The past month, Coronavirus has exploded. In the news, in the population and it feels like it’s coming for everyone.
Now, just because it feels that way, doesn’t mean that it’s actually the case.
We’ve all be hearing the data for weeks, so I’m not going to keep harping on it here. I’m going to focus on what we can do to help ourselves instead. I’ve seen plenty of headlines saying there is no way to help yourself prevent it and no treatment, and not much we can do besides hand washing (yes, that is very effective).
But I believe there is plenty we can be doing to fortify our immune systems to hopefully prevent contracting the illness all together, but in the event we do get sick, it will be less of an impact to our health.
Increasing the overall nutrient density of your meals is going to be super important. Aim for 7-11 cups of veggies a day, and several of fruit as well. Specifically, vegetables belonging to the cruciferous family (including Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale) may help to stop viruses in their tracks; due to a naturally high amount of a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C). Clinical studies show that this compound has the potential to interfere with the way many viruses reproduce.
Cooking with garlic and ginger is helpful as well. Both of these have antimicrobial, antiviral effects and also immune-boosting benefits
Usually I say check your vitamin D levels and supplement accordingly. However right now, I would say you’re safe to supplement with 2-5k IU daily. Vitamin D is arguably one of the most powerful nutrients responsible for modulating and coordinating the immune system. Always use a product with D3/K2. The K2 will help the D3 be more bioavailable for your body to use.
Glutathione and Vitamin A can be particularly helpful as well, specifically during flu season and dealing with Coronavirus. Much of the issue with Coronavirus is subsequent pneumonia infections. Low glutathione and low Vitamin A can increase risk of death by pneumonia. Being sufficient in both of these can be incredibly helpful for your overall immune system.
Zinc is also helpful for your immune system. In our bodies, zinc is used to activate T lymphocyte cells. T cells help the body in several ways. One, by controlling and regulating the immune response. Two, by attacking infected cells.
(If you’re in need of high quality supplements, shoot me an email at info@liss-ms.com. I have an online dispensary account at Fullscript, where I can order supplements for you.)
You might be thinking, the what? Or what does the vagus nerve have to do with our immune system? And in fact, is has a lot to do with it! Our nervous system is in constant communication with our immune system- via the vagus nerve. Studies show that the vagus nerve can modulate cytokine production. Most of us, have low vagal tone. We need to be focusing on actively working our vagus nerve to improve the functioning of the nerve, and therefore communication between the vagus nerve and the immune system. A few ways to do that:
Humming
Speaking
Deep breathing, using and activating the diaphragm
Yoga
Meditation
Cold water rinse, either shower or wash your face
A few things to consider with your lifestyle. Getting enough sleep is paramount. Try for 7-9 hours. Magnesium is a great supplement to consider if you struggle with sleep. Melatonin can help, but your body can quickly become dependent on it and stop making its own. Melatonin is best in severe cases of insomnia, and only for a short time.
Reduce stress. I know, I know. Seems impossible right now. But stressing isn’t doing your body and immune system any favors. If you’re struggling with increased anxiety due to Coronavirus, it’s ok to turn off the tv. Only check in with the news once a day. Take some time away from electronics and your phone. Get into nature, talk to loved ones, read, color, play with pets!
Get low to moderate intensity activity. This will give your immune system a nice boost, and help to bust boredom, as we’re all stuck at home.
Wash your nasal passages out several times a day. This is a bit more intense, but if you feel like you’re possibly getting sick, or have been exposed, this is a great step to be taking. This cleans your nasal tissue and reduces the virus’s ability to take hold.
Having MS, doesn’t necessarily make us in a “higher risk” category. Same goes for all autoimmune diseases. Our immune systems are actually going off the charts! However, some autoimmune diseases can also be immune deficiency diseases as well (but not always). HOWEVER, many of the medications we’re on, are immunosuppressants. Which do cause our immune systems to be lowered. Therefore causing those on immunosuppressants to be in the “higher risk” category. A little more about that:
Copaxone, Aubagio, Tecfidera, Beta Interferons, and Tysabri
These are likely to be safer than the other DMTs as they aren’t thought to be general immunosuppressive therapies. They are more immunomodulating therapy.
Lemtrada, Mavenclad, Gilenya and Ocrevus
These are immunosuppressants therapies. They might possibly be putting you at higher risk of contracting Coronavirus (or any virus- as you probably know if you’re on one).
The other thing to consider as MSers is anytime we get sick, we risk the chance of having a relapse or flare. The increased immune activity can often create more inflammation, and therefore a relapse might occur. This would be a secondary consideration for COVID-19, or any cold or flu.
Elderberry: Recent research is coming out saying COVID-19 can cause a cytokine storm, which can lead to multi system organ failure. Elderberry increases cytokine activity, potentially making the cytokine storm worse.
NSAIDS: I know, this isn’t a supplement, but many use NSAIDs with fevers, which is common in the flu and COVID-19. More research is showing that NSAID use can increase your risk of developing pneumonia, if you do contract COVID-19. Ibuprofen (and other anti-inflammatories) may dampen the body’s immune response to infection because it is has anti-inflammatory effects.
If you think you may have COVID-19, call your doctor first before showing up to the office. They will probably have separate instructions for you on where to go, if testing is needed etc.
For treatments, zinc lozenges, preferably zinc acetate lozenges every 3-4 hours. This can help prevent replication of the virus in mouth, throat and respiratory tissue.
If you’re sick enough to be hospitalized, request IV Vitamin C. This is typically given every 4 hours, to total 6-12 grams of vitamin c, over a 24 hour period. China has utilized this treatment effectively, and currently there are 3 clinical trials running using IV Vitamin C.
Obviously this is a very scary and uncertain time. I don’t know what this upcoming week will hold, but if it’s anything like last week, we’re in for a wild ride.
The only things we can control, is our reactions and what we’re doing with our daily life.
In the end, I think we’ll all end up ok.
How are you coping with Coronavirus and COVID-19? What measures have you taken? Have you been significantly impacted? What support do you need right now? Hit reply to this email and let me know. I’ll be answering questions on Instagram and in my FB Group as well. I’d love it if you came over and joined in the conversation!
If you’re interested in learning more about what foods are beneficial for Multiple Sclerosis, get my Best Foods for MS Guide here!
follow along on Instagram:
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
It’s a bold statement, but I stick by it.
Countless times I’ve seen my clients improve their symptoms when they change their diet, add supplements etc.
But nothing changes you, your MS symptoms & progression more for the better than working on your mindset, stress management and how your body tolerates stress (all parts of the same coin)
THAT is how you’ll find that one day you aren’t:
• An anxious mess in the morning..
• Having trouble saying NO when you really mean it
• Doing all the things to help everyone else BUT yourself
(Which I know you struggle with- and that’s keeping you sick still babe)
You can do hard things..
#lissms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing
It’s a bold statement, but I stick by it.
Countless times I’ve seen my clients improve their symptoms when they change their diet, add supplements etc.
But nothing changes you, your MS symptoms & progression more for the better than working on your mindset, stress management and how your body tolerates stress (all parts of the same coin)
THAT is how you’ll find that one day you aren’t:
• An anxious mess in the morning..
• Having trouble saying NO when you really mean it
• Doing all the things to help everyone else BUT yourself
(Which I know you struggle with- and that’s keeping you sick still babe)
You can do hard things..
#lissms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing
First, save this for later!
Second, what you gotta know about “managing stress” is:
it really matters how you care for yourself in the moment and afterwards
You see, most of us know when we’re experiencing moments of stress,
but we don’t know how to attend to ourselves to mitigate the impacts.
It all comes down to awareness of:
- Your present moment
- How that moment is impacting your body
Once you’re aware of how the stress you’re experiencing is impacting you and your body, THEN you can start attending to yourself and changing how your body handles stress.
👆🏼👆🏼that’s also how we mitigate stress induced MS symptoms or relapses.
Awareness is always the first step babe.
Wanna know more?
Come to my Masterclass all about stress + MS, Cultivating Resilience
Comment ATTEND below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #spoonielife #thisisms
First, save this for later!
Second, what you gotta know about “managing stress” is:
it really matters how you care for yourself in the moment and afterwards
You see, most of us know when we’re experiencing moments of stress,
but we don’t know how to attend to ourselves to mitigate the impacts.
It all comes down to awareness of:
- Your present moment
- How that moment is impacting your body
Once you’re aware of how the stress you’re experiencing is impacting you and your body, THEN you can start attending to yourself and changing how your body handles stress.
👆🏼👆🏼that’s also how we mitigate stress induced MS symptoms or relapses.
Awareness is always the first step babe.
Wanna know more?
Come to my Masterclass all about stress + MS, Cultivating Resilience
Comment ATTEND below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #spoonielife #thisisms
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