Fats
🥩Organ Meat
Each of these different types of foods contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help support cellular functions, immune health and even help with myelin formation.
Not eating any of it? That’s ok!
Start with adding a serving or two here and there.
Ideas:
✨Have a salad with dinner
✨Toss some veggies in your breakfast egg scramble
✨Have some olives or nuts as a snack instead of chips
It doesn’t have to be hard or complicated.
There is SO MUCH we can be doing to help improve our MS symptoms & progression with diet & lifestyle interventions.
Each thing you’re doing matters.
It may seem like it’s not worth it sometimes, but I’m here to tell you it is.
Keep going!
🧡🧡
The food we eat can have a powerful impact on our MS symptoms and how we feel.
It’s not a magic bullet- because nothing is.
But, there is incredible potential for healing and improvement.
If you’re not quite ready to follow a “diet template”, like The Wahls Protocol or Autoimmune Protocol, that’s ok.
Focus on getting some of these foods on your next trip to the store:
🥗Brightly Colored Fruits & Veggies
🥬Deep Leafy Greens
🍤Seafood & Shellfish
🥜Healthy Fats
🥩Organ Meat
Each of these different types of foods contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help support cellular functions, immune health and even help with myelin formation.
Not eating any of it? That’s ok!
Start with adding a serving or two here and there.
Ideas:
✨Have a salad with dinner
✨Toss some veggies in your breakfast egg scramble
✨Have some olives or nuts as a snack instead of chips
It doesn’t have to be hard or complicated.
There is SO MUCH we can be doing to help improve our MS symptoms & progression with diet & lifestyle interventions.
Each thing you’re doing matters.
It may seem like it’s not worth it sometimes, but I’m here to tell you it is.
Keep going!
🧡🧡
In case you needed to hear that today.
You’re not a failure.
You didn’t “fail” at healing.
Having MS is hard- do what’s best for you.
In case you needed to hear that today.
You’re not a failure.
You didn’t “fail” at healing.
Having MS is hard- do what’s best for you.
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