Rebuilding Your Stem Cells Naturally

Hey there! This post may contain affiliate links. It won't cost you extra but it will help pay for this blog. Thank you for your support! You can read the full disclosure policy here.

Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Cathy

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease. It causes the body’s immune system to attack the myelin sheath which protects the nerves. As the myelin becomes damaged communication between the nerve cells is permanently damaged.

Fortunately, the body has an amazing ability to heal itself including myelin. Researchers are currently searching for ways to repair the myelin sheath. Until then, there are things you can do to help rebuild your stem cells naturally.

Relapsing-Remitting MS

The majority of people with MS have relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). This is when a person will have an attack (relapse or exacerbation), then partial or full recovery. They can go into remission for weeks, months, or sometimes years before another attack.

After an attack, the body has the ability to repair the myelin which allows the nerves to work again. Oligodendrocytes are special cells in the brain that help repair myelin. After an MS attack, oligodendrocytes travel to the site of damage to repair it.

After repeated attacks and as the person begins to age, oligodendrocytes stop responding. This leads to permanent damage of the nerves and disability.

The key to recovering from MS damage is to rebuild myelin.

Ad for The Ultimate Guide for Surviving & Thriving with MS

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) is an alternative treatment for MS. It is a radical treatment plan but it is highly effective for people with RRMS. Patients receive chemotherapy which kills the immune system. Afterward, the body rebuilds itself using its own stem cells.

It works best for people who are early on in their disease course and have highly active RRMS. If you have one of these three factors then HSCT is not a good option for you.

You may not want to have HSCT if:

Been living with MS for more than 10 years
Have a more advanced stage of MS
Older than 50 years

How HSCT Works

First, the patient receives drugs to get stem cells into the blood. Then they have blood drawn to extract the stem cells. The patient then goes through chemotherapy to wipe out their immune system.

Meanwhile, doctors treat the stem cells and stored them until needed. Finally, their stem cells go back into their blood through an intravenous (IV) drip. Then the treated stem cells get to work regrowing a healthy immune system.

After the treatment, patients stay in an isolated room free of other infections. This is usually about 30 days. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to fully recover. For some people, it can take up to one year.

This is an intense treatment that is highly expensive. Find a facility that is “accredited” by the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). To find a location in the U.S. visit the ~~FACT website~~.

Rebuilding Stem Cells Naturally

Woman in hospital being comforted by a nurse.

Instead of going through a radical procedure, rebuild your stem cells naturally. Stem cells thrive in certain environments, what you eat and how you live will make a huge difference.

To detox at a cellular level eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Eat organic as much as possible, including produce and meats. When you eat conventionally raised meats you are eating toxins.

Berries like blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries are powerful antioxidants. Herbs like ginger lower systemic inflammation. I put cinnamon, garlic, and ginger on most of my meals.

Cinnamon lowers blood sugar which infections like yeast overgrowth feed on. Garlic is an antibacterial, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory, lowers blood sugar, and reduces oxidative stress. Ginger also passes the blood-brain barrier contributing to positive effects of the CNS.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and bok choy are some of the best foods for stem cell growth. Leafy greens and colorful veggies are also important.

Remove bad fats and replace them with good fats. Healthy fats reduce inflammation and promote cell growth and brain function.

Examples of good fats include:

Avocado
Coconut milk
Coconut oil
Dark chocolate
Fatty fish
Nuts such as walnuts which have omega-3s
Olive oil
Seeds such as flaxseeds, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower

Fatty fish like salmon and trout are powerful stem cell activators. Plus, they are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 lowers inflammation and helps rebuild myelin. I also take Omega Plus by Thorne Research.

Drink 2 liters of water daily (8- 8 oz glasses). – This is very important when detoxing.

If you struggle with urinary urgency drink smaller amounts throughout the day. Make sure you are having bowel movements every day or your body will reabsorb the toxins. Eating a high-fiber diet will help keep you regular.

Chia seeds are high in fiber, sprinkle them on your food and in smoothies. Ground chia seeds are easier to digest which is better when trying to heal your gut. Plus, your body absorbs more antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.

Make sure you start with a smaller amount like a teaspoon and work your way up. This will help avoid bloating, gut pains, running stools, and diarrhea.

Avoid refined sugar, heavily processed foods, and alcohol intake. If you smoke stop. Smoking not only increases the risk of MS it is also associated with a faster decline.

Intermittent Fasting or Long-term Fasting

Fasting is another way to help rebuild stem cells. Intermittent fasting is where you eat for a certain amount of hours and then fast the rest of the time. For example, eat during an eight-hour period and then fast throughout the night for 16 hours.

Long-term fasting is the fastest way to rebuild stem cells. You must drink lots of water during this time. A person can go without food for weeks but their body starts shutting down the first day without water. Plus, drinking water helps make you feel more full.

The first day is usually the hardest, especially if you’re addicted to sugar. On the second day, most people start to feel more energized and less hungry.

According to Dr. Pradip Jamnadas, a person who has an autoimmune flare should fast for three days. He says it’s the most potent thing you can do as an anti-inflammatory. Plus, it gives your gut a chance to heal which is a common problem for people with MS.

Check out Dr. Jamnadas’s “Fasting For Survival” video below, it is very interesting:

After fasting, drink a cup of bone broth first before eating any food.

NOTE: Don’t fast if you are a diabetic, pregnant, nursing, or underweight. Also if you have a history of eating disorders or any other health issue where you need to eat.

Quick Links To Information In This Post:

Natural Remedies For Gut Health
Why You Should Be Eating More Omega-3 Vs. Omega-6
The Importance Of Protein

Lifestyle Habits to Help Build Stem Cells

Exercise! It helps lower inflammation, keeps you mobile, and helps rebuild stem cells. I love to use OptimalBody Personal Fitness. It’s an online gym especially created for people with MS. The owner is a fellow MS’er who knows from experience what works for the MS body.

Get 7-8 hours of good quality sleep, your body heals while you are sleeping. When you don’t get enough sleep it can affect your balance, and thinking, and make your symptoms feel worse. Lack of sleep can lead to other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Lack of sleep causes cell stress and death. Sleep is vital for your well-being!