This protocol outlines a comprehensive approach to supporting recovery from multiple sclerosis (MS), emphasizing dietary modifications, light optimization, and physical activity. This can also be used for any other neurological issue as well.
Note: some of the units for various biomarkers may need to be converted to the ones used by your local lab. AI engines such as Google Gemini can help with this
Dietary Intervention
The cornerstone of this protocol is a strict, high-fat, carnivore “lion” diet, predominantly consisting of beef and lamb, with 2g of fat for every 1g of protein, as detailed in my videos. All carbohydrates, sugars, and alcohol must be strictly excluded to induce and maintain ketosis, and to prevent further damage and inflammation to the nervous system. Ketones serve as the brain’s preferred energy source and readily cross the blood-brain barrier, where they are converted into fatty acids, the essential building blocks for brain tissue.
Prioritize grass-fed fats such as tallow, butter, or lamb fat, incorporating them into every meal for optimal results. Exclusively eating grass-fed meat is not required, these fats can be purchased separately. Grass-fed butter is readily available, as is grass finished tallow, and less often grass finished lamb. Bone marrow and even brain are excellent options as well, if available. Wild-caught fatty fish is also acceptable; however, grass-finished lamb fat contains approximately 20 times the omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) compared to even oily wild-caught fish. DHA, EPA, and cholesterol are essential for myelin sheath regeneration on axons.
*If you cannot get grass finished before lamb, that’s fine, just get the best quality beef or lamb that you can, and try to supplement with grass finished beef or lamb fats, or grass fed butter and ghee.
**No dairy or milk products should be consumed apart from grass fed butter or ghee, and some will need to avoid even those.
***Some autoimmune sufferers are extremely sensitive and will need to predominantly eat grass fed and finished ruminant meat, but most do just fine on grain finished. If you are not getting the results you think you should however, try switching to grass-fed and finished.
Nutritional Supplementation
For the first month, consume 50-100g (a few ounces) of liver daily. This can then be reduced to three times per week, with concurrent monitoring of B12 and homocysteine to maintain optimal levels. Maintain B12 levels between 800-1200 pmol/L or 1100-1600 pg/mL (American units). Homocysteine levels should remain below 7. If homocysteine is elevated, regardless of B12 levels, increase B12 intake.
If liver consumption is not feasible, supplement with a methylated multi-B vitamin and/or sublingual methylcobalamin (methylated B12), not cyanocobalamin or other forms. Allow the sublingual dose (2000-2500 mcg daily for the first month) to dissolve under the tongue for at least five minutes before swallowing. Monitor B12 levels as described above and adjust accordingly. When testing B12 levels, discontinue B vitamin and B12 supplementation for approximately one week prior to the test to avoid artificially elevated results. Supplemental B vitamins can also interfere with other blood tests, particularly B7 (biotin).
Light Optimization and Circadian Rhythm
Optimize vitamin D levels and circadian rhythm by exposing yourself to direct sunlight for 30 minutes each morning, looking towards the sun (but not directly at it). Refrain from wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, or corrective lenses during this time. Direct, unfiltered sunlight exposure on as much skin as possible, including the eyes, is crucial, and multiple exposures throughout the day are beneficial. Minimize exposure to screens and artificial blue light, especially in the evenings. Wear blue-light-blocking glasses when using electronic devices or under artificial light after sunset. Remember that MS prevalence decreases closer to the equator; emulate these conditions as much as possible.
Maximize vitamin D absorption by delaying showering for at least six to eight hours after sun exposure. Vitamin D is produced in the skin’s sebum and can be washed away, particularly with soap. Absorption can take up to 48 hours, so allowing at least six to eight hours is essential. Vitamin D3 can also be obtained from wild-caught fatty fish and grass-fed animal fats. Monitor vitamin D levels six weeks from commencing the protocol, aiming for the high end of the normal range or preferably above. While supplemental vitamin D3 with K2 is an option, natural sunlight exposure and proper diet is preferred. An optimal range for vitamin D that I use is between 140 and 180 nmol/L, but for things like cancer and neurological recovery I typically want to see this above 220 nmol/L.
Take repeat blood tests every 6-8 weeks in to order optimize these levels and maintain them there. Once stabilized with your current diet +/- supplementation, you can can extend this period to once every 6 months.
Physical Activity
Maintain an active lifestyle. Nerve stimulation promotes growth and repair. Engage in as much activity as possible, gradually increasing intensity each week. As tolerated, incorporate resistance training and, if possible, sprinting. If walking is all you can do though, then walk. If not, then work your way up to walking.
Important Considerations
Underlying Principles
This protocol addresses the root causes of MS and provides the resources and stimuli for tissue repair. The dietary and light hygiene modifications aim to halt further damage. The specified nutrients and light exposure provide the building blocks for repair, while exercise and light stimulate regrowth.
The Crucial Role of Light
One example of the beneficial nature of light is UVA exposure. UVA light directed into the eyes (without glasses or other filters), stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes brain growth, healing, and myelin repair. Proper light hygiene offers numerous benefits beyond BDNF stimulation, but it would be well worth it even if this were the only one.
By adhering to this comprehensive protocol, individuals with MS can potentially achieve significantly improved outcomes compared to standard care.
For the best results, ensure you are receiving proper medical supervision, particularly with regard to supplementation, blood work, and medications. Do not stop any medications until or unless it is appropriate to do so under medical supervision.
*This is not medical advice for the treatment of any disease, just general nutritional advice and recommendations to help optimize neurological function and recovery. Always work closely with your healthcare provider when implementing any new diets, interventions, or protocols to see if they are appropriate for you.
**Further nutritional supplements that you will already get in the carnivore diet but are beneficial to neurological function and recovery can be considered, such as choline, creatine, and carnitine.
