Multiple Sclerosis
natural treatment, vitamins, herbs, supplements,
alternative therapy and remedy for this inflammatory disease that leads to nerve
degeneration
November 2 2017 by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Nerve fibers inside and outside the brain are wrapped with many layers of
insulation called the myelin sheath. Much like the insulation around an electrical wire,
the myelin sheath permits electrical impulses to be conducted along the nerve fiber with
speed and accuracy. When myelin is damaged, nerves don't conduct impulses properly.
Multiple sclerosis is a disorder in which the nerves of the eye, brain, and spinal cord
lose patches of myelin. IgG antibodies to the myelin oligodendrocyte
glycoprotein appear to participate in the more severe type of multiple
sclerosis.
MS in children and young adults
Children who spend more time in the sun have a lower risk for
developing multiple sclerosis as adults. Something in relation to sunlight and/or
vitamin D exposure during childhood may play a protective role. High-salt diets
could speed the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases like multiple
sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis in individuals already genetically
predisposed to develop such conditions.
A high fat and sugar diet could increase the risk of relapse in children with multiple sclerosis but consuming a diet with lots of vegetables could reduce the relapse risk. BMJ, news release, Oct. 9, 2017.
Lifestyle factor, deit
A healthy diet with fruits, vegetables and whole grains and little added sugars
and processed meats is associated with a reduced risk for disability.
Natural treatment for
multiple
sclerosis MS, sunlight
It is difficult to know with any
certainty which supplements, in what dosages, and in what combination (s) would
be helpful for multiple sclerosis. We have little idea how these
supplements interact with medicines currently used for multiple sclerosis. My
aim is to mention the research regarding the role some nutrients may play
in this condition. If you have MS, make your doctor aware of
some of these preliminary studies, and perhaps he or she would want to monitor
you while you give them a try. There is no definite proof yet that these
supplements will help. More research is needed before natural options are
considered. It is possible that someone's condition may get worse by stopping
their existing medicines and using natural supplements exclusively. It is also
possible that certain natural supplements may lead to a reduction of the
necessary pharmaceutical medication dosage. If you do plan to use these
supplements, keep the dosages low at first until you have a grasp on how they
are influencing your condition or whether they are interfering or improving the
actions of the pharmaceutical medicines.
Those further from the equator develop symptoms of MS earlier suggesting a connection between lack of sunlight and disease’s progression.
Supplements, herbs, vitamins that may
be of benefit as a natural aid
Vitamin D
supplementation may be of benefit. There appears to be an association between vitamin D levels and
MS relapse rate. It may be possible that supplementation could have an
impact on the course of this disease. Perhaps increased sun exposure may help to protect against the risk of developing this
condition. Pregnant women with higher levels are less likely to develop MS in
the years after giving birth. Nov. 20, 2012, Neurology online.
Studies reveal that high blood concentrations of vitamin D may
decrease the risk of MS and the risk of relapse and new lesions.
Andrographis
paniculata decreases fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple
sclerosis.
Alpha lipoic acid has been
helpful in a mouse study and recently showed biochemical marker improvement in a
human trial. A dose of 10 to 25 mg of R lipoic acid may be appropriate. Most R
lipoic capsules come in 50 mg, so, opening a capsule and taking a portion is one
option.
Carnitine has been found
helpful in reducing fatigue.
Curcumin blocks
the progression of multiple sclerosis in a laboratory study.
D-Mannose for bladder
infections.Neurourol Urodyn. 2016. Open label
feasibility study evaluating D-mannose combined with home-based monitoring of
suspected urinary tract infections in patients with multiple sclerosis. To
assess the feasibility of using D-mannose, a natural food supplement, in
patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) reporting recurrent urinary tract
infections (UTIs) as a preventative. A single-center, open-label, feasibility
study enrolled patients with MS, using and not using urinary catheters,
experiencing recurrent UTIs. Participants were given D-mannose powder 1.5 grams
twice daily for 16-weeks and were instructed to monitor suspected UTIs at home
using urine dipsticks. Overall, 22 patients with MS, median age 50 years (46-59)
were enrolled: 10 were not using catheters and 12 were using catheters. The
number of monthly proven UTIs decreased both in catheter users and non-users. No
adverse effects were reported. Using D-mannose in patients with MS experiencing
recurrent UTIs and self-monitoring for infections is feasible and safe.
Fish oil capsules
have been thought to be helpful along with consuming more cold water fish with
omega 3 fatty acids but studies have shown mixed results.
Arch Neurol. 2012. ω-3 fatty acid treatment in multiple sclerosis (OFAMS
Study): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were
administered 1350 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 850 mg of docosahexaenoic acid
daily or placebo. After 6 months, all patients in addition received
subcutaneously 44 μg of interferon beta-1a 3 times per week for another 18
months. No beneficial effects on disease activity were detected from ω-3 fatty
acids when compared with placebo as monotherapy or in combination with
interferon beta-1a. Magnetic resonance imaging disease activity was reduced as
expected by interferon beta-1a.
Int J Neurosci. 2013. Association of fish consumption and omega 3
supplementation with quality of life, disability and disease activity in an
international cohort of people with multiple sclerosis. Emergency Practice
Innovation Centre, St Vincents Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia. We surveyed a
large cohort of people with MS recruited via Web 2.0 platforms, requesting
information on type of MS, relapse rates, disability, health-related quality of
life, frequency of fish consumption and omega 3 supplementation, including type
and dose, using validated tools where possible. We aimed to determine whether
there was an association between fish consumption and omega 3 supplementation
and quality of life, disability and disease activity for people with MS. Of 2469
respondents, 1493 (60%) had relapsing-remitting MS. Those consuming fish more
frequently and those taking omega 3 supplements had significantly better quality
of life, in all domains, and less disability. For fish consumption, there was a
clear dose-response relationship for these associations. There were also trends
towards lower relapse rates and reduced disease activity;
flaxseed oil
supplementation was associated with over 66% lower relapse rate over the
previous 12 months.
Garlic may be of help in reducing inflammation of nerves.
Molecules. 2014. Evaluating the anti-neuroinflammatory
capacity of raw and steamed garlic as well as five organosulfur compounds.
Analysis results indicated that the anti-neuroinflammatory capacity of raw
garlic is a highly promising therapeutic candidate for treating
inflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases.
My comments: Some of these diseases include: Acute disseminated
encephalomyelitis, Multiple sclerosis, Optic Neuritis, Transverse Myelitis, and
Neuromyelitis Optica.
Flavonoids may be
helpful.
Ginkgo biloba has shown
intriguing preliminary evidence of efficacy.
Green tea extract
Am J Clin Nutr. 2015. Metabolic response to
epigallocatechin-3-gallate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a
randomized clinical trial. Muscle weakness and fatigue are common symptoms in
multiple sclerosis (MS). Green tea catechins such as
(-)epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are known to improve energy metabolism at
rest and during exercise. Eighteen patients (8 men) with relapsing-remitting MS
(expanded disability status scale score <4.5, all receiving glatiramer acetate)
participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover
trial at a clinical research center. All patients received EGCG (600 mg/d) and
placebo over 12 wk. Our data indicate that EGCG given to patients with MS over
12 wk improves muscle metabolism during moderate exercise to a greater extent in
men than in women, possibly because of sex-specific effects on autonomic and
endocrine control.
Melatonin - Higher levels of the hormone melatonin are linked to a lower incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) flare-ups during the darker months of fall and winter. American and Argentinian scientists also found that treating mice with melatonin could improve symptoms of the disease, which can be progressive and often disabling; Sept. 10, 2015, Cell.
Nicotinamide has been studied in rodents.
Yoga is helpful in improving
muscle and neural function.
Warmer temperatures might reduce the ability of people with MS to complete
mental tasks and process information, National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Oct.
23, 2013, Brain Imaging and Behavior, online.
Alpha lipoic acid and multiple sclerosis
Lipoic acid in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.
Multiple Sclerosis. 2005
The
purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics, tolerability
and effects on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and soluble intercellular
adhesion molecule-1 (sICAMP-1) of oral Alpha Lipoic acid in patients with
multiple sclerosis. Thirty-seven multiple sclerosis subjects were randomly
assigned to one of four groups: placebo, Alpha Lipoic acid 600 mg twice a day,
Alpha Lipoic acid 1200 mg once a day and Alpha Lipoic acid 1200 mg twice a day.
Subjects took study capsules for 14 days. We found that subjects taking 1200 mg
had substantially higher peak serum ALA levels
than those taking 600 mg and that peak levels varied considerably among
subjects. We also found a significant negative correlation between peak serum
Alpha Lipoic acid levels and mean changes in serum MMP-9 levels. There was a
significant dose response relationship between Alpha Lipoic acid and mean change
in serum sICAM-1 levels. We conclude that oral Alpha Lipoic acid is generally
well tolerated and appears capable of reducing serum MMP-9 and sICAM-1 levels.
Caution: High dosages of may cause heart rhythm
problems. Use less than 50 mg of R alpha lipoic acid.
I'm fascinated by the possibilities of nutritional substances in altering
the course of chronic medical conditions for which modern medicine does not have
good options. Although this study in no way says ALA will be a cure or long term
benefit for those with multiple sclerosis, it does open the door for further
exploration. I think the dose of 1200 mg is extremely high, and I would not
recommend more than 50 mg a day of R-Alpha Lipoic Acid for long term use.
Alpha lipoic acid inhibits human T-cell migration: implications for
multiple sclerosis.
J Neurosci Res. 2004
We have demonstrated previously the ability of the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid to suppress and treat a model of multiple sclerosis, relapsing
experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We describe the effects of ALA
and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), on the transmigration of human
Jurkat T cells across a fibronectin barrier in a transwell system. ALA and DHLA
inhibited migration of Jurkat cells in a dose-dependent fashion by 16-75%. ALA
and DHLA reduced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity by 18-90% in Jurkat
cell supernatants. These data, coupled with its ability to treat relapsing EAE,
suggest that ALA warrants investigation as a therapy for multiple sclerosis.
Nicotinamide
Boosting concentrations in the nervous system of a vital compound called NAD, by
giving its chemical precursor, nicotinamide has shown considerable therapeutic
potential in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. In mice with the MS-like
disease EAE, nicotinamide treatment profoundly prevents the degeneration of
axons already showing signs of degeneration. Daily under-the-skin injections of
nicotinamide in the EAE mouse also prevents inflammation of the axons and loss
of myelin -- the underlying problem in MS -- and delays the onset and severity
of disability.
Nicotinamide had beneficial effects even when treatment was delayed until 10
days after the induction multiple sclerosis -like disease, when most of the
animals had clear signs of neurologic disability, hinting that it may have an
impact at later stages of multiple sclerosis. The Journal of Neuroscience,
September 20, 2006.
Carnitine and
multiple sclerosis
Levocarnitine administration in multiple sclerosis patients with
immunosuppressive therapy-induced fatigue.
Mult Scler. 2006.
The aim of this prospective open-labelled study was to collect and study
serum carnitine levels in MS patients with and without disease-modifying
treatment-induced fatigue syndrome. Treatment consisted of oral carnitine, 3-6 g
daily. For 63% of
patients treated with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies, oral l-carnitine
adjunction decreased fatigue intensity, especially in patients treated with
cyclophosphamide and interferon beta.
Comments: In the real world, 500 mg or maximum 1000 mg of l-carnitine
should be sufficient.
Fish oils, DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and
autoimmune diseases.
J Am Coll Nutr. 2002.
Among the fatty acids, it is the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
which possess the most potent immunomodulatory activities, and among the omega-3
PUFA, those from fish oil-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)--are
more biologically potent than alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Animal experiments and
clinical intervention studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids have
anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, might be useful in the management
of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Coronary heart disease, major
depression, aging and cancer are characterized by an increased level of
interleukin 1 (IL-1), a proinflammatory cytokine. Similarly, arthritis, Crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis and lupus erythematosis are autoimmune diseases
characterized by a high level of IL-1 and the proinflammatory leukotriene LTB(4)
produced by omega-6 fatty acids. There have been a number of clinical trials
assessing the benefits of dietary supplementation with fish oils in several
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in humans, including rheumatoid arthritis,
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, multiple
sclerosis and migraine headaches. Many of the placebo-controlled trials of fish
oil in chronic inflammatory diseases reveal significant benefit, including
decreased disease activity and a lowered use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Docosahexaenoic acid-enriched fish oil
attenuates kidney disease and prolongs median and maximal life span of
autoimmune lupus-prone mice.
J Immunol. 2010.
The therapeutic efficacy of individual components of fish oils in various
human inflammatory diseases still remains unresolved, possibly due to low levels
of n-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid or
lower ratio of DHA to EPA. Our data indicate that
DHA, but not EPA, is the most
potent n-3 fatty acid that suppresses glomerulonephritis and extends life span
of systemic lupus erythematosus-prone short-lived B x W mice, possibly via
inhibition of IL-18 induction and IL-18-dependent signaling.
Vitamin D as
prevention or treatment
Vitamin D3 appears to be helpful in several diseases, including multiple
sclerosis. High doses of vitamin D may be required for therapeutic efficacy.
Patients with mulptle sclerosis can take enough vitamin D to double their blood
levels of vitamin D without the concern of causing hypercalcemia or
hypercalciuria.
Serum concentrations of 25-OH vitamin D in
patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are inversely related to
disease activity: is it time to routinely supplement patients with SLE with
vitamin D?
Ann Rheum Dis. 2010 Jun. Department of Medicine 'B' and Centre for
Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Centre, (Affiliated to Tel-Aviv University)
Tel-Hashomer 52621, Israel.
In a cohort of patients with SLE originating from Israel and Europe vitamin D
serum concentrations were found to be inversely related to disease activity.
Children whose mothers have low exposure to sunlight during their first three months of pregnancy may have a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life. Low vitamin D levels have long been linked to a higher risk of MS. Experts suspect an expectant mother's lack of exposure to sunlight - the main source of vitamin D - may affect the fetus's central nervous system or immune system, and predispose it to developing MS later in life. BMJ, 2010.
Vitamin D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis MS.
Neurology. 2004.
Dietary vitamin D intake was examined directly in relation to risk of
multiple sclerosis in two large cohorts of women: the Nurses' Health Study (NHS;
92,253 women followed from 1980 to 2000) and Nurses' Health Study II (NHS II;
95,310 women followed from 1991 to 2001). Diet was assessed at baseline and
updated every 4 years thereafter. During the follow-up, 173 cases of multiple
sclerosis with onset of symptoms after baseline were confirmed. The
pooled age-adjusted relative risk (RR) comparing women in the highest quintile
of total vitamin D intake at baseline with those in the lowest was 0.67. Intake
of vitamin D from supplements was also inversely associated with risk of
multiple sclerosis; the RR comparing women with intake of >or=400 IU/day with
women with no supplemental vitamin D intake was 0.59. No association was found
between vitamin D from food and multiple sclerosis incidence. These
results support a protective effect of vitamin D intake on risk of developing
multiple sclerosis.
People born in May in the northern hemisphere have a higher than average risk of developing multiple sclerosis. An analysis of data from studies of more than 42,000 people in Canada, Britain, Denmark and Sweden showed that May babies have a 13 percent increased chance of suffering from the illness later in life, but that having a November birthday decreased the average odds by 19 percent. The effect was similar in all the countries but most prominent in Scotland, which has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis MS in the world. Although the scientists cannot explain the correlation between birth month and MS, they suspect it could be linked to exposure to sunlight and the mother's vitamin D levels, which could influence the child's development.
Exercise benefit
Randomized controlled trial of yoga and exercise in multiple sclerosis.
Neurology. 20044.
Subjects with multiple sclerosis participating in either a
6-month yoga class or exercise class showed significant improvement in measures
of fatigue compared to a waiting-list control group. There was no relative
improvement of cognitive function in either of the intervention groups.
Association with HDL
cholesterol
Dr. Bianca Weinstock-Guttman from the State University of New York at Buffalo
analyzed clinical, demographic and HDL data on 186 MS patients whose average age
was 50 years. At the start of the study, almost 20 percent of the participants
had low HDL levels while close to 50 percent had high levels. Over the next 6
years, an association between the level of HDL cholesterol and the level of
disability became apparent. Patients with greater disability were almost twice
as likely to have low HDL levels compared to patients with less disability.
Dr. Bianca Weinstock-Guttman thinks high HDL levels are associated with lower
inflammation. April 2009.
Avoid smoking since it makes it worse
Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of MS, but the
substance that makes cigarettes addictive, nicotine, doesn't seem to be at
fault. It's not clear why cigarette smoking might increase MS risk, although
there are many theories. Cyanide is one of the many harmful compounds found in
cigarette smoke and it's known to damage nerve tissue. Smokers' greater
vulnerability to infections, which have been linked to MS risk, could also be a
factor.
Multiple sclerosis
symptoms and signs, diagnosis
Optic neuritis is often the first symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The term multiple sclerosis comes from the multiple areas
of scarring (sclerosis) that represent many patches of demyelination in the nervous
system. The possible neurologic signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis are so
diverse that doctors may miss the diagnosis when the first symptoms appear.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms often include reduced or abnormal sensations,
weakness and fatigue,
visual changes, clumsiness, loss of bladder control, and so on. Symptoms of
multiple sclerosis might appear in any combination and be mild or severe. They
are usually experienced for unpredictable periods of time.
While multiple sclerosis often worsens slowly over time, affected people usually have
periods of relatively good health (remissions) alternating with debilitating
flare-ups (exacerbations). Fatigue is the most common symptom of
multiple sclerosis and is associated with a reduced quality of life. It is described as the worst
symptom of their disease by 50-60% of patients. Yoga helps reduce fatigue in
patients with multiple sclerosis. Brain fog occurs in multiple sclerosis with
problems in thinking or being able to focus clearly.
Erectile
dysfunction is a common symptom with multiple sclerosis. Although
Viagra may help, the risk of permanent blindness is a concern. Natural options
and formulas are available
by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
.
Investigators in Japan have found that MS symptoms were
more common in the warmest (July and August) and coldest (January and February)
months.
Using special MRI images, scientists found that the thalamus -- which
acts as a "relay center" for nervous-system signals -- had atrophied in many
patients who had suffered an initial neurological episode that often comes
before a MS diagnosis.
Many people with MS experience some degree of reduced libido
affecting both sexual pleasure and function, according to a 2014 study published
in the journal Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics.
There is neuronal loss, also.
J Autoimmune. 2014. The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and the various related demyelinating syndromes: A critical review. Several variants of MS (and CNS demyelinating syndromes in general) have been nowadays defined in an effort to increase the diagnostic accuracy, to identify the unique immunopathogenic profile and to tailor treatment in each individual patient. These include the initial events of demyelination defined as clinically or radiologically isolated syndromes (CIS and RIS respectively), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and its variants (acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis-AHL, Marburg variant, and Balo's concentric sclerosis), Schilder's sclerosis, transverse myelitis, neuromyelitis optica (NMO and NMO spectrum of diseases), recurrent isolated optic neuritis and tumefactive demyelination. The differentiation between them is not only a terminological matter but has important implications on their management. For instance, certain patients with MS and prominent immunopathogenetic involvement of B cells and autoantibodies, or with the neuromyelitic variants of demyelination, may not only not respond well but even deteriorate under some of the first-line treatments for MS. The unique clinical and neuroradiological features, along with the immunological biomarkers help to distinguish these cases from classical MS. The use of such immunological and imaging biomarkers, will not only improve the accuracy of diagnosis but also contribute to the identification of the patients with CIS or RIS who, are at greater risk for disability progression (worse prognosis) or, on the contrary, will have a more benign course.
J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2015. Decreased urinary level of melatonin as a marker of disease severity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Melatonin has both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties depending on the stage of inflammation. Despite its therapeutic effect in alleviation of some symptoms of multiple sclerosis; the precise role of melatonin in MS pathogenesis remains a topic of debate. The aim of this study was to measure the urine level of one of melatonin products which is an index of serum melatonin level, in MS patients in the acute phase of relapse and control patients. We also analyzed different clinical and cognitive indices in order to find any correlation with melatonin level. Twenty eight patients who were diagnosed as relapsing-remitting MS, according to the revised McDonald criteria, along with 10 age- and sex-matched control subjects were recruited in our study. Here we showed that urine 6-sulphatoxymelatonin levels (aMT6s; the major metabolite of melatonin) were significantly lower in MS patients compared to control group.
Possible triggers, cause
Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common causes of neurological
disability in young and middle-aged adults. About 400,000 Americans,
mostly young adults, have it.
The pathogenesis remains
unknown. Although inflammation, demyelination and axonal injury are all
involved, the primary pathogenic process is not clear.
On-the-job exposure to organic solvents may increase a person's risk of
developing multiple sclerosis. Infection with a common bacteria known as C. pneumonia
may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Immunization with the synthetic hepatitis
B vaccine may be associated with an increased risk of developing multiple
sclerosis. Those with multiple sclerosis should avoid excessive body heat
elevation such as sauna, whirlpool, sun bathing or spending time outdoors in
high heat.
Infection with Epstein-Barr
virus (EBV), resulting in
infectious mononucleosis, which primarily effects adolescents and young adults,
more than doubles the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life.
Elevated serum levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies can be seen in
multiple sclerosis patients decades before the clinical onset of disease.
Cerebrospinal fluid from multiple sclerosis patients commonly
contains varicella zoster virus DNA. The use of immune suppressive therapy could
more easily lead to viral reactivation and to the development of viral diseases
in multiple sclerosis patients.
MS patients who smoke have a speedier progression of the disease.
A woman's risk of developing MS during her lifetime is doubled if
she was obese at age 18. Neurology, 2009.
Front Immunol. 2015. Multiple Sclerosis between Genetics and Infections: Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Monocytes and Macrophages. The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unknown, but there is strong evidence that genetic predisposition associated with environmental factors can trigger the disease. An estimated 30 million years ago, exogenous retroviruses are thought to have integrated themselves into human germ line cells, becoming part of human DNA and being transmitted over generations. Usually such human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are silenced or expressed at low levels, but in some pathological conditions, such as MS, their expression is higher than that in the healthy population.
Multiple Sclerosis
Cause - sun exposure?
A 27-year-old white woman with a history of multiple sclerosis was found
dead lying on a lounger, clad in a bathing suit. She had been sunbathing for 4
hours. Autopsy findings consisted of numerous variably sized demyelinated
plaques involving the periventricular cerebral white matter and cerebellum.
Elevation of core temperature in patients with multiple sclerosis leading to
transient or permanent adverse neurologic signs and symptoms has been documented
for several decades. This case illustrates that a modestly increased core body
temperature, even from a usually innocuous activity such as sunbathing, may be
fatal in such patients.
Multiple
Sclerosis Treatment - Medical therapy
Injectable beta-interferon, a relatively new multiple
sclerosis treatment, reduces the frequency of
relapses. Other promising multiple sclerosis treatments still under investigation include other interferons,
oral myelin, and glatiramer to help keep the body from attacking its own myelin. The
benefits of plasmapheresis and intravenous gamma globulins haven't been established, and
these treatments aren't practical for long-term therapy.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone taken by mouth or methylprednisolone
given intravenously for short periods to relieve acute symptoms have been the main form of
therapy for decades. Treatment with high-dose steroids for
multiple sclerosis and other disorders may impair long-term memory, according to
a report in the medical journal Neurology. The good news is that mental
functioning usually returns to normal a few days after stopping the drug.
Multiple sclerosis treatment with cannabinoids may help prevent
episodes of urge incontinence. Treatment with Marinol, a
synthetic version of cannabinoid chemicals found in marijuana, can reduce the
pain often experienced by people with multiple sclerosis.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women being treated with beta-interferon, a drug used to fight
multiple sclerosis and other diseases, face an increased risk of miscarriage or
having a low birthweight baby.
While women with MS have a somewhat heightened risk of certain pregnancy complications, by and large, their pregnancies are as healthy as other women's unless being treated with certain medications.
MS Human Research
A randomized crossover study of bee sting
therapy for multiple sclerosis.
Neurology, 2005.
Bee sting therapy found ineffective against multiple sclerosis.
A
24-week study of 26 patients with relapsing-remitting or relapsing
secondary progressive multiple sclerosis has found no benefit from
bee-sting therapy. Live bees were used to administer bee venom three
times per week. The treatment did not reduce disease activity,
disability, or fatigue and did not improve quality of life.
Reflexology treatment relieves symptoms of multiple sclerosis: a randomized
controlled study.
Multiple Sclerosis. 2003.
To evaluate the effect of reflexology on symptoms of multiple
sclerosis in a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. Seventy-one
multiple sclerosis patients were randomized to either study or control group, to
receive an 11-week treatment. Reflexology treatment included manual pressure on
specific points in the feet and massage of the calf area. The control group
received nonspecific massage of the calf area. The intensity of paresthesias,
urinary symptoms, muscle strength and spasticity was assessed in a masked
fashion at the beginning of the study, after 1.5 months of treatment, end of
study and at three months of follow-up. Fifty-three patients completed
this study. Significant improvement in the differences in mean scores of paresthesias, urinary symptoms and spasticity was detected in the reflexology
group. Improvement with borderline significance was observed in the differences
in mean scores of muscle strength between the reflexology group and the
controls. The improvement in the intensity of paresthesias remained significant
at three months of follow-up. Specific reflexology treatment was of
benefit in alleviating motor; sensory and urinary symptoms in multiple sclerosis
patients.
Emails
Q. Could bee propolis help someone who suffers from multiple
sclerosis? What about a multiple sclerosis diet?
A. We don't know. We haven't seen any studies regarding the association
between bee propolis and multiple sclerosis although flavonoids in bee pollen
could theoretically be beneficial. As to a multiple sclerosis
diet, again I really don't
know at this time what foods would help or not help.
Q. My husband has been diagnosed with Multiple Scleroses five years ago. It took a toll on his body and mind. My husband is taking an injection of Avonex once a week. Needless to say, our love life went from great to almost non existent. A friend talked to me about your product Passion Rx and suggested we should give it a try. I thought, at worst the only thing I could lose would be the cost of the product. So I placed an order, I received my Passion Rx and started giving it to my husband, who at first was reluctant to take it. Much to our surprise, he started feeling the positive effects of Passion Rx approximately one week later. He was taking one capsule every other day. We now enjoy a healthy, longer lasting and full filling love life once more. Thank you for putting forth the effort of finding natural remedies, that people who do have to be on medication can also take.
Q. Dear Dr. Sahelian, the information you provide on your
website in very informative and outstanding! I have recommended your website to
so many people within the last week you would think I'm making a profit. ! The
reason I am writing is to inquire if Inositol would be a good supplemental for
people who are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. I read through the multiple
sclerosis research that has already been performed but didn't see any clinical
trials that have been conducted with diseases such as multiple sclerosis. I
await an answer from your Superb Team.
A. Thank you for the positive feedback. In March 2007 we searched
Medline and could not find any clinical trials using inositol for the treatment
of multiple sclerosis.
Q. I experienced the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1967, and began yoga in 1970. The practice of yoga, and assurance from research that myelin can regenerate spontaneously, enabled me to recover full function after every episode of disease activity. My book is called Black Patent Shoes Dancing With MS, copyright 1989. You will find a PUBMED review of the work of Robert Keith Wallace PhD RE: yoga, meditation and consciousness informative. Wallace has authored numerous papers and 2 books The Neurophysioogy of Enlightenment copyright 1986 and Physiology of Consciousness copyright 1993. Another important work is Molecules of Emotion by Dr Candace Pert copyright 1997, In health, Eva Marsh Meng BSc.
Q. This question is in regards to High Dose Thiamine to
treat Multiple Sclerosis; The Dr. Klenner Protocol; using Thiamine and Niacin;
with vitamin B12 and Vitamin C etc. My friend is a 58 year old lady with
advanced multiple sclerosis has tried everything. Vitamins; Minerals;
antibiotics prescriptions; nothing has helped her; she is on LDN today, Low Dose
Naltrexone. I do not recommend LDN to people because no research done. I was
informed of The Dr. Klenner Protocol by a rep. from Twin Lab. I think Dr.
Sahelian has the best website; easy to read and very informative. I was taking
Sam-d and i didn't feel right; so I read the article reduced my dose and I am
fine.
A. I am not familiar with the Dr. Klenner protocol for the
treatment of multiple sclerosis with vitamins.
Q. I was researching MS and read your website, that " I am
not familiar with the Dr. Klenner protocol for the treatment of multiple
sclerosis with vitamins." If that is still true, here is what I've found. I hope
this helps you and others. P. Brumm, From the Townsend Letter for Doctors &
Patients, May 2003Letter to the Editor. Dr. F.R. Klenner's Protocol for MS.
"Since the publication of my article Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Injectable
Vitamin B1 and Liver Extract in the TLfDP in the Feb/March 2000 issue, I have
received hundreds of calls from doctors and patients wanting more information on
this safe, effective, and inexpensive treatment which reverses and cures
Multiple Sclerosis. Dr. F.R. Klenner's medical paper was published in the June
and July 2000 edition of the TLfDP. Dr. H.T.R. Mount's medical paper on the
successful treatment of MS with vitamin B1 and liver extract was also published
in the Feb/March 2000 issue of the TLfDP. It is interesting to note these two
MDs were treating MS in the 1940s and '50s with the same two essential
ingredients -- injectable B1 and liver extract -- yet they were unaware of each
other. Dr. Klenner in Reidsville, North Carolina and Dr. Mount in Ottawa,
Ontario. Dr. Mount felt paralysis was a contraindication to his type of therapy,
whereas Dr. Klenner was treating MS patients with paralysis intensively and
successfully with vitamins A, C, E and all of the B vitamins and other
metabolites in addition to the vitamin B1 and liver extract injections."
A. Thanks for writing, it would be nice to have actual double
blind studies to see if this protocol is of benefit.
Q. I just wanted to drop a brief positive comment on the Source Naturals Vitamin B Coenzyme product in relation to Multiple Sclerosis. I love this product. After reading an article on multiple sclerosis and nicotinamide, I tried taking a couple different brands of nicotinamide. I didn't care for them. Then, I saw that NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 10 mg) was available in the Vitamin B Coenzyme product. I found this product immediately very beneficial. Is it just the natural vitamin B effects? Or is the NAD providing direct protection against my multiple sclerosis symptoms? That's hard to say, of course. But I have found this product invaluable, and I haven't had a multiple sclerosis attack since I've been on it. Also, I feel I've used it to "fend off" attacks. That said, I haven't had an MRI in quite a while. When you're doing well, you aren't motivated to get them. All of this could be coincidental. However, you may want to research this product and consider recommending on your multiple sclerosis page under your comments on nicotinamide. According to the article on nicotinamide, the protection provided by NAD was dose dependent, and would require tons more than the small 10 mg I am taking to match what the mice were given. Still, I can't deny the positive benefits it seems to provide, even if my comments are anecdotal and unproven by a trial. I cut the coenzyme B vitamin tablet into quarters, so I can take a quarter every few hours. It's a sort of makeshift time-release pill. Finally, I also take SAM-e with the coenzyme B vitamin. Too much SAM-e gives me insomnia, so I moderate to a couple days on, and a couple off. But the combination of SAM-e with the coenzyme B vitamin makes my body extremely efficient. I have a high metabolism and can burn through food fast, but this combination allows me to maintain balance which appears to be good for reducing my multiple sclerosis.
Q. Does dimethylglycine supplement help with multiple sclerosis?
A. We have not seen any studies using DMG supplements for the
treatment of multiple sclerosis.
I stumbled upon your website this morning as I was reading more about bee pollen which I have been taking on and off for some time. I have decided to reintroduce it into my daily therapies. I just wanted to send along a note that I have had had MS since July 7, 2007 and have had fantastic results with NO PROGRESSION whatsoever. My therapy from day one has been a proper diet, exercise and supplements. I have never taken any MS drug - nor do I plan to. Every year my MRI is improving. My latest MRI in May 2009 showed no new spots and I have regenerated multiple lesions in my brain, which doctors here in Canada said was impossible. If you would like to connect, I would love to share my story. I have MRI's to prove my story as well. This is one of my missions in life to educate others experiencing MS. I decided to be the person to give them the other side that medical doctors do not usually do - providing the ability to heal yourself. I commend you for taking the extra time and initiative to test all supplements and therapies.
Thank you for the website. It is a good source of
information, covering alternatives. Even though MS is difficult to control,
doing nothing is not an option. I was diagnosed with MS in July of 2007 and
wonder what you think of Chinese herbal concentrates via Sunrider products (Nuplus
and Quinary powders)? Although I am using Copaxone, I am also trying to come up
with a health plan.
I am not familiar with Nuplus or Quinary powders.
I have recently been diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis. My doctor has suggested I supplement my diet with 8mg/day of
octacosanol. He understands that it may help regenerate myelin sheaths. Is there
any evidence of this?
A search on Medline in 2010 did not reveal any such studies.
My own successful program for MS consists of the prescription drug Copaxone combined with 7-keto DHEA, SAM-e, Alpha Lipoic Acid OR Padma Basic (I typically don't take these two together since the Padma thins the blood quite a bit over time), and nicotinamide [Vitamin B3] and Vitamin B1 (combined with several other B vitamins) in the Source Naturals Coenzymated B Complex product. But anyone considering the above supplement program should discuss with their physician.
When I was first diagnosed I read that the herb ashwagandha can have a beneficial effect and so I have taken this herb periodically but particularly during relapses for many years. I'm a sample size of just one, but my experience is that when I take ashwagandha it helps with nerve conductivity and energy. If I am experiencing some minor paralysis in my left arm and leg, this symptom is relieved after taking the herb for a period of days. Generally I continue taking the herb until the relapse has fully remitted. After 15 years, I feel that the frequency of relapses has been reduced and their severity has been mitigated. Perhaps your other readers may have similar experiences with the use of this herb? I would certainly be interested to know if that were true. In any event, it may be worth some consideration as a possible herbal treatment.
After browsing your website
for the first time and reading the information contained regarding MS possible
treatments, I have a question. Do you have any information, thoughts, or studies
regarding the drug Naltrexone, specifically low dose Naltrexone? I am 38 and was
diagnosed 2 years ago and am exploring this option.
I have not used this medication for MS treatment at this time.