What would you do with extra time each day?

“Thank you Avior Nutritionals for helping those living with MS find a higher level of wellness and for sponsoring this post.”  


An Open Letter to My Friends Living with MS

Caroline Craven - the Girl with MS


To my friends living with MS, 

What would you do with more time in the day?  Even 5 minutes? 

That’s what I’m asking myself now, almost every day.  

I used to rest and take naps in the afternoon.   I never scheduled anything after lunch.  Who knows how I would feel?  

But things are different now. I continue to take better care of myself.  Yoga, gentle living, and healthy eating are just a few things I focus on.  Going to the doctors and taking my vitamins are also kept up on a regular basis.  

And then, last spring, I added Myetin into the mix.  It has been a huge bonus in my life.  The spasms and pain have been greatly reduced.  But most impressive has been this new found energy.  

Myetin is a combination of high-dose biotin and NAD+ made by Avior Nutritionals.

I know that this post is sponsored by Avior Nutritionals, but I am writing from the heart to say that sure do wish I had started this supplement much earlier.   On a daily basis I am amazed at the level of my afternoon energy on any given day.  

Whale Watching Pacific Ocean
Everyone with MS is different. And I am not a medical professional. But, there is scientific research behind high dose biotin and its potential benefits for those living with MS. 

And dang, if they don’t taste great.   I’m grateful that I can’t overdose on them.  As I’ve said before, these are my Scooby snacks.  After my pills, and only after do I get to slowly dissolve my Myetin.  

Please consult your health care provider.  And as always, if you have any question at all, please feel free contact me online at GirlwithMS.com


I still have down days, where a rest is needed after lunch.  But these occurrences are scant compared to the past.  Lately my afternoons are spent with friends, puttering in the garden, cooking for the family or working on MS advocacy.  Wow.  
Enjoying Harvest Festival! 
It’s still a rare occasion that I plan anything too important in the afternoon.  But if it’s necessary I seem to be able to pull through.  

Never imagined this energy would return.  

Thank you Avior Nutritionals for all you do to say #takeTHATms!  

Best, 



Caroline Craven
@thegirlwithMS


This blog post created in partnership with Avior Nutritionals. 

Guest Blog Post: Dr. Terry Wahls Recruiting for Diet Study


TWO MS DIET STUDIES are RECRUITING

MS Diet Study Research Opportunity Worldwide 
Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are very interested in dietary approaches to managing MS-related symptoms. 

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of research on which diet people should follow. Research has mostly focused on which supplements to take. Studying food choices and diet is much more complicated and equally as important. 



Right now there are two studies planned to examine if there specific diets that help reduce MS-related symptoms.

To find out the impact of specific diets, we need participants. Please consider enrolling in these two studies. 



  Dr. Terry Wahls  

1st STUDY:  Dietary Approaches to Treating MS-Related Fatigue 
Dr. Terry Wahls does clinical research at the University of Iowa, studying diet in the setting of multiple sclerosis. We are conducting an interventional study to understand how diet can affect fatigue. 

In our study we will be comparing the effectiveness of the low–saturated fat diet (Swank) and the modified Paleo (Wahls Elimination) for reducing the severity of MS-related fatigue symptoms and quality of life.   

The study lasts 36 weeks. We conduct baseline assessments and ask participants to continue eating their usual diet for 12 weeks, during which time there are repeat assessments. Then patients are randomized to one of the two study diets, trained on their assigned diet, and receive coaching calls to help them successfully adopt and sustain the study diet. There are repeat assessments 12 and 24 weeks later. 

We are currently recruiting participants and will continue recruiting through early 2019. Participants must have a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS, fatigue, and live within 500 miles of Iowa City, Iowa. This includes the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin, and parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. 

Individuals interested in being considered for enrollment in this study may complete screening questionnaires and use code JMJPYEJHP. 

For questions, please email MSDietStudy@healthcare.uiowa.edu or call 319-384-5002.



2nd Study:  Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Multiple Sclerosis  
The second study is an observational study being conducted at Bastyr University for people with MS, optic neuritis, or clinically isolated syndrome. The survey asks participants about their diet, complementary and alternative medicine use, current symptoms, and quality of life. 


Participants are asked to complete surveys twice a year. Because it follows people over time, this study can also help answer questions about which diet is associated with better quality of life and fewer MS-related symptoms. 

Also, because this is a survey-only study, people can participate from all over the globe. You can learn more about this study and complete the surveys using this link.

Please consider participating in these important studies and encourage others to consider participating as well. Changing clinical practice so dietary advice is part of the care for people with MS requires research that asks the question, “Can diet reduce MS disease severity?”  

We have two studies asking that question. MS researchers from around the globe including myself and the MS community are anxiously awaiting the results from these studies. I hope you’ll consider participating. 

We’d love to include you!