My personal story with living with multiple sclerosis (MS) + hope + practical steps
For 20 years, summers were my enemy. I was living with MS heat intolerance. Also known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon. I’d step outside when it was only 70 degrees, and my body would start shutting down. My face turned bright red. My legs got so weak that my husband had to help me get inside. It would take hours to feel normal again.
Then, in 90 days, it was gone.
Here’s exactly what I changed — and why I think it worked.
📋 Quick Reference: My 90-Day Protocol
What I Eliminated: I already eliminated dairy, grains, processed foods, and refined sugar. But then I eliminated pork, tuna, fermented foods, and vinegar.
What I Added: Vitamin D, B vitamins, omega-3, and flaxseeds. This is when I added more leafy greens and flaxseeds. I also worked on lowering my stress.
Timeline: Started changes in March, breakthrough moment in June.
Result: Complete elimination of heat intolerance after 20 years.
My Life with MS Heat Intolerance
For two decades, living with MS heat intolerance was my prison.
My body didn’t sweat like it should. Even at 70 degrees, I’d start falling apart. My eyes would black out. My legs would turn to jelly. I needed help just to get back inside.
As the years went by, it got worse and worse.
I remember one summer when our air conditioner broke. We called for repairs, but there was a heat wave. Everyone was backed up. Our house got so hot that I went into our walk-in closet, where it was cooler. I just sat there crying.
When my husband came home, he immediately drove to Home Depot. He bought a window AC unit that same day. I felt so depressed and defeated.
The heat didn’t affect my daily life in winter. But from spring through fall? I was trapped. I turned down barbecues. I skipped picnics. Even at my own house, when my family went outside, I stayed in. I felt left out and isolated.
The Turning Point
In March of 2015, I decided to try something different. I was tired of just managing symptoms. I wanted to find the root cause.
I was already following the Paleo diet without seeing improvements. Instead, I decided to change it to fit MY specific needs. A week later, I visited a functional medicine provider. He recommended supplements based on my individual situation.
What I Changed (The 90-Day Plan)
Diet Changes
Since I was already following The Wahls Protocol, I decided it was time for a change. That’s when I decided to listen to my body. I eliminated foods that I believed would help my body. I also increased my leafy greens to 6-8 cups each day.
If you’d like to see how I easily eat that many leafy greens, check out this post.
Foods I removed:
- Pork (parasite concerns)
- Tuna (high mercury)
- Fermented foods (gave me rashes)
- Vinegar (feeds harmful microbes and may cause dehydration)
Vinegar is highly acidic, with a pH typically between 2 and 4 according to research (NCBI).
Supplements I Took
My functional medicine provider recommended specific supplements for my needs:
- Vitamin D
- B vitamins
- Omega-3
- Flaxseeds for additional omega-3
🌿 Important Note:
Everyone’s needs are different. Work with a healthcare provider who understands your specific situation. What worked for me might not be right for you.
Lifestyle Support
I had already made some healthy changes:
- Using clean household products
- Regular exercise
- Getting enough sleep
- Working on stress management
When I Noticed My MS Heat Intolerance Was Gone
Three months later, in June, my husband and I drove to town. It was a warm day.
Suddenly, I realized something amazing. My body wasn’t shutting down. I wasn’t getting weak or red-faced. I felt… normal.
We drove home without the air conditioning just to test it. In the past, even in an air-conditioned car, the sun shining on me would make me feel awful. But not this time!
I couldn’t believe it. I tested it over and over again.
The Emotional Impact of My Heat Intolerance
I was beyond thrilled. I was shocked.
In March, I hoped to see some small improvement. I NEVER dreamed it would happen so fast. I never imagined my heat intolerance would completely disappear.
“Thrilled” doesn’t even capture how I felt. After 20 years of being trapped indoors, I had my freedom back.
Why I Think It Worked
I believe the diet changes reduced inflammation in my body. I removed foods that trigger the immune system. This let my body focus on healing instead of fighting. It doesn’t matter if the food is “healthy” if it doesn’t like it, it’s a problem.
Functional medicine looks for root causes, not just symptom management. My provider helped me understand what MY body needed specifically.
The supplements supported my healing process. But the real magic happened when I gave my body the right fuel and removed what was hurting it.
Everyone’s healing path is different. But I believe we can improve our symptoms with the right changes for our unique bodies.
What Happened Next
After 5-6 months, several of my symptoms had improved dramatically. Then I went through a stressful period, and my progress stalled.
I learned something important: stress is a huge factor. When your body thinks it’s under threat (even if it’s something minor), it shuts down healing. But when your body feels safe, it turns healing back on.
Today, instead of avoiding stress, I work on how I react to it. I talk to myself like I would talk to a good friend. I give myself encouragement. I remind myself I’m doing my best.
My Current Approach
I don’t take as many supplements anymore. Instead, I get nutrients through food:
- Lots of leafy greens
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Flaxseeds
- Plenty of water
I still take vitamin D and B12 since I eat mostly vegetables.
This experience helped me create my Nourish and Heal protocol. It’s a simple approach to healing through food.
Takeaways for You
If you’re struggling with MS heat intolerance, here are steps to consider:
- Work with a functional medicine provider who looks for root causes
- Try an anti-inflammatory diet that works for your body
- Address nutrient deficiencies with targeted supplements
- Focus on stress management – it’s more important than you think
- Be patient but persistent – healing takes time
Remember: listen to your body. What worked for me might not work exactly the same for you. But change IS possible.
You Are Not Stuck
If you’re struggling with MS heat intolerance or any MS symptom, know this: change is possible. I’m living proof. I lived with MS heat intolerance for 20 years, and it disappeared!
After years of being trapped by the heat, I can now enjoy summer days with my family. I can go to barbecues and picnics. I can step outside without fear.
You don’t have to stay stuck where you are.
What MS symptom would you most love to see improve? Share in the comments below – let’s support each other on this healing journey.
☀️ Beat MS Heat Intolerance — Starting Today
Struggling with MS heat intolerance? You’re not alone. Download my free guide, Beat the Heat: The 90-Day MS Recovery Plan, and discover simple changes that can calm heat symptoms, boost energy, and help you feel more in control this summer. You’ll also be signed up for my MS in the Country newsletter for extra tips.