Multiple sclerosis is a disease known for its debilitating neurological symptoms which disturb coordination, vision and speech. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, appears unexpectedly and often progresses swiftly. It can reappear more devastatingly, or never recur again. MS is one of the most common neurological diseases, and mostly affects women between ages twenty and forty.
MS is usually first noticed by odd changes in vision. Short episodes of blindness, dizziness or double vision are common, as well as burning, and eyeball pain. Early neurological symptoms include tingling sensations, numbness and sudden attacks of muscle weakness, stiffness and pain. Later, slurred speech and tremors often develop. Coordination becomes difficult, causing a staggering gait and exaggerated clumsiness along with nausea, light-headedness and vomiting. Incontinence and sexual impotence usually occur later.
Since MS also affects the brain tissue, emotional mood swings are common as the illness progresses, and typically there are periods of euphoria followed by melancholia and despair. MS attacks often last months and return months or years later, depending on individual susceptibility. The older the person, the more likely the chance of a slow but steady course of illness. Despite the serious outcome of the disease, most persons affected by MS are still active many years after the initial diagnosis.
MS conditions are similar to those of other conditions, including Lyme disease, viral infections, and autoimmune disorders.
The destruction of the nerve's myelin sheaths in the brain and spinal cord cause the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Exposure to a virus such as herpes, Epstein-Barr or measles causes the body to produce a myelin-like protein. The immune system then attacks the virus by eating away at the myelin surrounding the nerves. These nerve sheaths act as protective covers and vehicles for nerve impulses. A sole cause for multiple sclerosis has not been found, but probable influences are a slow virus or an autoimmune problem, or a combination of the two.
Nutrition plays a strong role in MS, and food allergies often cause symptoms. The typical North American diet consists mainly of refined, packaged and processed foods robbed of their natural nutrients, including fiber, enzymes, essential fatty acids, and many vitamins and minerals contained in raw, wholesome fruits, vegetables and wholegrain foods. Diets low in animal products and high in essential fatty acids have been particularly effective in treating MS sufferers.
In addition, the nerves are sensitive to the effects of toxins, which are increasing in our food, water and environment. Hypersensitivity to toxic heavy metals such as mercury can produce all the symptoms of MS. So can Lyme Disease. Some dentists advocate the replacement of all mercury dental fillings with non-metal fillings as therapy for MS. Although the testimonials supporting the replacement of the common mercury filling in MS are legion, it is still a highly controversial topic.
Although the cause of MS is unknown, a growing number of studies suggest that nutrition is a very important factor. Many cases of MS improve on a low saturated fat diet. Researchers have also reported that symptoms improve when food allergies are eliminated. The most common hidden food allergies appear to be wheat, milk, eggs, yeast and corn.
The essential fatty acids play a key role in the diet to treat multiple sclerosis, since a deficiency in them renders the sheaths around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord susceptible to destruction. Use cold-pressed vegetable oils containing alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid, such as flax seed oil, daily. Saturated fats from animal sources, margarine and shortening, on the other hand, should be strictly avoided. They contain trans-fatty acids which interfere with the conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to prostaglandins. Unroasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds should be introduced to the daily diet. They contain both essential fatty acids and nutrients like zinc required for the production of prostaglandins.
Tofu, soy bean sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are good food choices because, in addition to unsaturated fatty acids, they contain lecithin, which is shown to be deficient in the damaged nerve-fiber sheaths of MS patients. Eat plenty of whole grains for vitamin B6. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can also produce MS symptoms, increases the body's need for this vitamin. Nutritional yeast contains both lecithin and vitamin B6. Sprinkle powdered yeast onto salads or use it in sauces and soup stocks.
Supplements combined with a change in diet provide such excellent results in a number of MS cases that many symptoms are attributable to nutrient deficiencies. Many MS sufferers absorb nutrients poorly and the earlier treatment begins, the better. Lecithin is often found to be lacking and faulty in persons with MS. This nutrient is integral for protecting the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves and maintaining brain function. Many substances are needed for the production of lecithin, including the essential fatty acids, magnesium and the B vitamins choline, inositol and B6.
Supplementing with the essential fatty acids available in evening primrose oil is highly recommended as these fats offer marked improvement in symptoms, and are essential for normal brain and nervous system function. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a form of essential fatty acid which is easier for the body to convert into a usable form. Fish oil is another excellent source of these essential fatty acids.
The B complex vitamins are also important for many nervous system functions. The stomach enzyme needed for the absorption of vitamin B12 through the intestinal tract is often lacking, in which case absorption is poor. Sublingual tablets absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue are more readily absorbed. B12 and folic acid injections have been reported to improve nerve conduction and nerve cell function in general. It is indeed possible that some cases of MS are really B-vitamin deficiencies in disguise.
Magnesium can help calm many nervous system symptoms of MS. A magnesium deficiency causes symptoms such as nervousness and irritability. Other supplements specifically aimed at providing nervous system support are vitamin E and the mineral selenium. These relieve spasms and strengthen weakened muscles, and improve muscle control. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the cells from free-radical damage. Selenium and vitamin E work exceptionally well when taken together. Vitamin C is also recommended. The trace mineral manganese also improves muscle strength and coordination.
DHEA produced by the adrenal glands and sold as a nutritional supplement, helps strengthen the immune system and alleviates fatigue. It is especially important in autoimmune diseases. These include not only MS, but lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV and allergic disorders.
Daily dosages:
Most Important
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000-3,000 mg
Lecithin, 3 tbsp. three times daily
Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
Vitamin B complex, 50 mg three times daily
Vitamin B12, 100 mcg, sublingual tablet under the tongue
DHEA, 5-10 mg
Helpful
Magnesium, 600 mg
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU twice daily
Selenium, 200 mcg
Manganese, 5 mg
Colloidal silver, 1/4 tsp.
To stimulate the immune system and relax the muscles and nerves, the following herbs can be taken as herbal teas or tinctures. Prepare herbal tea by pouring 3 cups of boiling water over 1 tbsp. of herbs (single or mixed) and let steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Tinctures should be taken according to instructions on the label.
Calming herbal remedies include valerian, St. John's wort and licorice root.
Kelp, alfalfa and dandelion is a good combination to relieve symptoms.
Another good combination is red beet, yellow dock, strawberry, chickweed, burdock, nettle and mullein.
Herbal remedies to aid digestion and positively influence the immune system are skullcap, horsetail, echinacea, kelp, myrrh, safflower and black walnut.
The homeopathic approach is constitutional. While awaiting constitutional treatment, choose from the sample of remedies given below. Take the 6c strength four times daily for up to two weeks.
Take Kali phos for weakness in the back and limbs. Exercise aggravates and causes fatigue and pain. The affected limb may be completely paralyzed.
Mag phos is recommended for painful, twitching and jerking spasms which are soothed by warmth, pressure and friction.
Take Phosphorus for exaggerated reflexes, episodes linked to emotional upset, and tendency to faint.
Exercises in temperate water, back massage and warming packs are beneficial.
Rub body several times a day with cold water, starting at the head and working down to the feet, then lie in bed and keep warm.
Emotional support is very important.
Hair mineral analysis and urine tests can screen for excess body mercury and other toxic heavy metals that interfere with the immune system. (For more information, see Appendix 1.)
Pregnancy counseling is also recommended.
Some authors also believe that MS can be benefited by anti-candida treatment. In situations where all else has failed and the patient is in the early stages of the disease, trial therapy with a yeast-free diet and natural anti-fungal remedies may be warranted.
European and South African doctors have reported successful results in MS with the use of ozone therapy. (For more information, see Section 11, Other Natural Healing Methods.)
Nutritional Supplements
Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
Co-Q-Max (Flora)
Efamol Evening Primrose Oil 1000 mg
Capsules (Flora)
Efamol Evening Primrose Oil 500 mg Capsules (Flora)
Efamol Evening Primrose Oil 30 ml Liquid (Flora)
Flax Oil (Flora)
Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)
Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)
Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)
Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)
Selenomethionine (Klaire Laboratories)
Zinc Plus (Klaire Laboratories)
E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)
Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)
Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)
Grape Seed Extract (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil
(Natural Factors)
Grape Seed Phytosome (Nature's Herbs)
Flax Oil (Omega Nutrition)
Herbal Remedies
Horsetail Leaves (Flora)
Greens+ (Greens+)
Dandelion Root Extract (Natural Factors)
Echinacea Fresh Juice Extract
(Natural Factors)
Echinacea Tincture (Natural Factors)
St. John's Wort Extract (Natural Factors)
Valerian Root Extract (Natural Factors)
Alfalfa Leaves (Nature's Herbs)
Black Walnut Hulls (Nature's Herbs)
Dandelion Root (Nature's Herbs)
Echinacea-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Herbal Calm (Nature's Herbs)
Hops-Valerian Combination (Nature's Herbs)
Kelp (Norwegian) Combination
(Nature's Herbs)
Licorice Phytosome (Nature's Herbs)
Scullcap (Nature's Herbs)
St. John's-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Valerian-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Ginkoba (Pharmaton)