Do you want help living well with your Multiple Sclerosis, autoimmune disease, or chronic illness?
On this channel I share information on: • Diet • Exercise • Sleep • Kindness • Supplements
About me: • Living well with MS since at least 2006 • Plant Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell • Completed an 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course • Attended Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn's program on Preventing and Reversing Disease with Diet at the Cleveland Clinic • Completed The Plant Fed Gut Masterclass designed my Dr. Will Bulsiewicz on the gut microbiome • Completed the Center for Nutrition Studies Living a Whole Life: Essential Practices for Optimal Health course
The information on this channel is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for educational purposes only. Always consult your doctor for professional medical advice.
I always look forward to your Videos each Sunday morning. You're always so informative & full of good tips on healthy eating. Yes, please do a video on how to prepare healthy plant-based meals on a budget. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you Vickie for another informative video! I would love one on preparing healthy meals in less time. And I also really like how you’ve decorated your living room 😉
I second this. For a little, while I was bulk cooking beans, and grains, with a lot of vegetable in the instant pot. During the summer I’m able to do this, because my oldest son can help me. In the morning, I have instant oats in a cup with flax and Chia included. Just put it under the keurig for a 6 ounce cup. I also do carrots, celery a frozen berry smoothie with almond milk. Lunch is a premade chopped salad eaten with a spoon, sprouted grain bread, and a green smoothie Right now I’m doing beans and grains with lots of veggies for dinner, but need to find an alternative for once my kids are at school. Dessert is a banana and date smoothie. I’m very blessed that my brain has not been affected much, but my cerebellum and spinal cord have been throttled to the point that some of my spine is missing. So there are some difficulties swallowing as well as using my hands/arms
I gave so much info, because I thought some of these things I think might help others who watch your channel. The elves are Bob’s Red Mill with flax and chia. I ordered them in bulk on subscribe and save.
I do not eat any animal products at all. Ghee does have high saturated fats and a diet high in saturated fats is associated with worse outcomes for people with MS.
PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING!!!! Intermittent fasting means eating less and more hours for healing Food preparation and portion storing in the freezer will save $$ Soaking in distilled vinegar will clean the dirty dozen One Meal A Day (OMAD) is another way to save and an even longer healing time
@@EvenSoItIsWell good for you yeah i wish i could do it i just know i need to do something because my ms has got alot worse over the last few years i was just diagnosed with it and im only 27
@@dylanjenkins-b6s sorry about the recent diagnosis but there are a lot of things we can do to help manage the symptoms and possibly prevent progression in addition to medication. There is evidence that eating a more plant based diet, regular exercise, get good sleep, and mindfulness can really help.
@@dylanjenkins-b6s thanks for watching. Keto May initially be helpful for weight loss and removing processed foods but long term there are concerns with long term ketosis.
Have to say I disagree too. I was vegan, completely plant based, for 3 years before I had my first MS relapse, then it was highly active for the first year. It went into remission once I got on a course of Cladrabine. Since then I panicked about my diet and cycled through The Swank/Jelinek diet, Terry Whals, keto and plant based again. Symptoms come and go on all of them and are dependent on other factors, like stress especially. What I have realised is this. What to eat/not to eat with this disease IS inconclusive, save for eating a regular old Mediterranean diet (so everything is included with mostly healthy fats, plenty vegetables, fish and a bit of dairy and some meat) and fasting. The only micronutrients I am sold on are Vitamin D - take plenty! And Omega 3 - flax seed or fish oil. And even then, no, one size does not fit all. To anyone newly diagnosed, please, don’t be afraid about what you eat - just follow the health guide lines that are recommended to everyone on this planet: eat whole foods that haven’t been processed to shit, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, enjoy some exercise; move however you can. Our additional thing is to work with our neurologist on a course of medication appropriate for where our disease progression is at. If this plant based diet helps anyone, great. It didn’t for me, I was real sick after 3 years being a strict vegan. No single diet is the cure. We won’t have that until we know the cause. Of course, aiding to reduce inflammation is always a winner, so again, whole foods, plenty veggies, proteins, fats and carbs. Don’t stress about food. Have a beer with your friends. Enjoy that birthday cake with ice cream. Eat take out pizza with the kids. UNLESS you, yourself, really notice something happening with your symptoms when you eat certain foods. This disease has been a great teacher in listening myself. I wish you every success with your self care. And @EvenSoItIsWell I understand the trauma of this disease and the loss of control we feel. I am happy for you that you have found your balance. But science is always my guide, and we just haven’t nailed that to the conclusions you are stating with this. But peace to you, its a journey!
Thanks for watching and commenting. I agree we all need to eat whole foods, exercise, reduce stress, and supplement as needed. In my videos I cite the research and I have become educated on nutrition. There are somethings that I will not eat because they could cause me harm. That said, we all get to make choices about what we eat. I hope you continue to do well!
Hi Sue! Thanks for watching. Glad you found it helpful. How are you doing with your new diagnosis? The first year or so can be challenging as we adjust to it.
I was positive after watching your channel! Then, I had an awful PT “MS Specialists” the second time I went to her and asked her “Does a plant based diet help with MS?” She knew I was on ocrevus and said “Ir doesn’t matter how many exercises you do, healthy you eat, DMT you take. You have PPMS, you’re going to end up in a wheel chair eventually.” I never went back to her or that clinic.
Sadly no. Life has become a mixed film of Catch 22 and Groundhog Day. Thankfully, there is an enormous amount of stupidity to witness to keep me laughing daily.😁
Great video. In my experience (20 years MS, in wheelchair for 5 years and now 4 years back out) the best tools to prevent disability are gut health, reduced inflammation, and daily exercise. Wish I could say there was a pill, but even $1million of meds didn't keep me out of a wheelchair. I find restoring mobility is more about what I will actually do (ie eat clean, exercise) than what my neurologist might do for me.
I was DX with MS over 36 years ago. When I asked the neurologist what was going to happen to Me. The Doctor said that within five years, I would be in a wheelchair. I am still walking and Taking Vitamins and Herbs.. I also changed the way I eat . I am doing great!!
When I was diagnosed 3 out of three neurologists looked at me and said your MRI's are prognostically concerning. I cried 2 times within the first week The 1st time How do I tell my wife The 2nd time when my wife went to the neurologist with me started Ocrevus almost immediately No more tiers all I can do to live my best live. I am not prognostically concerned (even if my Dr's are), whatever happens, happens. That said I live every day to the best of my ability and being with the people that are important to me. Thinking right, eating right, exercising right, and paying more attention to even the smallest things. Nothing in life is guaranteed so MS is basically my speed bump and reality check. I am not playing MS down and I don't have a cavalier attitude. I put a lot of work into staying healthy and I enjoy it. I know there are many people more impacted by MS than me. I am actively involved in raising awareness and funds for MS with the hope of a cure for all of us, we are better together.
I Was diagnosis 2013 then I started DMT in 2020. in that time my symptoms went away completely and I thought I had a pinch nerve. 2020 the stress of the pandemic and a romantic relationship had my symptoms return with more intensity and I started my first DMT December 2020. It's been going well, I have to focus on I'm doing the best I can for what I'm living through.
I'm diagnosised with bipolar disorder then a few short years after I got diagnosis with MS, Saw an episode of Chicago Med that said there is a link between bipolar disorder and MS. I'm wondering if you've found these findings and have made a video about it. I'm curious and also wondering how my doctors didn't prepare me for it.
You are dedicated to helping others by example. I have been mis diagnosed mistreated and forced to deal with excruciating intolerable pain and disability, a long with the loss of a job I loved. No good ethical doctors or neurologists in this area. Denial worked for a while, decades. But now I am ready to let go of it all. Please do not think a doctor or group of doctors can help. Those of us ready to join our state’s right to choose death with dignity need support and acceptance as well as you who are apparently much luckier than I ♥️🕊🙂✌️🙏
@@margaretmacinnes1519 oh Margaret I am so sorry this has been your experience. It is awful that you have had to live with pain. Please try to take exquisite care of yourself.
@@margaretmacinnes1519 thanks for watching Margaret. Choosing and taking g medications is a very individual and personal decision. I don’t typically talk about medications on my channel because I am not a doctor and can’t give medical advice.
This video raises some good points. I didn't get diagnosed until at least 7 years after my first symptoms. So the MS medication wouldn't really stop the disability for me. I have definitely felt better since diet and lifestyle changes.
Great research and advice. Diet and lifestyle will help with all chronic problems and disease. The answer is a resounding YES. Any changes we can make to improve diet and fitness is always helpful no matter what our issues are. Adore Dr Beaber and his courage to address truth rather than pushing drugs. They are not for everyone nor do they help everyone. I wish everyone a bright and beautiful day!
If you want to be well, it is you who can make yourself well. Give it everything you've got. What have you got to lose? I have had MS for fifteen years now. Currently I have no symptoms as I follow the Overcomingmultiplesclerosis plan by George Jelinek. Eat foods only to my blood group following a book I read called Eat Right 4 Your Type by Peter D' Adomo. Think positive, be positive, active positive. Moto 'I have MS. MS does not have me!'
I am not disabled technically but cannot stand for long or walk more than 100 meters continuously so not sure what to do. I am on high efficiency dmt Eat well, sleep good and exercise
Thanks for watching. I am glad you are feeling well. I do want caution you about carnivorous eating. There is only anecdotal evidence for it while there is a lot of research showing potential for harm with it.
LOL With my neurologist I discussed my first symptoms which I kind of ignored (stress, jet lag , etc.) and could go back to 1982. Diagnosis wasn’t until 2008. There wasn’t much (if any) treatment in 1982. Working out has helped me a lot … and avoiding inflammatory food - fake food, lol.
@@EvenSoItIsWell I’ve always worked out - I have a 2nd degree black belt, I did distance running, played soccer, did aerobics and weights. Food was what felt better to support my body. Fake food, although indulging at times, did not feel good. When I was younger I ignored that when not working out, unfortunately. Now there’s not an option. If I eat Kraft Dinner within a few hours I am crazy imbalanced and might as well go to bed for 2 days …… so I’m almost 60 and had symptoms since 18 (likely earlier) but i am stubborn. It seems to have taken on a life of its own lately but I am still walking with support. Not complaining for sure. Neural Regeneration is HUGE too. Diet helps with inflammation, movement helps with regeneration. I think, for me. I’m progressive now. Plus I’ve learned to laugh a lot at both myself and others (for their surprise and judgement at times). No magic, just hard work, lol …..
@@Avievan91 oh no! Please do not be embarrassed! It is a very common thing to happen. Here are some more tips that might be helpful ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6iulpIjCPfM.html
I think I have MS...I have all the symptoms...I'm scared to get diagnosed... I don't want to know... I already have Crohn's disease... How much more can I take?
@@mindyg1960 oh Mandy. I can completely relate. I didn’t want to know or be diagnosed either. It is a frightening thing. It might not be MS. It might be something else that can be taken care of. If it is MS getting treatment and starting to make diet and lifestyle changes earlier is the best way to stave off disability and progression. I am 18 years into my journey with MS and still doing well! I encourage you to go to the doctor and seek answers.
My neurologist told me about the spoon theory today, as a teen with two different chronic conditions it makes me feel so seen! I like that it explains why I can't do everything my friends can. For anyone else with dysautonomia symptoms, something that really helps is carrying around an ice pack and cold with me in the summer to help regulate my temperature <3
Hi Vickie! New sub, just found your channel. I appreciated hearing your story and look forward to watching more of your videos. It was nice to hear what changes you've made that have helped your situation. I was diagnosed with MS in 1995 when I was 25 years old (I'm 54 now). I began taking Copaxone around 2000 or 2001, still on it (well, switched to generic some years back). When I was around 31 years old, I began exercising regularly for the first time since I played sports as a child. And it wasn't until I was in my forties that I really started focusing on a plant-based diet. I try to do WFPB, but definitely not perfect. I eat fish or chicken once in a while and dairy cheese once in a great while. My diet consists primarily of veggies (especially potatoes and cabbage), some beans and grains, lots of fruits. I try to follow Dr. McDougall's guidelines (RIP 😥). Other than Copaxone, I take Baclofen, which helps me sleep by taming the leg/foot tingles, and I place a high priority on getting enough sleep and good quality sleep. For exercise, I mainly do strength training and walking. After several early relapses involving vision loss, I've remained stable over the years. Fatigue is the biggest issue I deal with and I'm eternally grateful for this good fortune. I know that the situation could change at any time, and each day I wake up and I can still see and I can still walk, it's gonna be a good day. Thanks for sharing your story! ~Angela
Vitamin D & B vitamin (especially B1 & B12) deficiencies seem to play a huge role in both the fatigue & other symptoms & the nerve issues/demyelination. B vitamins are crucial for nervous system support & repair. And virtually every cell in the body has Vitamin D receptors. A huge array of health issues can be driven by the hidden epidemic of cellular D deficiency. There are doctors out there who have reversed MS with high dose Vitamin & mineral therapies.
Hello all…. I’m here to just to share as I’m not sure if I have MS or not yet… I have no diagnosis and my major symptoms and findings started exactly a week ago. I noticed all of a sudden I had foot drop…I was dragging my toes on my right foot and was having to jack my knee a little bit to walk creating a slap with my foot when I set it down. I went to bed thinking maybe I had a pinched nerve but I immediately had MS in the back of my mind because my mother had MS and I recognized the foot drop and slap. The next day was no better so I went to the er just to make sure it wasn’t a stroke or tumor…. They did MRIs of the peroneal nerve, lumbar spine and brain. The nerve and spine came back fine but the brain imaging was suggestive of optic neuritis. The ER doc said he felt the foot drop was probably structural but referred me to their neurology department just in case….and they still haven’t contacted me. I have had sensitivity to hot showers or baths for more than 20 years where they made me feel very fatigued and nauseous. I’ve noticed lately I’m having some occasional difficulty finding very normal words…. I have been very fatigued after the gym for a few weeks. I will say it seems like some of my ability to flex my toes up is coming back but it’s still very weak…. I guess I just wanted to tell someone without telling my friends and family because I’d hate to create concern if I do not in fact have MS…but it sure seems to be pointing that way…. I’m 47 years old by the way.
Hi B Love! Thanks for watching and sharing. You are very smart to go to the ER and follow up with neurology. See what they have to say and keep advocating for yourself. I am sorry this is happening, but if it turns out to be MS know that treatments and therapy and understanding of diet and lifestyle changes have come a LONG way since your mom’s time. Please keep me posted on how it goes!
@@juveriakhan3799 I am not sure I understand but it sounds like you are having trouble with all foods. I can’t give medical advice but it sounds like your gut microbiome might not be healthy. I highly recommend the book Fiber Fueled by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz. It may be able to give you some helpful advice.
