Read the full blog article for this episode here:
👉 https://ms-perspektive.com/117-fear

In this deeply personal episode, I talk about a feeling we all know too well: fear. Whether it's the fear that comes with a new MS diagnosis, anxiety around health uncertainties, or concern about the state of democracy and social justice—fear can be overwhelming.

I share my own journey with fear and how I’ve learned to regain control through small, powerful steps like journaling, healthy routines, and taking civic action. I also talk about why engaging outside your social media bubble and using your voice—especially by voting—can help counter the fear of political shifts that may affect vulnerable groups, including people with chronic illnesses.

You’ll also hear tips on:

• How to recognize when fear is becoming too much

• Where and how to seek professional help

• Using success or gratitude journals to shift your mindset

• Why your personal choices matter—and how much power you really have

💬 Quote of the episode:
"The three-letter superpower isn’t the USA—it’s YOU."

Whether you're living with MS or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode gives you encouragement, clarity, and a sense of agency.

💛 Let’s stay connected:
Website: ms-perspektive.com
Instagram: @ms.perspektive.international
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🎙️ Thank you for listening—
Take care, and remember: you are stronger than your fear.

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🔗 Read the full blog article here

In this episode, Dr. Franz-Werner Dippel—medical scientist and nutrition expert—joins us to explore the widespread impact of excessive sugar consumption on our health. Drawing from 73 high-quality meta-analyses, he explains which diseases are linked to sugar and why reducing intake is important for everyone—especially for those already managing chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).

While there is no clear causal link between sugar and MS itself, the concern lies in the fact that comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and fatty liver are more likely to occur with high sugar intake—and those conditions can complicate the treatment and progression of MS.

If you're living with MS, your health is already under enough pressure. Avoiding unnecessary additional burdens is key. This conversation is a powerful motivator to rethink your daily habits and take control of your long-term well-being.

• What science really says about sugar and chronic illness

• How excess sugar contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation

• Why sugar-related diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular issues matter even more if you have MS

• Findings from a landmark global study on sugar and 83 health conditions

• The role of sugary drinks and processed foods in driving chronic disease

• Understanding different types of sugar (glucose, fructose, galactose)

• How to read labels and spot hidden sugars

• Sugar addiction: fact or myth? And how can you break the cycle?

Dr. Franz-Werner Dippel is a biologist and medical scientist with more than 30 years of experience in nutrition-related metabolic disorders. He lectures across Germany and collaborates with the Technical University of Berlin.

His passion for nutrition began in his teens, when quitting sugar helped cure his severe acne. Today, he’s dedicated to educating others about the long-term consequences of excessive sugar intake.

• “The Big Sugar Lie” – ARTE documentary (in German) Watch on YouTube

• Books:

  • Robert Lustig – Fat Chance: The Bitter Truth About Sugar

  • John Yudkin – Pure, White and Deadly

  • Gary Taubes – The Case Against Sugar

  • Michael Moss – Salt Sugar Fat

This conversation was a wake-up call for me personally. While sugar might not directly impact MS, I certainly don’t want to add preventable health issues on top of an existing diagnosis. Starting today, I’m committed to cutting back on sugar—and maybe this episode will inspire you to do the same.

📌 I’ll be sharing more content on this topic soon. Until then, I highly recommend checking out the twin study on MS and the gut microbiome, featured in [Episode #156 with Dr. Lisa-Ann Gerdes].

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🎙️ See all podcast episodes here

What this episode is about:
In this episode, I speak with Prof. Christoph Heesen from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) in Germany about stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis. We explore when it makes sense, how it works, who it might benefit – and what the risks are.

Prof. Heesen draws from both clinical experience and ongoing research. He explains the process step by step and gives a transparent look at a clinical trial currently running in Germany. This study compares stem cell therapy with established high-efficacy MS treatments like Lemtrada and Ocrevus – with the long-term goal of securing broader access and insurance coverage.

👉 The original interview was conducted in German and translated into English for this podcast.

You can read through the interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/115-ahsct-heesen

🧠 What you'll learn in this episode:

• Who is eligible for stem cell therapy and why age and disease duration matter

• How the treatment is performed – from stem cell mobilization to immune system rebuilding

• Why stem cell therapy may work better than current medications for some patients

• What risks are involved: from infertility to secondary autoimmune diseases

• What recovery looks like – and what to consider if you have children or a demanding home life

• How Prof. Heesen and his team support patients in decision-making

• The structure and goal of the ongoing German clinical trial comparing stem cell therapy with Lemtrada and Ocrevus

🔗 Useful Links:

• UKE Hamburg: https://www.uke.de

• German MS Society (DMSG): https://www.dmsg.de

• ClinicalTrials.gov entry for related stem cell MS studies: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov

🎧 Tune in now to better understand if stem cell therapy might be an option for you or someone you care about.
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others in the MS community or leave a review.

💬 And remember: “Find your own path with MS – and look for doctors who will support you on it.” – Prof. Christoph Heesen

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.