The old post about mushrooms and MS
In October 2019, we wrote a post about how magic mushrooms (magic mushrooms) could play a role in reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The older post, which focused primarily on stress reduction and increasing BDNF, can be read via the following link:
Update in 2023
After many questions from people with MS and further developments, it's time for an update on psilocybin and MS. After we published the previous post, a small study was conducted with psilocybin in people with MS. This 2019 study investigated the effects of psilocybin on depressive symptoms and quality of life in people with advanced MS. The results showed that psilocybin reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and that the improvement in quality of life persisted for up to five weeks after treatment in some participants. Unfortunately, the effect of psilocybin on MS was not investigated further.
Our experience with people with MS
We often notice an improvement in mood in our former clients with MS, just like in the small-scale study from 2019. A better mood often also helps them cope better with MS. Furthermore, stress reduction can help some people reduce their MS symptoms. In theory, psilocybin can reduce the damage caused by MS by increasing neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. This is initiated by increasing BDNF through psilocybin. However, we don't have long-term programs where we can follow people with MS. All our experiences are based on a few sessions and anecdotal evidence. For now, everything is theoretical.
The theory behind psilocybin and MS
Besides stress reduction and improved mood, which can be significant in MS, BDNF plays a significant role. Taking a moderate to high dose of psilocybin (15-45mg) causes psilocybin to exhibit significant activity on the 5HT2a receptors after conversion to psilocin. This increased activity leads to the production of large amounts of BDNF.
BDNF is a neurotrophin that stimulates neuronal repair and the creation of new nerve connections. If more new connections are created than are destroyed by MS, this could theoretically slow or even reverse MS. However, there is no scientific evidence yet that BDNF works in people with MS. A study in mice with an MS-like disease found that treatment with BDNF reduced the disease progression and reduced inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system. Another study in human cell cultures suggested that BDNF may have neuroprotective effects against the inflammatory response seen in MS. Therefore, it strongly appears that BDNF plays a role in MS.
How often should you do a psilocybin session?
We advise clients without MS to have a psychedelic session at a higher dosage no more than once every one to two months. For people with MS, we advise them to maintain a minimum interval of two weeks. Repeating sessions too soon can lead to tolerance. The ideal interval is between two and ten weeks.
A guided psilocybin session
Looking for guidance with your higher-dose psilocybin session? We can help! We recommend completing the intake form below. This will allow us to screen for health and safety. We'll also advise you on the best medication and dosage. The intake will also serve as the basis for advice during your psychedelic session preparation. The intake form can be found via the link below:
Increasing BDNF can also be done in other ways
While psilocybin, DMT, and LSD can significantly increase BDNF, there are other things you can do that will increase it to a lesser extent. It's best to do as many things as possible at once. There are also a number of things you should avoid. A list of these BDNF-related things is given in the article below:
Read here how to increase BDNF
Significant BDNF increase without psychedelics
The Japanese company PeptiGrowth is developing a signaling substance that you can take as an alternative. You no longer need a psychedelic trip to increase BDNF. This, of course, has its advantages and disadvantages, as the psychedelic experience can contribute to changes in mood. The advantage is that you can significantly increase BDNF without tripping. The name of this alternative is TrkB agonist peptide. We recommend following the science surrounding psilocybin and the TrkB agonist peptide and, if studies show we are on the right track, alternating monthly psilocybin sessions with this new TrkB agonist peptide. This peptide is expected to be available for research in March 2023.
What else can you do?
In MS, the immune system attacks the body's own nerve cells. The fatty myelin is what is attacked by the immune system. Therefore, something in the myelin may be present that shouldn't be there. It has often been suggested that heavy metals can accumulate in fatty substances. It is advisable to limit the intake of fat-soluble harmful substances such as heavy metals and microplastics.
Myelin is produced by specialized cells called oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (nerves that run throughout the body). These cells produce and maintain the myelin sheath through a complex process known as myelination. Myelination involves nutrients from your diet such as vitamin B12, iron, and healthy fats. Healthy fats are very important, but the problem today is that we consume too many unhealthy fats. Furthermore, the healthy fats we do consume become unhealthy when heated. These fats oxidize and contribute to inflammation in tissues and possibly also myelin. With MS, it is therefore especially important to consume healthy fats.
Read more about it here healthy fats and chronic inflammation