Helpful Natural Supplements and Treatments
OVERVIEW
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, where there is a loss of the myelin (fatty, protective coating) that covers the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Nerve transmission becomes slowed or interrupted. Initial symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, dizziness, and visual disturbances. The disease can progress to include other symptoms, such as dementia, loss of bowel and bladder control, and inability to stand and walk. The cause of MS is unknown, but genetics and a faulty immune system are suspected. There are four categories of MS, based on how the disease progresses, and the on-again (relapse) and off-again (remitting) cycles of symptoms.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
There are several natural supplements that may help with multiple sclerosis. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.*
*PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to make sure that supplements do not interfere with your medications or an existing health condition. First check with your doctor before trying any supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamin D: Population studies show that adequate levels of this fat-soluble vitamin may reduce the risk of MS with light-skinned people.
Magnesium: Supplementing with this macromineral may reduce some of the spasticity that is experienced with MS.
Less Helpful: vitamin B12, vitamin E, selenium.
Other Supplements
Less Helpful: essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6).
Herbs
Less Helpful: ginkgo, turmeric.
COMMENTS
There is no cure for MS, and few drugs are available for treatment. Corticosteroids are used to shorten the duration of acute attacks, muscle relaxants for spasticity, and other drugs for bladder problems and fatigue. Exercise regularly, but gently. Do not exercise during an attack. Stretching, especially yoga, can be helpful. Avoid excessive heat, or becoming overheated. Some foods may trigger an attack (e.g., dairy, grains containing gluten, vinegar, wine), so keep a record of the foods eaten before an attack. The Swank Diet was developed by Roy Swank, M.D., for people with MS. Some people use bee venom therapy (make sure you are not allergic to bee stings), although little scientific research supports its use.
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.
John Pillepich. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS*
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern.
OVERVIEW
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, where there is a loss of the myelin (fatty, protective coating) that covers the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Nerve transmission becomes slowed or interrupted. Initial symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, dizziness, and visual disturbances. The disease can progress to include other symptoms, such as dementia, loss of bowel and bladder control, and inability to stand and walk. The cause of MS is unknown, but genetics and a faulty immune system are suspected. There are four categories of MS, based on how the disease progresses, and the on-again (relapse) and off-again (remitting) cycles of symptoms.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
There are several natural supplements that may help with multiple sclerosis. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.*
*PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to make sure that supplements do not interfere with your medications or an existing health condition. First check with your doctor before trying any supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamin D: Population studies show that adequate levels of this fat-soluble vitamin may reduce the risk of MS with light-skinned people.
Magnesium: Supplementing with this macromineral may reduce some of the spasticity that is experienced with MS.
Less Helpful: vitamin B12, vitamin E, selenium.
Other Supplements
Less Helpful: essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6).
Herbs
Less Helpful: ginkgo, turmeric.
COMMENTS
There is no cure for MS, and few drugs are available for treatment. Corticosteroids are used to shorten the duration of acute attacks, muscle relaxants for spasticity, and other drugs for bladder problems and fatigue. Exercise regularly, but gently. Do not exercise during an attack. Stretching, especially yoga, can be helpful. Avoid excessive heat, or becoming overheated. Some foods may trigger an attack (e.g., dairy, grains containing gluten, vinegar, wine), so keep a record of the foods eaten before an attack. The Swank Diet was developed by Roy Swank, M.D., for people with MS. Some people use bee venom therapy (make sure you are not allergic to bee stings), although little scientific research supports its use.
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.
John Pillepich. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS*
- A good multivitamin: Age-Less Paks, Osteo Paks, Wellness Paks, or Daily Four
- B-50 Caps
- E-400 with Selenium
- Ultra Omega-3
- Omega-6
- Curcumin
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Magnesium
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern.
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