"I have lost vision in my left eye a few times. It’s scary when these MS attacks come on. My friend said you helped her sister with natural medicine and now she seems to be doing fine. What do you recommend?" were the words of Karen, a 41-year-old accountant who had been battling multiple sclerosis for four years.

"There are several good things we can do with natural medicine, but let’s start by getting more information from you," I replied.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive autoimmune disease of the central nervous system whereby myelin, the protective sheath coverings of nerve cells, degenerates and becomes scarred. This leads to damage of the nerve tissue of the brain, spinal cord and eyes. As a result, nerve function is compromised.

Common symptoms of MS include impaired vision, numbness, dizziness, muscle weakness, tingling sensations, bladder dysfunction, psychological changes and fatigue. This disease occurs most often in young adults with approximately two-thirds of cases between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are affected more frequently than men.

There is no agreed upon single cause for multiple sclerosis. Genetics plays a factor, with almost one-fourth of MS patients having an affected relative. Factors that may trigger the disease or the worsening of symptoms include infectious agents, environmental toxins, diet and food allergies, digestive imbalance, nutritional deficiencies and the effects of stress.

Many holistic doctors report improvements and in some cases incredible turnarounds with comprehensive natural approaches. Conventional therapies such as prednisone, methotrexate and cytoxan carry a relatively high risk of toxicity and poor long-term resolution of multiple sclerosis. Thus, I highly advise that primary treatment of MS be focused on natural treatment with conventional therapies being employed when only absolutely needed for short-term stabilization. This is best done under the guidance of a holistic doctor.

The Immune Connection

Population studies suggest that childhood or early adulthood encounters with an infection (particularly viruses) lead to a dysregulated immune system, whereby antibodies destroy the myelin sheath or direct damage to brain cells. Therefore, immune-balancing therapies can be of benefit to this condition. This is best done through proper nutrition, supplementation and other therapies discussed in this article. Some doctors specialize in therapies that eradicate less well-understood pathogens such as mycoplasma. Supplements containing sterol and sterolins have some literature supporting their use for autoimmune conditions such as MS.

Environmental Toxins

Environmental toxicity has to be one of the most underrated causes of autoimmune conditions. North Americans are subject to numerous toxic substances that are known to damage the immune system. Two of the more commonly found heavy metals are mercury and lead. Both are classified as neurotoxins, and unfortunately, higher than "normal" levels are not uncommon in the general population. It rationally appears that for some individuals with MS, these heavy metals trigger the immune system to damage brain cells and nerve tissue. Other toxins such as solvents and pesticides are also suspect in triggering MS. These toxins can be tested by a naturopathic or holistic medical doctor as done through urinalysis or blood samples. Once identified, the proper chelating treatments to draw out these toxins can be done in a safe and effective manner.

The Role of Diet

Several studies have shown a correlation between high consumption of animal protein (except fish) and dairy intake and MS. These foods contain higher amounts of saturated fatty acids that are known to worsen inflammatory conditions and cell-to-cell communication. Conversely, diets high in cold-water fish and vegetables have been shown to be protective against MS in population studies.

Cold-water fish are particularly rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids that improve cell-to-cell communication and have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Dr Swank, a neurologist known for his work with MS patients, has had great success using a diet reduced in animal protein (50 to 90 grams of protein daily), three fish meals per week, moderate carbohydrates, five grams of cod liver oil and increased fruits and vegetables. He also found that patients who followed this diet before the development of disabling symptoms developed no significant increase in disability from MS during his 35-year study.

Food Allergies

Dr Mark Stengler is a naturopathic doctor and author of The Natural Physician (alive Books, 1998) and The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies (Prentice Hall Press, 2001). Web site thenaturalphysician.com.

Source: alive #235, May 2002