logo
episode-header-image
Jul 1
40m 50s

Beyond the Prescription Pad: Complementa...

BARRY SINGER, MD
About this episode

Most people living with multiple sclerosis explore complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) as part of their care. Complementary therapies—such as supplements, special diets, or mind-body practices—are used alongside disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), while alternative therapies are chosen instead of them. In this episode, we dive into commonly used CAM approaches, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplements like turmeric and alpha-lipoic acid, as well as dietary strategies like the Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting, and modified paleo.

We also explore mind-body therapies—yoga, stretching, Pilates, and meditation—that may reduce stress, enhance well-being, and even lower inflammation. Plus, we examine alternative treatments such as low-dose naltrexone (LDN), CCSVI procedures, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, along with the potential risks of bypassing conventional care. Thoughtfully chosen and openly discussed with your healthcare team, CAM can play a meaningful supportive role in living well with MS.

Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, interviews:

Elizabeth Silbermann MD, MS Regional Director, VA Portland Health Care System and Assistant Professor of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University.

Daniel Bandari MD, Medical Director and the Founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of California Clinic and Research Group, Laguna Hills, Orange County, California and Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neuro-immunology, University of Southern California

Up next
Jun 10
Boosting Brain Health: Blueprint for MS
Living with multiple sclerosis brings unique challenges to brain health, but there are powerful steps you can take to support and protect your mind. Exercise not only improves endurance and reduces fatigue, but also helps rewire brain networks to promote resilience. Restorative s ... Show More
35m 40s
May 20
Secondary Progressive MS: Next Chapter
Figuring out if your multiple sclerosis is changing from the relapsing remitting to the secondary progressive stage can be murky. Signs of progression are discussed like slower walking and worsening memory. The underlying reasons for progression are revealed including nervous sys ... Show More
37m 47s
Oct 2024
Mind Over MS: Strategies for Staying Positive
Facing the first symptoms and a new multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be terrifying, leaving you with a flood of questions about your future. How do you navigate your career, relationships, and whether to start a family? The uncertainty can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to g ... Show More
38m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
August 2024 Neurology Recall: Topics in Multiple Sclerosis
The August 2024 recall showcases four previously posted episodes on the topic of Multiple Sclerosis. In the first episode, Dr. Géraldine Androdias discusses the impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors on multiple sclerosis. The episode leads into Dr. Bob Fox discussing the relatio ... Show More
1h 12m
Apr 2024
Are we close to a breakthrough for Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease which can lead to loss of mobility and vision. Almost 3 million people worldwide are affected by it. There is no cure, but attempts are being made to accelerate the healing process with treatments to restore what the disease has d ... Show More
22m 58s
Aug 2024
Episode 916: Central Cord Syndrome
Contributor: Taylor Lynch, MD Educational Pearls: What is Central Cord Syndrome (CCS)? Incomplete spinal cord injury caused by trauma that compresses the center of the cord More common in hyperextension injuries like falling and hitting the chin Usually happens only in individual ... Show More
6m 44s
May 7
Your Brain On... Brain-Computer Interfaces
Restoring a person’s ability to speak, enabling individuals with paralysis to regain movement, and detecting neurodegenerative diseases earlier than ever — these are just some of the breakthroughs brain-computer interfaces are making possible. In this episode, we explore the asto ... Show More
51m 37s
Jan 2025
Development of the Nervous System
Early in fetal development, the precursors of the major systems in the body are outlined. The three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm) are formed during the third week of development. We’ll focus on the ectoderm, from which the entire nervous system (central and periphera ... Show More
20m 39s
May 2023
Episode 57 - Infections of the Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nervous System
An overview of some common and important infections of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. With Drs. Aaron Bower, Harry Sutherland and Jeremy Moeller. Note: This podcast is intended solely as an educational tool for learners, especially neurology residents. The content ... Show More
51m 14s
Apr 2023
The Disease with a Thousand Faces: A Closer Look at MS and Mental Health
Multiple Sclerosis is a complex disease that can take a long time to diagnose and may present with a multitude of symptoms - explaining why it is sometimes referred to as "The disease with a thousand faces." In this Listen Well episode, host Dr. Mo Alsuwaidan delves into the pati ... Show More
32m 5s
Jul 2022
EP #1108: What's Your Dosha and Why It Matters To You Health & Is a Great Way to Boost Self-Care
Send us a textLisa is joined by Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, MD, is a neurologist, neuroscientist and an internationally recognized expert in the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine.  She goes in-depth with Lisa about Ayurvedic Medicine and in particular the doshas.  She blew Lisa&a ... Show More
50m 48s
Mar 2022
#30 Myotonic dystrophy
Sam chats to neurology SpR Dr Tom Minton about Myotonic dystrophy, covering every possible clinical sign whether it's a peripheral nerve examination or a cranial nerve examination. Tom also tackles Reg Against the Machine on a topic very close to his heart....you'll have to liste ... Show More
36m 22s