Meet Amie, a dynamic, gregarious, and successful 54-year-old married designer, gourmand, world traveler, and loving mother of two vibrant young adult daughters. For Amie, life has always been full of color, creativity, and family moments. But when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a shadow loomed over her daily life, making each step uncertain and each day unpredictable. Faced with questions, concerns, and the desire for a future where she could stay active and engaged with her loved ones, Amie needed answers and hope. This is where Functional Medicine entered her journey and changed her outlook.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Before we delve into Amie's story, it’s essential to understand what MS is and how it manifests. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, a protective covering of the nerves. This damage disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and the body, leading to symptoms that can vary widely in severity.
Common Symptoms of MS
MS can present with a range of symptoms, which may differ from person to person and can vary in intensity over time. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Fatigue: A persistent sense of tiredness that can interfere with daily activities.
Numbness or Tingling: Often in the limbs or face and can feel like a "pins and needles" sensation.
Muscle Weakness: This can lead to difficulty in movement or coordination.
Balance and Coordination Problems: Issues with gait, which may lead to unsteadiness or a higher risk of falls.
Spasticity: Stiffness and involuntary muscle spasms, particularly in the legs.
Vision Problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time.
Vertigo and Dizziness: A sensation of spinning or imbalance.
Cognitive Changes: Difficulty with memory, concentration, or problem-solving.
Pain: This can range from mild to severe and can manifest as neuropathic pain or musculoskeletal pain.
Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Issues with control or frequency.
Emotional Changes: Mood swings, depression, or heightened emotional sensitivity.
The Four Main Types of MS
There are four main types of MS, each with distinct characteristics:
1. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): The first episode of neurological symptoms caused by inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system. CIS may or may not progress to MS.
2. Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): The most common form, characterized by clearly defined attacks of new or increasing neurological symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions).
3. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): Develops after an initial phase of RRMS, marked by a steady progression of symptoms with fewer or no relapses.
4. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): A less common type that progresses steadily from the onset without early relapses or remissions.
Amie had been diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS). Initially, she experienced right arm numbness, tingling, and weakness. Over time, she also began experiencing slight dis-coordination in her gait and episodes of vertigo that worsened with head movements. These symptoms left her feeling vulnerable and concerned about her ability to keep up with work and family life.
What Might Be the Causes of MS?
While the exact cause of MS remains unknown, current research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to its development:
Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of MS have a higher risk of developing the disease. Certain gene variants, particularly those associated with the immune system, are linked to increased susceptibility 1.
Environmental Factors:
Vitamin D Deficiency: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a higher risk of MS, possibly due to its role in immune regulation 2.
Infections: Certain viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have been implicated as potential triggers for MS 3.
Smoking: Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of developing MS and can worsen the progression of the disease 4.
Gut Microbiota Imbalance: Emerging research highlights the connection between gut health and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that an imbalance in gut bacteria may contribute to immune dysregulation in MS 5.
Autoimmune Response: MS is characterized by an abnormal immune response where the body’s defense system attacks its own tissues. Factors influencing immune system function, such as chronic stress and dietary triggers, can exacerbate this response 6.
The Search for a Better Way
When Amie first explored treatment options with her conventional allopathic providers, she was presented with a range of medications intended to slow the progression of MS and manage symptoms. However, these treatments often came with potential side effects that worried her. Amie was not in favor of these conventional options and felt that they did not align with her vision of supporting her body's natural healing. She wanted an approach that would help mitigate her symptoms without compromising her overall well-being. It was at this crossroads that Amie discovered the principles of Functional Medicine.
What Makes Functional Medicine Different?
Functional Medicine focuses on the root causes of disease, not just the symptoms. It takes a personalized, systems-based approach to health, considering nutrition, environment, lifestyle, genetics, and other factors to create a treatment plan tailored to the individual. For Amie, this approach meant she wasn’t just managing her MS; she was actively working to optimize her health to halt the progression of the disease and to reverse its course.
The Importance of Stress Management in MS
A critical aspect of Amie’s Functional Medicine journey was learning how to manage stress. Stress is known to be a significant trigger for MS relapses and can exacerbate existing symptoms. Chronic stress can lead to increased inflammation and immune system dysregulation, which can worsen autoimmune conditions like MS. For Amie, addressing stress was as important as changing her diet or lifestyle.
Incorporating Stress Management Techniques
Her treatment plan included stress-reducing strategies that helped her manage the emotional and physical burden of her condition:
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing daily mindfulness exercises helped Amie feel more centered and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Deep Breathing Exercises: Incorporating simple breathing techniques into her day helped lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
Regular Gentle Exercise: Activities like yoga and tai chi provided physical movement without overwhelming her system, while also aiding in stress relief.
Support Networks: Leaning on family, friends, and MS support groups gave Amie an emotional outlet and reminded her that she wasn’t facing this journey alone.
A Pathway to Hope Through Functional Medicine
The Functional Medicine approach emphasizes:
Nutrient-Dense Foods: A diet rich in leafy greens, sulfur-rich vegetables, deeply pigmented fruits and vegetables, and quality protein to nourish and support the mitochondria—the energy powerhouses of the cell.
Eliminating Potential Triggers: Removing gluten, dairy, and processed foods that can exacerbate inflammation and potentially disrupt gut health, a key player in autoimmune conditions.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporating regular physical activity, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep to support immune function and overall well-being.
Amie embraced this approach under the guidance of her Functional Medicine practitioner. She began by adjusting her diet to include more greens, wild-caught fish, nuts, seeds, and a variety of vegetables. With each small change, Amie noticed subtle improvements—less tingling and weakness in her arm, better balance, and reduced episodes of vertigo. With consistent stress management practices, she also felt more emotionally balanced and resilient.
The Transformative Impact on Amie’s Life
Over the next several months, Amie felt more in control of her health. Her relapses became less frequent, and when they did occur, they were less intense. She continued to work as a designer, finding newfound creativity and energy for projects she once had to set aside. Her daughters noticed the difference, too. The mother who had once seemed distracted and depleted was back to sharing long conversations and enjoying weekend walks.
The Functional Medicine approach didn’t just help Amie manage her MS—it gave her back her sense of purpose and vitality. Her personalized care plan meant that her body’s unique needs were being met, and the support she received from her practitioner provided her with a strong foundation for continued success.
Why Functional Medicine Might Be Right for You
If you, like Amie, are facing the challenges of MS and wondering if there’s a better way, consider exploring Functional Medicine with us at Telos Functional and Integrative Medicine LLC.
It’s a safe and comprehensive yet personalized approach that prioritizes the body’s inherent ability to heal. Functional Medicine doesn’t replace traditional treatments but is intended to complement them to create a comprehensive, supportive plan tailored to your life. Managing stress and adopting supportive lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in your journey.
Amie found hope through Functional Medicine, and so can you. Begin by scheduling your free discovery telephone call so that we can begin to address your nutrition, lifestyle, stress, and your root causes. Let's begin by taking these proactive steps together toward a life of fullness and vibrance even in the face of MS.