Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the central nervous system that usually affects people between the ages of 25 and 40. It can affect several areas of the nervous system by destroying the myelin sheaths that form a protective covering for the nerves. As a result of this destruction, an inflammatory response occurs. The severity of MS varies with each individual. In some cases, the disease is characterized by mild relapses or exacerbations, followed by long symptom-free periods. Other victims of MS may experience a series of flare-ups that cause some permanent disability. Even in these cases, remission may be lengthy.

Signs and Symptoms:

Symptoms can vary depending on the part of the nervous system that's been effected. These are the most common symptoms:

• Blurred or double vision
• Fatigue
• Loss of dexterity
• Tingling or numbness
• Loss of muscle coordination (ataxia)
• Painful, lightning-like sensations down the back elicited by flexion of the neck
• Pain from normal stimuli such as touch
• Vertigo
• Tremors
• Heat sensitivity, in which symptoms worsen after exposure to heat
• Urinary bladder dysfunction (e.g., frequency, urgency, incontinence, retention)
• Cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, problem-solving difficulties)
• Depression or inappropriate jocularity
• Breathing difficulties
• Impotence
• Paralysis

Diagnosis:

There is no single diagnostic test that can conclusively confirm MS. Diagnosis is a process of elimination. A neurologist may do a spinal puncture and take fluid for laboratory analysis to check for characteristic abnormalities, and he or she may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to check for signs of the characteristic plaques.

Treatment Options:

Currently only immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs appear to reduce the severity of initial attacks and exacerbations; no drugs have any effect on the progression of the disease.

Traditional Treatments:

• Corticosteroids can sometimes shorten the length of time that an acute attack lasts, but they have no effect on how much you recover between episodes. A drug called interferon beta (Avonex, Betaseron) can reduce the frequency of episodes for some people. It is expensive, however, and not widely available.
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and azathioprine (Imuran) are drugs that suppress the immune system and that might have a beneficial effect on long-term progression of the disease. These drugs have extremely serious side effects. You should talk these over with your doctor and read all inserts carefully.
• Injections of glatiramer copolymer (Copaxone) may help prevent flare-ups and slow the progression of MS.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Nutritional therapies are helpful in reducing inflammation and slowing the progression of MS.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Take a high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement daily.
• To make sure of complete utilization of all-important nutrients, take a full-spectrum digestive-enzyme supplement.
  Warning: Long-term supplementation with pancreatin is not advised, as it can cause your pancreas to reduce its own production of this important enzyme.
• Acidophilus and bifidobacteria are friendly bacteria essential for digestive and intestinal health. Follow the label directions.
• Black currant seed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, fish oil, and flaxseed oil are all good sources of essential fatty acids EFAs. Taking 500 to 1,000 mg of one or more of these oils twice daily may reduce the severity of flare-ups and lengthen the period of remission in some people with MS.
• Green food supplements supply important trace minerals and beta-carotene, which are often lacking in the diet. Follow label directions.
• Selenium is an important antioxidant. Take 200 mcg daily.
• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids maintain healthy collagen, fight infection, and improve the functioning of the immune system. Take 500 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids twice daily.
• Take 15 to 25 mg of zinc twice daily to boost the immune system and fight free-radical damage. Take 1 to 2 mg of copper with zinc to maintain a healthy mineral balance.
• Vitamin B-complex aids immune system function and maintains healthy nerves. Take a supplement containing 100 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily.

Alternative Therapies:

• Alfalfa is a good source of vitamin K.
• Burdock, dandelion, echinacea, goldenseal, pau d'arco, red clover, St. John's wort, sarsaparilla, and yarrow are effective detoxifiers.
  Warning: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time. Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Cordyceps is a Chinese herb that improves memory, helps you assimilate nutrients more efficiently, and increases energy.
• Lobelia, skullcap, and valerian root relax the nervous system. Taken at bedtime, they aid in preventing insomnia. Lobelia is good for daytime use also.
  Warning: Do not take lobelia internally on an ongoing basis.
• American and Chinese (Korean) ginseng help to improve energy levels and digestion.
• Astragalus improves energy levels and helps strengthen the respiratory system.
• Bupleurum and dong quai improve digestion and absorption of food, and also help to relax the nervous system.
• Ginkgo biloba helps protect brain cells and enhances the flow of oxygen.
• Olive leaf extract may help to reestablish healthy intestinal flora.
• Contact a homeopathic practitioner for a constitutional remedy.

General Recommendations:

• Many people with MS find great relief with acupressure and massage. Ask a loved one to consider learning these techniques and practicing them regularly. If that's not possible find a qualified acupunturist, acupressurist, and/or massage therapist.
• Avoid tobacco smoke.
• Get adequate rest.
• A program of moderate exercise can help maintain mobility and prevent further degeneration.
• Avoid stress as much as possible.
• Have yourself tested for possible food allergies.
• Avoid exposure to heat.
• When an exacerbation begins, take at least two days of complete bed rest. This can often stop a mild attack.

Warnings:

• Long-term supplementation with pancreatin is not advised, as it can cause your pancreas to reduce its own production of this important enzyme.
• Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time.
• Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Do not take lobelia internally on an ongoing basis.