My MS Podcast

If you're the one who always got it done... The one who stayed up late, woke up early, didn't need help, didn't ask for it... The one who wore the heels and pushed through—no matter what—   Then I know how hard it is to slow down.   Not just because of MS, but because it feels like you're losing a part of who you are.   I've been there. And in this episode, I'm not telling you to just “let the laundry pile up.”   I'm talking about what it really means to stop living in burnout mode— Not because you've given up... but because you finally know it's not sustainable.   Let's talk about what it looks like to give yourself permission to rest—without feeling like you're failing the person you used to be.

Feel like nothing's changing no matter how hard you try? Before you give up, listen to this. In this episode, we talk about the quiet kind of healing—the kind that starts beneath the surface. You'll learn what's actually happening in your body when you start changing your habits, even if you don't see results yet. Because just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean it's not working.  

Feel like nothing's changing no matter how hard you try? Before you give up, listen to this. In this episode, we talk about the quiet kind of healing—the kind that starts beneath the surface. You'll learn what's actually happening in your body when you start changing your habits, even if you don't see results yet. Because just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean it's not working.  

Feel like you have to justify your healing to everyone around you? This episode is your permission slip to stop explaining. Inspired by Mel Robbins' “Let Them,” we explore what it looks like to release the pressure to be understood and redirect that energy toward your healing. Because you don't need approval to rest, say no, or eat differently—you need peace. And this episode helps you reclaim it.  

Healing from MS can feel like a full-time job—but it doesn't always have to feel heavy. Sometimes what we need most is a little joy, a little play, and a reminder that fun is still allowed in the healing process. In this episode, I'm sharing five simple ways to bring lightness back into your routine—no pressure, no perfection. Just small, doable shifts that help you feel more like yourself again.

If you've ever felt exhausted trying to “do it all right”—the nine cups, the supplements, the meal prep, the perfection—this episode is for you. Wahls Protocol burnout is real, and it doesn't mean you're failing. It means you're doing too much, too fast, and likely without enough support. In this episode, I'm sharing 6 practical, grace-filled ways to recover from Wahls Protocol burnout and bring your healing back to a place that feels doable—and even enjoyable—again.  

When you're living with MS, it's a whole different kind of strength to get through the day sometimes. And it's not the “power through it” strength we used to rely on before diagnosis—or the kind the world keeps praising with its obsession with productivity and hustle.   That kind of pressure? It just doesn't work here.   And no—it's not about lowering your expectations or settling for a less-than life. It's about creating space for your body to heal in a way that gives you more of what you want—more energy, more peace, more capacity to enjoy the people and moments that matter most.   I'm talking about what strength actually looks like with MS, and why doing less might just be the bravest thing you can do. If you've ever felt like you're not doing enough, I made this for you.   Because the goal isn't to do less. It's to live better. And that starts with healing habits that work with your body—not against it.  

Do you wake up exhausted, wondering how you'll make it through the day? In this episode, I'm sharing 7 simple, game-changing tricks to boost energy and tackle MS fatigue so you can get back to feeling like you again.

"Just one more piece," you tell yourself, reaching for another candy. Sound familiar? This Halloween, I'm unwrapping the truth about sugar cravings and MS. But here's a sweet surprise – this isn't an episode that'll leave you feeling depressed and deprived with lectures about how awful sugar is. No "power through your cravings, or else..." here! I know firsthand just how overwhelming sugar cravings can be – especially when living with MS. But managing them doesn't have to feel like a losing battle. In this episode, I'm answering your top 10 questions about sugar cravings. We'll explore why they hit so hard, how to handle them without feeling deprived, and simple, MS-friendly tricks to keep those cravings in check. You'll walk away knowing how to enjoy Halloween treats and feel good doing it. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals. Let's make this season a treat, not a trick!  

Ever felt a new MS symptom and wondered, 'Is this the start of something bigger?' This summer, I faced my first MS scare since 2016, and it led me straight to the ER for a 2-hour MRI at 1:30 a.m. I'm taking you behind the scenes of what it's really like to navigate an MS pseudo flare. Tune in to hear how I balanced fear, frustration, and advocacy while juggling the realities of living with MS. If you've ever questioned your symptoms or felt dismissed by doctors, this episode is for you!  

It's time to celebrate—My MS Podcast is officially one year old! In this anniversary episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of what it was really like to launch this podcast during one of the toughest seasons of my life. I'll share the lessons I've learned about grace, resilience, and what this journey has taught me about living with MS. Join me for a look back on this year and a preview of what's to come in Season 6!

My family and I have been looking forward to moving into our next home for several years. This year, we're finally getting that opportunity to make that dream come true. But it's not exactly a dream come true when it comes to managing MS. We're moving in the middle of the summer - where the daily forecast is blistering heat and extreme humidity. In today's episode I'm sharing the realities of managing a summer move with MS. It's not just about packing boxes; it's about facing any daunting project and wondering how you're going to get through without wrecking your health.

Do you ever feel like the summer heat is out to get you? I used to love everything about summer - the hot sun beating down on me when I was at the pool or on the beach and filling the long sunny days with as many activities as possible - then MS came into my world… and with it the heat intolerance. It can make the summer sun feel unbearable. I'm willing to bet that you can relate all too well. Today, I'm sharing some tips that I've learned along the way that have really helped me stay cool and keep my energy up. Let's dive in and make summer enjoyable again.

We're halfway through 2024. Are you on track with the goals that you set back in January?  If you're like most people, probably not. Most of us fall off the bandwagon within days of starting. If you need a summer reset to get back on track with the walls protocol, tune into today's episode. I'm sharing insider tips and mindset strategies that are realistic and doable in everyday life.

It's the eight year anniversary of my MS diagnosis. Is that something to celebrate? It's certainly not a happy milestone in my life. But it definitely was life-changing, so ignoring it doesn't feel right either. Today I'm diving into why this day holds so much significance and how I view it.  

It was a migraine that led me to the neurologist and ultimately to my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. I was getting excruciating headaches when I was working out.    Something was off.    I went for the MRI and at 8:30 on New Years Eve 2015, my doctor called with the results. You have lesions on the brain that look like MS.    Turns out, I wasn't alone.    Studies suggest that up to 30-40% of people with MS also experience migraine.   It makes sense, both MS and migraines are both neurological conditions so, they share some common ground. And they both involve inflammatory pathways in the body.   But the greatest question is how… How do you live with not one but two unpredictable, chronic conditions that prevent you from living your daily life?    That's what I'm sharing today. In honor of Migraine Awareness Month, I'm sharing the tips and strategies that I've learned from decades of debilitating migraines. What you need to know about conventional medicine and what you need to know about diet and lifestyle.    Let's dive in!  

What if I told you there was something that could reduce fatigue, improve cognitive function, and help you poop better too? Would you be interested? And what if I also told you that you had immediate access to this remedy AND it's free. Yup… WATER can do all that. But let's be real—drinking “enough” water can feel like a full-time job with the constant trips to the bathroom. In today's episode, I'm sharing tips for improving your hydration without having to pee every 30 minutes. This is especially important during the hot summer months, so let's get started.

The temperatures are rising, and with it, you might find yourself craving ice cream! Who doesn't want a bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day? But if you're living with MS and following the Wahls Protocol, the idea of indulging in ice cream might feel off-limits. That's why I'm always looking for ways to make this protocol more doable. Today, I'm sharing 7 dairy-free alternatives to ice cream that are delicious and won't derail your health. You're gonna wanna tune in for today's scoop!

Do you love the idea of shopping at a farmer's market? Maybe you have the vision of filling your kitchen with all the fresh fruits and veggies, and even a bouquet of fresh flowers. But when you actually show up at the market you have no idea what to buy, let alone what to do with it once you get home. Today, we're diving into the top picks at the farmers market that will keep your meals delicious and your health on track. Ready to become a farmers market pro? Let's get started!  

Summer is here, and so are the BBQs and picnics. Which also means you may find yourself staring at a spread of food, wondering what's safe to eat. You just want to feel normal where you can fill your plate with the delicious food and enjoy the time with your family and friends. But you're worried about the price that you may pay for it. Will it trigger a flare… something irreversible? Or will it not affect you at all? It feels risky, but you're sick of all the rules. Don't worry, I got you covered. Today, we'll explore practical tips and tasty ideas to help you enjoy every picnic and BBQ without compromising your health. Ready to find out how? Let's get started!  

I'm back from my trip, and today, I'm sharing how I stayed consistent on the Wahls Protocol while traveling as well as the biggest mistake I made one night out at dinner. From group dinners with pre-fixed menus, to resisting those tempting local treats - I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what went right, what went completely wrong and everything in between. I'm sharing this all in hopes that it can make your travels a bit easier too.

Today I'm going off script. I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I'm preparing to stay consistent during a trip that I'm going on next week.  So, I'm sharing everything from  What I plan on eating - especially during group dinners and with pre-fixed menus - to How I handle the social pressure and judgment from others who don't understand the Wahls Protocol - and in some cases don't know about my diagnosis either, as well as How to deal with feeling left out or deprived when others around you are indulging in local treats that can't partake in. This is a do-not miss episode!   

Why are eggs restricted on the Wahls Protocol?   They're such a great and easy protein.    They're also so versatile - you can have hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, an omelet, or even egg muffins.    You don't seem to have an obvious reactions to them.   So why is such a seemingly healthy protein restricted on the Wahls Protocol?    And does this rule really apply to you?   Let's find out.  

Will gluten free packaged foods sabotage your results on the Wahls Protocol?     I mean, it's gluten free so how bad can it really be, right?    You just need a little something for this diet to not feel so strict.    So, what's a little snack here and there?    Let's find out!    And spoiler alert, prepare to be surprised by my response.  

Is it possible to stick to the Wahls Protocol while eating at your favorite restaurants… or eating at any restaurant for that matter?    Today, we're diving deep into the dos and don'ts of dining out while managing MS with your diet.   As a nutrition coach specializing in multiple sclerosis and a Wahls Warrior myself, I'm helping you to: Breakdown your options on the menu,  Know what questions to ask your server, and even  Learn some tips on making any meal out fit your dietary needs.    Whether you're a seasoned Wahls warrior or just curious about how to eat healthier in a restaurant, this episode has you covered.    So, let's get started!  

They say timing is everything in life.    Some say timing is everything when it comes to eating too, especially if you're using food as medicine.    I'm talking about intermittent fasting.    It can hold some pretty compelling potential.    People credit it for: Improving gut health Reducing inflammation Enhancing brain health Regulating the immune system And so much more.    But is it practical with your lifestyle?    Because, as a nutrition coach, I'll tell you, it's not just about skipping meals. There's more to it… at least if you want to get results, and that's what we're after right?   We're looking to reclaim our body, mind and life from Multiple Sclerosis.    So, let's dive in!

Today's episode is listener requested, and we're talking about how to deal with the emotional and mental side of following a restricted diet.    You can do all the food swaps on a practical level, but how do you deal with the fact that you constantly feel deprived from good food?    You know the diet is in your best interest, but how do you maintain it without constantly feeling like you're missing out?  

MS fatigue feels like a dark cloud that is forever following us around.  It's like no matter how much sleep we get, we're constantly running on “low battery mode.” So we're naturally always on the hunt for anything that will reduce the fatigue.  What…  Supplement can we take?  Food can we eat? Exercise should we do… or not do?  What will take away this fatigue… and the feeling of defeat that comes with it?  We know that food makes a difference, but what if I told you that it's not just about WHAT you eat, but it's just as important to focus on HOW you're eating. Today I'm breaking down one of the most overlooked strategies to boost energy so you can feel more productive throughout your day, and still have some energy to enjoy life!  

The Wahls Protocol recommends that we eat nine cups of vegetables in a day. It's a big ask, but it comes with a big promise - it has the potential to reverse your symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis - the incurable disease that's attacking your brain.    So you don't really need to weigh out the pros and cons to know that it makes logical sense to follow this diet.    But what about the practical aspect of it?    How exactly do you get nine cups into your diet each day?    Here's a look at what I'm eating in a day as a Nutrition Coach certified in the Wahls Protocol.   

How does the gut-brain connection affect MS? We hear a lot about gut health but how specifically is your gut affecting MS? How does the food that you eat impact your brain and your ability to manage the progression of MS and its many symptoms? Having a real understanding of this makes your food choices a lot easier. And the more consistent you are with the right foods, the better - and sooner - you'll get results, and that's really what we're after. We want to feel better.  We want: Less inflammation  More energy More mental clarity and  A more resilient immune system.  So, let's break this down. 

Would you consider your diet to be an anti-inflammatory diet? Chances are you're eating better than the standard American diet, but you're not quite sure if it hits the mark for an anti-inflammatory or therapeutic diet.  But when you're living with a chronic illness like MS, we want to leverage food as an opportunity to reduce symptoms and increase our chances of stabilizing this disease. So, let's do a quick check in on how your diet is doing in terms of helping you to reduce inflammation in your body.  

Are you overwhelmed by MS Protocols? The rules.  The limitations. The elimination of ALL your favorite foods.  They have promising results, but HOW can you fit them into your daily routine? Of course you want to feel better - break free from the fatigue, brain fog and all the other symptoms - but does it have to be behind this mountain of rules? Is there a way to make this easier and still get the results? Do you HAVE to follow EVERY rule? Let's find out in today's episode of My MS Podcast!

Have you ever felt like you're standing in your own way and you can't figure out how to get out of the way? It's like you're your own worst enemy.    If this feels like the story of your life, I want to have a heart to hear with you. I can definitely relate. I've been there, and in many ways I'm still there, but we don't have to stay here.    Today I'm sharing what I've learned to finally get out of your own way so that you can start moving through life - even life with MS - with more ease. So, let's dive in.   

When it comes to exercise and MS, how do you know when to push and when to rest?  It's confusing because sometimes that little extra push got you out the door for the walk that helped you to feel better. But the next day, it was too much and took days to recover.   You want to manage MS to prevent it from progressing, but when it's so unpredictable, it makes it hard to create a consistent plan. Let's talk about how to navigate around this.   

I miss the person I used to be before MS. I miss the energy I had to enjoy life and say “yes” to every opportunity and every event. I used to be the one in charge and in control, now I struggle to keep up. I don't want to get left behind.    Do these sound like the thoughts running across your mind everyday? If so, it's time for a mindset makeover. Your brain validates the thoughts that you think every single day. So if your thoughts are stuck in fear, doubt and relentless worries, it's time to change that. Let's start creating a life filled with more than just coping – let's start creating a life where we're thriving with MS. These are the practical strategies to help you get there.  

Is there something that you know that you “should” be doing to improve your health, but you can't quite make it happen? If you're listening to this podcast, you may think this way about the Wahls Protocol. It's a scientifically proven diet to improve quality of life with multiple sclerosis - the very thing we're desperate to achieve, yet we can't quite seem to stay on it. It feels too restrictive, the meals seem boring and bland, and nothing about it seems appealing… expect the results. So is there an easier way to get those results?  As a nutrition coach specializing in MS and autoimmune disease, these are my top 5 steps to being consistent on the Wahls Protocol.   

Nutrition can be complicated. Managing MS is definitely complicated. So trying to understand a diet that is both effective and realistic can feel impossible. It makes you want to throw your hands up, but you can't because you want to keep MS stable. You just need some simple steps to help get you started.  That's exactly what I'm offering today. I want to help set you up for success this year, so as a Nutrition Coach specializing in MS I'm sharing my top 3 nutrition tips for managing multiple sclerosis. 

Do you feel like you missed the boat on New Year's resolutions? Maybe you were too burned out from the holidays or you already fell off the bandwagon. Or maybe New Years resolutions aren't your thing, you're just simply looking for a fresh start to eating better and to manage your diagnosis. If so, Season 3 of My MS Podcast is for you! And I want to kick it off on a personal note. I want to share with you how I'm resetting after I got derailed from my routine. Here's a look at how I reset when I feel like I've fallen off the bandwagon.  Because let's be honest, life can be really hard sometimes. And when you're living with a chronic illness like MS, you don't ever get a break from it. Yet, life still throws you curveballs. So let's talk about how to get back up when life knocks you down.   

Happy Holidays to all my fellow MS sisters and brothers. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the support you've given me since we started My MS Podcast. I also want to wish you and your family a happy holiday season.

When it comes to eating during the holidays, we immediately think of the holiday parties and big family dinners because those are the events with the big spread of food. They're the moments that you may struggle to choose the healthy option. But what if I told you that eating certain foods BEFORE you even get to the party can help to make better choices at the party. And eating certain foods after the party will help you recover faster from a food hangover. Listen in before your next holiday party. 

Can alcohol trigger MS symptoms or even a flare? Is there a “safe” amount to drink? Is one alcohol better to have than another? These questions may be popping up this holiday season when you tend to be around alcohol more often. So, do you sip or skip a holiday beverage? Today's episode isn't just your generic talk about moderation. That's important, but you've already heard that message. Today, I'm sharing research, recommendations and even some personal stories, so you can make an informed decision that works for you this holiday season.

Following the Wahls Protocol is hard on any day let alone the holidays. There's so much good food around. Everyone is making their favorite dishes and it can easily feel like you're stuck with the same smoothie and salad that you eat every other day throughout the year. You don't get to indulge in the cookies, candy, pies and the spreads of delicious food. So, is it really worth it? Or should you just “enjoy the holidays” and start back once the New Year rolls around. If this sounds like the ongoing debate in your head, you're not alone, and this message is for you. Let's talk about strategies to stay motivated to follow the Wahls Protocol so you can keep feeling your best all season long.

Today I have a special treat for you!    Dr. Wahls offered to come on My MS Podcast to share her story and her latest research. She even answered some of your burning questions, like how do I decide on a treatment plan when I'm newly diagnosed and how do I start the protocol when it feels so overwhelming at first?    When I was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2016, Dr. Wahls' book was one of the first that I read to create my wellness journey with MS.    Well, I became so passionate about her work that I got certified as a Wahls Protocol Health Practitioner and dedicated my practice to helping individuals adopt the Wahls Protocol.    And we see it time and time again how food can in fact help us live a better life with Multiple Sclerosis.    So let's dive into this special episode and hear directly from Dr. Wahls.  

Does the holiday season bring more anxiety than cheer due to MS brain fog? You're definitely not alone. For many in our MS community, brain fog feels like an uninvited guest at our holiday gatherings. In this episode, we're going to have a heart-to-heart about real, practical strategies to help you navigate through the fog. You'll learn how to enjoy conversations with your family and friends with more ease and confidence. Let's dive in, because you shouldn't miss out on a single moment of holiday joy!

For all the moms out striving to make the holidays special for your kids but forever feeling held back by MS fatigue, this episode is your holiday lifeline.    Juggling the magic of the holiday season with the reality of MS fatigue is not easy.    You never want to feel like you're choosing between your children and your health, but some days that's exactly what it feels like.   Let's talk about how to create meaningful and memorable holidays without it coming at the expense of your health.    This episode is your guide to balancing holiday cheer with self-care.  

Do you experience gift-giving anxiety? Maybe you never had the actual words for it, but the stress and the pressure to get the perfect gifts and to pull it off financially was undeniable. Well, today, in honor of Black Friday, when this feeling can be at its peak, I'm inviting you to wave goodbye to gift-giving anxiety. Let's take the pressure off of feeling like you have to break the bank to give the best gift. Whether you're crafty, tech-savvy, or simply looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is your guide to making this gift-giving season uniquely special.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow. One of the biggest food events of the year.  You got the turkey, stuffing, cornbread, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pie, apple pie… it's like the feast of gluten, dairy and sugar… all the things we're trying to avoid to best manage MS. That's hard. That's hard physically, mentally, emotionally - and it's hard socially. Will other people make comments or judgements about what you're eating or not eating?  Will they ask questions that you're not prepared to answer? Will you feel separated from the family because you're not eating off the same plate as them?  I want to have a little heart to heart with you before we show up at the dinner table tomorrow.  And I want to share some tips with you to navigate the social side of eating.  

“Thank You" are certainly two words that I never thought I would be saying to Multiple Sclerosis.    Why would I thank the incurable disease that's attacking my brain?    Yet having lived with this diagnosis for more than 7 years now, I can honestly say that it actually has changed some things for the better.    In this special Thanksgiving episode, I'm talking about gratitude - not just from the easy days - but from the lessons it's taught me and the unexpected ways it's changed my life and how it can for you too.    And if you're in a season right now, where you're struggling to find hope in this diagnosis, I have a message for you too - straight from my heart to yours.  

Why is it so hard to be consistent with the healthy habits that we know will help us to feel better and to manage multiple sclerosis? If we know certain foods boost our energy and other foods will make the fatigue and brain fog worse, why… why do we struggle to make those changes in our diet? Because change is hard.  We have to make it easier to close the gap from where we are now and where we want to be.  One of the ways I find it helpful to close the gap is by using a wellness tracker.  It's a daily practice that takes 5 minutes or less and keeps me both accountable and consistent.  If you're looking for accountability and consistency in managing your MS, this episode is for you.  I'm giving you a behind the scenes look at my personal wellness tracker and sharing a free copy with you to help you get better results in your wellness journey. I'm thrilled you're here, now let's get started.

What comes to mind when you think of a Symptom Tracker?    If I'm keeping it real, I think of it as yet one more thing to do.    One more thing to add to my list of things that I need to do because I have MS.    I think of it as something that takes more time away from my day.   And why am I doing it?    Just to have a tangible reflection of life with MS? That sounds depressing.    And it gives me zero motivation to start a symptom tracker, let alone be consistent with one.   And yet, I'm about to start one back up again.   Not because it's something that I “should” do.   But because I stepped outside of the box and took a bit of a non-traditional approach so it was something that worked for me.    I created my own tracker and I'm sharing a free copy with you.    And this discussion is actually going to be a two part series.    Today's episode is all about trackers - what to track, why you use them and what to do with the information.    In the next episode I'm going to talk about my personal best practices for tracking and what the process has looked like for me over the years including the times when I was in a groove and the times when I completely fell off the bandwagon.    And I'll also share with you how you can get a copy of my personal tracker for free at alenebrennan.com/tracker.