Did you know that small, daily lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on managing chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?

In this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren Prince, MSW, FDN-P, explores Lifestyle Medicine—an evidence-based approach that prioritizes holistic, long-term health strategies over symptom management alone. She breaks down the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, explaining how nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and social connection can help EDS patients feel stronger, more resilient, and more in control of their health.

Lauren shares personal insights and real-world applications of these pillars, offering practical strategies for those looking to improve their well-being despite the challenges of a chronic condition.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ What Lifestyle Medicine is and how it differs from traditional medical approaches
✔️ How anti-inflammatory nutrition supports connective tissue and reduces symptoms
✔️ The role of low-impact, strength-focused movement in pain management
✔️ Why restorative sleep is a game-changer for chronic illness
✔️ How stress and inflammation are connected—and simple techniques to manage them
✔️ The impact of social connection on mental and physical health
✔️ Why avoiding risky substances (like alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications) is crucial for EDS management

✅ Lifestyle Medicine is a science-backed, whole-person approach to chronic illness management.
✅ The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine provide a powerful framework for improving health and quality of life with EDS.
✅ Nutrition plays a foundational role in reducing inflammation and supporting connective tissue.
✅ Movement matters, but it must be tailored to each individual’s needs—gentle, low-impact, and designed for EDS-friendly strength-building.
✅ Restorative sleep is essential for healing and managing fatigue.
✅ Stress management techniques (like mindfulness and breathwork) can dramatically reduce symptom flares.
✅ Avoiding harmful substances (including certain medications) can prevent worsening symptoms.
✅ Community and connection play a huge role in emotional and physical resilience.
✅ Small, sustainable changes lead to significant long-term health benefits.
✅ Understanding your individual triggers is key to effective EDS management.

🔹 00:00 – Introduction to Empowered EDS
🔹 00:25 – Understanding Lifestyle Medicine & Why It Matters
🔹 05:45 – The Importance of Physical Activity in EDS Management
🔹 17:12 – Nutrition’s Role in Connective Tissue Health
🔹 25:01 – How Nutrition Impacts Inflammation & Pain
🔹 27:19 – Why Restorative Sleep is Essential for Healing
🔹 33:11 – Stress Management Techniques to Reduce Symptoms
🔹 38:14 – Avoiding Risky Substances & Their Impact on Chronic Illness
🔹 41:51 – The Power of Social Connection & Emotional Well-Being
🔹 45:53 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps

🎙️ "The gut is your core."
🎙️ "You can't just eat a salad."
🎙️ "Sleep is a form of torture."

🔔 Don't Miss Future Episodes!
Next week, we’re diving deep into nutrition for EDS, exploring how specific nutrients support connective tissue health and reduce inflammation. Don’t miss it!

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Links:

American College of Lifestyle Medicine