This photo of me is on New Years day 2012 after a 2000 foot vertical climb up Vail Mountain! How did I do that when I received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2006? I’m often asked, what is your secret? How do you stay healthy?
The below are my favorite natural remedies for multiple sclerosis. I believe these strategies may be applicable to anyone with an auto-immune disorder. If this protocol is adhered to religiously, some find improvement in as little as 3 months. For others, it may take significantly longer.
Fish Oil
Fish Oil
Bone Broth
I make my own Bone Broth after I roast a chicken, or when I’m on the go I drink Kettle & Fire bone broth straight from the container. Bone broth has gut healing properties and is also high in protein, very important if you are working on rebuilding damaged nerve tissue. Learn how to make your own Bone Broth from Chicken with my easy recipe!
Vitamin D
Many people with illness and auto-immune conditions suffer from abnormally low levels of Vitamin D. Therefore, when friends ask, I recommend that they get their Vitamin D blood levels checked immediately, then quarterly thereafter. When I was severely deficient in Vitamin D, I took a mega dose of 5,000 IU per day, until my levels reached the normal range.
Low Dose Naltrexone
Although many of you will argue that Low-Dose Naltrexone is a drug, and not “natural,” I beg to differ. Using this opioid agonist in micro-doses is not accepted treatment yet for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders. That’s a shame. For more information on this incredible treatment check out my Low Dose Naltrexone page.
Grain-Free Diet
Grains can wreak havoc on a weakened immune system. If I had to give one piece of advice to people with any auto-immune disorder, it would be to go on a diet that is entirely 100% Grain Free, and free of grain-like substances such as quinoa, millet, wild rice, etc. Of course, gluten is the ultimate no-no. By 2025 recommending a Gluten Free Diet to anyone with an auto-immune condition will probably be standard medical protocol. All of the recipes here are both grain-free and gluten-free. To get started in the kitchen check out my Grain Free Diet page.
My Favorite Functional Medicine Doctors
If you’re looking for additional guidance, here are some great Functional Medicine doctors that are open minded to both conventional medical treatment and alternative strategies:
- Dr. Robert Rountree
- Dr. Pierre Brunschwig
- Dr. Frank Lipman
I also want to share this video featuring Terry Wahls, MD that was sent to me by an acupuncturist friend in 2011. Dr. Wahls, was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and was so sick she could not even use a regular wheelchair. After removing processed foods, grains and dairy from her diet, she experienced an amazing recovery and is now able to walk, horseback ride, and do many other strenuous physical activities.
My natural treatments for multiple sclerosis may not be the answer for everyone. I am not willing to argue about clinical studies to back up the effectiveness of this array of supplements, diet and off label drugs. The information I am sharing is “anecdotal evidence”–for only one person. This is what works for me.
I wish everyone seeking to improve their health the best of luck. I also want to point out that we are all biochemical individuals, so what works for me may not be best for you. Please, make sure to listen to your own body and trust what it tells you.
Dara Casey says
The timing of this information on MS is amazing….am passing it on to a friend in France and my sister in law! A quick note that your information on how you are healing yourself and staying healthy and vibrant AND the video link follow closely with the the program I am on with Dr D’Adamo. (Eat for your blood type – guy) I have followed your recipes and passed them onto many many friends because they have helped me navigate the world of food allergies and intolerances and have kept me half sane as my world of food got smaller and smaller! I have the perfect storm of Lymes disease (missed- diagnosed for approximately 10 years) menopause, poor circulation and low blood sugar. Thankfully I have been gluten, corn, dairy and night shade free for 11 years…and THAT is why I am still walking! Seeming that I have a dog walking business….walking is pretty important to me! PS Lyme disease and MS have many similar symptoms and the diagnosis can often get mixed up.
ciao and aloha
Dara
Kim says
Hi Elana
I just wanted to say thank you for you wonderful recipes and information that you share with us. I have leaky gut syndrome and gluten and dairy intolerances and my homeopath has advised me to go on the Paleo diet. I have been struggling with the limitations on this diet for awhile now and luckily found your website/blog just a week ago.
You have shown me how to adapt our lifestyle to be healthier without sacrificing good food.
Thanks again,
Kim
Kimberley says
Hi Elana,
It is wonderful to see yet another person encouraging diet change for treatment of MS. I was diagnosed in 1997 at age 27. The first thing I was told was to cut out all artificial sweeteners. I did that and exercised to prep my body to fight what was coming. I did well for a few years and even had my second child. But life got hectic and I fell back into old ways. I gained weight, began treatment with horrible injections 3x’s weekly. Finally in Summer 2005 I ended up in the hospital on a steroid drip. I decided to change this for good. After months of daily research I began a diet of raw foods (fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, etc NO gluten). I lost over 80 lbs, went off all meds, and I have been doing well with NO symptoms since then. I am living proof that diet does work to change MS. My family is also much healthier, and happy to have a Mom who can participate actively in their lives. Thank you for spreading the word, and i wish you continued health and healing!
danielle says
Terry Wahls is speaking at the Hubbard Foundation conference in San Diego this May. This conference covers CCSVI, the vascular theory behind MS. You might want to check out more info on my blog: thinkccsvi.com. I have PPMS and CCSVI treatment not only halted my progression, it took about 90% of my symptoms away. That is why I work to help other people get access to treatment. And, of course, I am very, very supportive and encouraging of a healthy, grain-free diet. Your site is one of the best out there. Your energy for maintaining it, cooking, baking, photographing, and doing all of the things that you do as a mom are a testament to how well you are doing with your MS! Awesome. Please continue to be an inspiration. We need people like you!
Jessica says
My twin sister was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s after a celiac diagnosis. She to has looked to functional medicine to nearly completely heal her thyroid autoimmune disease naturally by doing much of what you have listed. She went grain free (dairy free, sugar free) after being tested for candida. Also, The AutoImmune Epidemic book by Donna Jackson Nakazawa is a great resource. This is so absolutely needed. 1 in 9 women will have an autoimmune diagnosis in their life, and 70% of its diagnosis is from environmental factors. Diet and lifestyle changes are completely in our control. Finding doctors who speak this new medical language is critical. The more we talk about this and share our resources, the quicker people can heal themselves. Here is my sister’s blog. I myself am a functional nutritionist practicing for over 15 years, trying to get the word out :)
http://healhashimotos.tumblr.com/
Laurel says
I’m curious what you mean by high dose probiotics. How many Therbiotic Complete do you take per day?
Candice says
Have you ever heard of a woman named Diana Driscoll? She is a doctor/patient who has a website http://www.prettyill.com and she has been doing studies with people with MS and some other disorders that seem to overlap. I cannot help but feel that this may be of interest to you. Kind Regards, and many thanks.
Mia says
Thank you for sharing Elena. That’s wonderful to hear you have found some natural strategies that are working for you.
I know of someone who has MS that uses tumeric.
Love,
Mia
Natasha says
I’ve been using your site on a daily (sometimes more than daily) basis for a couple of years now as I battle my own autoimmune condition after having my son, but this is my first comment. Seeing this post, I felt I needed to let you know that while I love your food (just finished a batch of your pudding), I love how inspirational you are even more and how you go to the ends of the earth to be here for your family. They are very lucky. Thanks for posting this and reminding all of us struggling with diseases that we’re not alone. You have helped me tremendously in trying to follow the scd diet (with cocoa for a rare treat) while also continuing my love of food!! All the best to you and your family.
MaryK says
Thanks for sharing this Elana. I too have MS but you wouldn’t know it to look at me. I have been taking LDN (low dose naltrexone) for about 5 years now. I take Klaire Labs Vital-Plex. I was on Vit D until we discovered my levels were too high. I am gluten free, dairy free (except for raw milk cheese) and low carb and have never felt better. My neurologist told me that many of his MS patients have been tested positive for Celiac.
I also see an integrative care doctor who has suggested that it is Celiac and NOT MS. Unforturnately, my neurologist doesn’t agree so the MS label lingers on.
LDN is an alternative choice. I researched it thoroughly before I chose this path. It’s not the treatment of choice for most neurologists, but fortunately mine will prescribe it. It’s so so so much cheaper than the shots. I did those for one year and hated every prick of the needle.
Again…thanks for sharing.