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How to combat MS (multiple sclerosis)

Nov18

multiplesclerosis

To treat MS, Dr. Frederick Klenner of Reidsville, North Carolina, used massive doses of the B vitamins as well as other nutrients, including minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, and amino acids.

A diet rich in fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and vitamin and mineral supplements (minerals preferably in the orotate form) and very limited in saturated fats (under 15 grams per day), sugar, and processed (especially with saturated fats) and refined foods is extremely beneficial for the MS patient. Foods such as packaged cake mixes, cheeses, pastries, and other processed items, because they contain hidden or unknown quantities of saturated fat, are not recommended. A low-fat diet (nonfat dairy products) started before disability set in allowed 95 percent of those tested to live longer with no symptoms. Less than 15 grams of saturated fat daily yielded even greater results. High fiber is important for managing constipation, which can be alleviated by drinking adequate amounts of water and following a diet high in unrefined roughage foods.

Increase essential fatty acids found in seed oils (omega-6s), especially safflower, wheat germ, sunflower, corn, soybean, sesame, and primrose (500 milligrams daily), all of which are rich in linolenic acid. These are important for the development and integrity of the brain and spinal cord. Daily supplements of 2 tablespoons of seed oil have been reported to reduce the severity and increase the period of remission in MS victims. A balance of omega-3s is also important; 1,000 milligrams of fish oil helps relieve symptoms of MS and also balances the omega-6 oils. Canola, which has omega-6s and omega-3s, and flax oil, which has more omega-3s than fish oil, may also be used.

Allergies to particular foods should be taken into consideration and the offending food eliminated from the diet; milk and gluten in wheat are common offenders. Avoid chocolate, spicy foods, coffee and salt. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided. Alcohol interferes with unsaturated fatty acid conversion, increases the saturated-fat blood count, destroys various B vitamins, and worsens MS symptoms. Smoking adversely affects a diet high in unsaturated fatty acids, lowers blood levels of vitamin C, and temporarily worsens MS symptoms. In a recent study, published in 2005 in the journal Brain, researchers at Harvard concluded that smoking is a risk factor for MS and likely contributes to the disease’s progression.

Adequate rest and exercise are especially important. Physical activity for the MS patient is to relieve fatigue, not create it. Body heat should remain steady, so gentle swimming in cool water is suggested. Consult a physician before attempting any physical exertion. Yoga helps to keep muscle supple and is a wise choice. 

There are reports of successful treatments of MS patients with a daily high-potency vitamin supplement, minerals, and a controlled diet. Patients are also advised to take wheat germ or vitamin E to keep the unsaturated oils from becoming rancid or oxidized once inside the body.

Observed results of the patients have been a reduction in relapses, more energy, the ability to continue walking and working, and an increase in life expectancy. Also, when the treatment was started in the early stages of the disease with little evident disability, 90 percent to 95 percent of the cases remained unchanged or improved during the following twenty years.

Herbs that may help are a compress of horseradish (for stiffness) and a bath (for stiff muscles and aching joints) of sage, mugwort, or strawberry leaves, or equal parts of chamomile, mugwort, and agrimony; another combination is 1 ounce each of mugwort, comfrey leaf, burdock root, and sage in 1 quart water.

Source - 

Nutrition Almanac; Fight disease, boost immunity and slow the effects of aging

John D. Kirschmann and Nutrition Search, Inc.

Are There Natural Remedies for Multiple Sclerosis?

Nov15

multiplesclerosis

Q

Are There Natural Remedies for Multiple Sclerosis?

I have been suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) for several years. Do you have any suggestions for natural remedies to help someone like me?

A

Answer (Published 2/14/2002)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most baffling of all diseases – we know very little about what causes it and what factors influence its progression and outcome. MS begins with localized inflammatory damage of the myelin sheaths surrounding the nerve fibers due to an attack by the immune system. The resulting damage interferes with nerve impulses and can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of vision, and a variety of other neurological impairments.

Although considered an autoimmune disease, it is not clear what causes the immune system to attack nerve sheaths. Researchers have been studying a possible viral trigger, but this would not explain why MS is more common among those who live in northern latitudes and uncommon in those near the equator. Additionally, scientists are unable to explain why there are so many different forms of MS, why some people have transient symptoms that never return, while others experience cycles of exacerbation and remission. In some people MS is relentless, leading to complete disability and death.

A drug called beta-interferon has become the conventional treatment for MS patients, especially those with the remitting variety. It can slow the progression of the disease, but is expensive and produces unpleasant side effects. Really effective medical treatment is still not available for most patients. I like to work with patients who have MS because of its variability and potential to go into remission, as well as its responsiveness to stress reduction, mind/body treatments and changes in lifestyle.

These are a list of suggestions I recommend for my new patients to experiment with, so give it a try and see what works best for you.

  • Decrease protein toward 10 percent of daily caloric intake. Replace animal protein as much as possible with plant protein.
  • Eliminate milk and milk products, substituting other calcium sources.
  • Eat organically grown fruits and vegetables as much as possible as well as organic products made from wheat and soy.
  • Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, all foods (such as deep-fried foods) that might contain trans-fatty acids. Use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat.
  • Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, walnuts, or flax and hemp seeds.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Eat ginger and turmeric regularly.
  • Take acidophilus culture and psyllium if constipation is a problem, or use the ayurvedic herbal bowel regulator, triphala.
  • Take my antioxidant and daily multivitamin formula and a B-50 complex vitamin, and a multi-mineral supplement daily.
  • Take 5 grams of soy lecithin granules daily (store this in the refrigerator).
  • Take 30 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) two or three times a day.
  • Do some kind of light aerobic exercise on a regular basis. Choose something you enjoy but do not push your self to the point of exhaustion.
  • Visualization, meditation, and hypnotherapy can redirect your mental energies in positive directions.
  • Experiment with traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine from qualified practitioners.

Andrew Weil, M.D.