Multiple sclerosis, commonly abbreviated to MS, is an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system which results in the body's immune system being attacked. As no known cure exists it is especially important to make the best use of natural treatments available and follow a healthy diet.
Treat MS with Diet
Regardless of whether an individual is suffering from benign or relapsing remitting MS, diet plays an important role in managing the condition. In Eating for Better Health, Plant & Tidey (2010) recommend avoiding all dairy produce, sourcing protein from vegetables and oily fish, as well as eating organic foods to reduce exposure to pesticides. In addition to suggesting the Swank low saturated fat diet and the Best Bet diet, Courteney et al. recommend the following ways to treat multiple sclerosis through diet:
- avoid caffeine - drink herbal/fruit teas, diluted organic fruit/vegetable juices
- replace cow's milk with oat/rice/quinoa/almond/coconut milk
- plenty of oily fish - reduce inflammation, help produce myelin
- leafy green (ideally organic) vegetables - rich in B vitamins, magnesium
- switch sugary snacks for pumpkin/sunflower/sesame seeds - rich in essential fats
- avoid refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, fried foods, alcohol
Best Natural Multiple Sclerosis Treatments
While it is important to be aware of which foods are best consumed or avoided when suffering from MS, there are also natural multiple sclerosis treatments available. Although there has been much written about the benefits of cannabis in terms of pain reduction, it remains illegal in the UK and there is difficulty getting hold of Sativex, a cannabis-based mouth spray. Key natural remedies for MS, as suggested by courteney et al. include the following:
- high quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement
- full-spectrum beta-carotene complex
- vitamin B complex
- magnesium supplements - if aching muscles is a problem
- Avemar (wheat germ extract) - immune-modulating effects in autoimmune conditions
- probiotics - helps digestion
- Co-enzyme Q10 - improves energy levels
- lipoic acid - helps protect myelin sheath damaged by MS
In addition to the above recommendations, further natural approached to treating multiple sclerosis are identified by Holford & Meek (2010) to include zinc, glutamine, omega-3 and omega-6.
MS Research
Research into effective ways to treat multiple sclerosis are ongoing, with studies such as the potential benefits of vitamin D. Further studies, recently highlighted by the UK Multiple Sclerosis Society, include as follows:
- use of stem cells to repair myelin cells
- Fingolimod - first licensed tablet for relapsing remitting MS
- link between environmental pollutants and MS - another reason to quit smoking
For more information on research studies on the treatment of multiple sclerosis, it is well worth having a look a the UK MS Society Site, which is also an excellent source of help and advice for sufferers, health professionals and carers.
As highlighted above, maintaining a healthy diet and knowing which foods are helpful or should be avoided is a simple way to treat MS naturally. Quality natural multiple sclerosis treatments include Avemar, Co-enzyme Q10 and lipoic acid.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
Courteney et al. (2010) 500 of the Most Important Health Tips You'll ever Need London: Cico Books
Holford, P. & Meek, J. (2010) Boost Your Immune System London: Piatkus
Plant, J. & Tidey, G. (2010) Eating For Better Health London: Virgin Books
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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