How does gut health affect MS – and what role can diet really play in supporting the immune system? In this episode of Living Well with MS, Geoff is joined by Overcoming MS Program Facilitator Karen Lee – retired intensive care nurse, nutritionist, author and recipe developer. Karen shares her MS journey and explains, in clear and accessible terms, how gut health, inflammation and diet are connected in autoimmune conditions such as MS.

They explore dysbiosis and “leaky gut”, why fibre and the microbiome matter, and how whole-food plant-based eating fits within the Overcoming MS dietary recommendations. Karen also talks about her new book Healing from the Inside Out and shares practical, fatigue-friendly tips for eating more plants – without overwhelm.

Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.

00:56 Welcome and introduction to Karen

01:49 Karen’s MS journey: diagnosis, optic neuritis and early changes

04:46 From intensive care nursing to nutrition, writing and teaching

09:32 Understanding the Overcoming MS diet recommendations

10:36 Why diet matters for immune health: nutrients, fats, fibre and the microbiome

17:57 Dysbiosis explained – and how it relates to autoimmunity and MS

22:02 “Leaky gut”: what it means and why inflammation matters

23:16 Inside Karen’s new book Healing from the Inside Out

26:46 How whole plant foods support overall health

29:50 Protein and plant-based diets: common concerns addressed

31:39 Practical tips for eating more plants and increasing variety

37:58 Favourite recipes, sauces and simple ways to add flavour

39:41 Batch cooking and freezing for low-energy days

41:26 Running the Taunton Half Marathon and fundraising for Overcoming MS

• Order Karen’s latest book Healing from the Inside Out: Managing Autoimmunity with a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet
• Support Karen’s fundraiser for Overcoming MS
• Learn more about Karen’s work
• New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
• Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
• Visit the Overcoming MS website

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Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org

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Host Geoff Allix speaks with Caroline Clarke, Chief Executive of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and former trustee of Overcoming MS, about her MS journey, why she chose to follow the Overcoming MS Program, and the practical habits that help her manage stress while working in a high-pressure role.

This episode of Living Well with MS was recorded at Living Well Live, Overcoming MS’s one-day event held at the University of Warwick in November 2025, with people joining both in person and online. Host Geoff Allix shares conversations with community members, speakers and guests from across the MS sector, exploring what’s new in MS lifestyle research and the practical tools people are using to live well with MS.

You’ll hear about the evolving evidence behind the Overcoming MS Program, why personalised approaches matter (including vitamin D), and the role of community connection in building confidence after diagnosis. Together, these conversations capture what makes Overcoming MS so powerful: the combination of evidence-based guidance and genuine community support. You’ll also hear how donations help fund trusted information, courses and spaces where people with MS – and those around them – can feel informed, connected and empowered.

Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.

00:00 Geoff Allix introduces the event and Overcoming MS

03:07 Linda Bloom & Alex Holden on the origins of Overcoming MS, community and purpose

11:21 Dr Jonathan White on MS research, treatment and the role of lifestyle medicine

12:44 Lina Nielsen on elite sport, MS and training at Olympic level

14:51 Lina Nielsen on exercise, mindfulness and neuroplasticity

17:00 Tessa Miles on resilience, preparation and the power of community

22:09 Dr Rachel Hunter on the nervous system, stress and self-management

24:12 Dr Rachel Hunter on how MS self-management has evolved

28:19 Community member Maureen Haith on her top takeaways from the day

33:25 Miriam Jordan Keane on how Overcoming MS is evolving

37:56 Neil Stanley on sleep, MS and practical tips for better rest

43:22 Rabiah Coon on laughter, mental health and coping with MS

49:19 Amy Thompson from MS Together on supporting young adults living with MS

50:54 Holistic MS care – combining medication, lifestyle and community

55:13 Advice for newly diagnosed people with MS – reassurance and practical guidance

57:48 Dominic Shadbolt,The MS Guide, on AI, innovation and the future of MS care

59:43 Eleanor Bate, Shift.MS, on peer-led community support and connection

01:06:31 Sarah-Jane Elliot, MS-UK on accessing support, resources and online activities

• Learn more about MS
• Learn more about MS-UK
• Learn more about MS Together
• Learn more about the MS Guide
• New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page
• New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
• Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
• Visit the Overcoming MS website

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Pinterest

• Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
• Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.

If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.

Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.

If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.