Free Yourself From MS Naturally
Natural, safe and effective alternatives to the toxic conventional medicine
Being diagnosed with any disease is devastating. It can dash dreams, rob you of your joy and leave you in a state of uncertainty for your future. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that devastates thousands of lives every year. It is a disease in which your body literally turns on itself and begins attacking the protective coating of your nerve cells in the brain and spinal column.
This protective coating is called myelin. When an autoimmune disease like MS damages the waxy, protective myelin, the nerves begin to disintegrate over time. When this occurs, MS symptoms begin to manifest such as:
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness and tingling of limbs
- Balance problems
- Tremors
- Blurred vision
- Relapsing-remitting: This form comes and goes over time. Symptoms can be severe for a time but then disappear. About 85 percent of multiple sclerosis patients develop this form of MS.
- Secondary-progressive: After the initial attack, symptoms do not subside and the disease worsens.
- Primary-progressive: People who develop this form are typically older in age. They decline slowly, without many ups and downs.
- Progressive relapsing: Symptoms progress slowly, but eventually worsen over time.
Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable. No one truly understands why one person’s MS manifests differently than someone else’s. The cause of MS is still unknown. However, many in alternative and integrative medicine believe that nutrition and many other environmental factors play a large role.
When treating MS, neurologists typically prescribe drugs that suppress the immune system. The hope in prescribing these anti-inflammatory drugs is that they will halt the autoimmune attack on the myelin and lessen MS symptoms. However, these drugs have terrible side effects and often do more harm than good.
Though the initial diagnosis of MS can be crushing, there is hope! Fortunately, there are many natural, safe and effective alternatives to the toxic treatment methods offered by conventional medicine.
The Power of Vitamin D
Many studies have confirmed that the further from the equator a country is, the more prevalent the cases of MS are.[1] Plainly said, people who live closer to the equator, where there is a lot of sunlight, have a lower risk of developing MS. Many suspect that higher levels of vitamin D are the reason behind this difference.
A recent study conducted by Harvard and published in JAMA Neurology found that vitamin D can greatly benefit MS patients. In the study, those with lower vitamin D levels, below 50 nanomoles per liter, were more likely to develop new brain lesions. They also had a worse prognosis than those with higher levels. Dr. Ascherio, lead researcher of the study stated, “Individuals…with symptoms suggesting MS should be screened for possible vitamin D deficiency, and this should be corrected by vitamin D supplementation.”[2]
Getting enough vitamin D is quite simple in the summer time. Just exposing your skin for 20 minutes a day will produce 25,000 IU of this sunshine vitamin! Supplementing is another option for the winter months and those with extremely sensitive skin. Begin by getting your vitamin D levels tested. If your levels are below the ideal 70-90 ng/ml, start supplementing vitamin D at around 35 IU per pound of body weight per day.
Protecting your Mitochondria
In each and every cell there are hundreds to thousands of tiny energy producing mitochondria. They produce the energy needed by the cells throughout our entire body! When mitochondria aren’t working properly, the effects can be seen in our nervous system and other parts of the body. Malfunctioning mitochondria contribute to damage and loss of both axons and neurons. Neurons, otherwise known as nerve cells, and their fibers called axons are responsible for muscle movement, sensation and so many other functions throughout the body. Because of this nerve damage, many speculate that dysfunctional mitochondria are a contributing factor to MS.
Mitochondria need very specific nutrients to complete the chain reaction of energy production. These specific nutrients, when added to the body through foods or supplementation, can give mitochondria what they need to thrive and produce boundless energy. This can prevent and reverse symptoms of MS! The top nutrients for mitochondrial function include:
Creatine
Creatine is similar to an amino acid. It is converted into a compound called phosphocreatine, which is used as a source of energy. Phosphocreatine contains a lot of energy and is normally used by our muscle cells for strenuous activity. Creatine is naturally found in red meat, but it can also be found at a local health food store. The recommended dose is 15-20 grams a day separated into three equal doses.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that damage cells. They cause the same oxidizing process that turns metal into rust. When mitochondria produce ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), they give off a low level of free radicals. However, if the mitochondria aren’t working correctly, even more free radicals are produced!
These free radicals cause damage to mitochondrial DNA, which creates a recurring cycle of damage and increased free radical production. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, therefore minimizing damage to mitochondrial DNA and other cells in the body!
Some fantastic antioxidants to take for MS include:
- CoQ10
- Turmeric
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Vitamin C
Green leafy veggies and bright colorful berries also pack high levels of antioxidants that you can incorporate into your daily diet.
L-Carnitine
Lactic acid and other metabolites can build up in the cells of people with mitochondrial dysfunctions. Supplementing with L-carnitine can help rid the body of these excess metabolites.
Carnitine is naturally made in the body. It is a compound that binds to metabolites and escorts them out of the cells into the kidneys where they are flushed out in the urine.
L-Carnitine can be purchased at your local health food store. The recommended dosage is 1000 mg a day.
Omega 3 Fish Oil
Omega 3 fatty acids have an array of benefits in the body. These essential fatty acids fight inflammation and are neuroprotective. Fatty acids compose much of your myelin sheath, which naturally lose their concentration over time. Supplementing with omega 3 provides nerve cells with a boost of needed fatty acids to keep their protective membrane strong and healthy!
Fish oil is also known for its ability to quell inflammation in the body, making it another beneficial supplement for MS. Many times inflammation causes nerve cell death. Omega 3 fatty acids can prevent unneeded nerve cell death which helps maintain healthy nerve function.
Studies have also shown that omega 3 fish oil positively altered mitochondrial phospholipid composition. Again, healthy well-functioning mitochondria are crucial to overcoming symptoms of MS.[3]
A study was performed to evaluate the benefits of fish oil on MS. The group taking 10 grams of fish oil a day had less disability progression and fewer relapses than those taking the placebo. [4]
The benefits of fish oil for MS, or any inflammatory disease, are numerous. Though 10 grams a day may seem like a lot, it is worth the pay off. I recommend Nordic Naturals or Carlson Labs brand of fish oil. Cheaper versions can be contaminated or contain rancid oil. Quality fish oil is imperative in order to reap the positive results!
The Power of Nutrition
As with any health issue, diet is a large part of bringing the body into a state of health and wellness. Because MS is rooted in inflammation, it is important to avoid foods that feed or initiate inflammation in the body.
The following foods exacerbate MS. Eliminating them can bring relief of MS symptoms and help rid the body of inflammation:
- Gluten (found in wheat and barley)
- Processed foods (in particular those containing aspartame and MSG)
- Dairy
- Sugar
Instead, fill your daily diet with fresh colorful fruits and vegetables that are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to protect and nourish your nerve cells! Try keeping a food diary and note any foods that cause any sort of negative reaction in your body. Eliminate these foods because you may have an allergy or sensitivity that will manifest inflammation.
Eat quality protein sources such as grass fed beef, free range chicken and eggs, and wild caught fish. They are important to supply the body with protein, creatine and healthy fats. I also recommend using organic coconut oil for cooking because this saturated fat is beneficial for brain cells.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel for those of you diagnosed with MS. Our bodies can overcome disease when given what they need to find balance. Put out the fire of inflammation and feed your mitochondria with proper nutrition and supplements. Then, watch your life change. And don’t forget, “You are what you eat!” A healthy, well balanced diet that is free from inflammatory foods can go a long way toward restoring nerve function and revolutionizing your life!
If you liked this article, then you’ll love these:
- 10 Tips For A Natural Immune System
- 7 Steps To Immune System Recovery
- 10 Top Tips for an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Sources:
[1] http://www.mssociety.org.uk/ms-news/2011/10/where-you-live-affects-likelihood-of-developing-ms
[2] http://consumer.healthday.com/cognitive-health-information-26/brain-health-news-80/vitamin-d-may-slow-multiple-sclerosis-study-suggests-684034.html
[3] http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/meeting_abstract/120/18_MeetingAbstracts/S744-d
[4] http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Health-Wellness/Diet-Nutrition/Omega-3
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