The role of food allergies is important when addressing the diet of a person with MS. Doctors that work with food allergies commonly find that wheat and dairy products are common triggers of MS. Food additives and preservatives should be eliminated from the diet as much as possible. Every person is different, so an elimination diet or food testing by a holistic practitioner is advised. Organic foods should be the staple of the diet to avoid pesticide and other toxin exposure. Adequate amounts of purified water are recommended for optimal detoxification and cellular hydration. Alcohol and sugar products should also be avoided.

Digestive Imbalance

One of the most important areas to address in persons with MS is digestive function. Inadequate breakdown and digestion of food leads to nutritional deficiencies and the circulation of immune complexes that may trigger MS symptoms. In addition, malabsorption of food sets up the environment for infectious agents such as yeast overgrowth (candida species), which is a known neurotoxin and enemy of the immune system. Supplements that aid in digestive function are highly recommended for those with MS. This includes betaine hydrochloride capsules (or bitter herbs such as gentian root that stimulate stomach acid) and full spectrum microbial-derived enzymes with meals. Also, probiotic supplementation to increase the levels of good bacteria taken between meals is prudent.

Supplementation

There are several nutritional supplements that I advise, including essential fatty acids, particularly high quality omega-3 rich fish oils such as salmon, cod or tuna oil. Also, these taken in combination with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) are excellent for their role in nerve function and anti-inflammatory benefits. Vitamin B12 has been found in some cases to be extremely beneficial to preventing relapse in those with MS. Many doctors find good results with the injectable form, and sublingual tablets or drops may be effective as well.

Studies show that people in northern climates, where there is less sun exposure, have higher rates of MS. Researchers speculate that this may be due to the reduced amounts of vitamin D, as sunshine penetration of the skin is converted into vitamin D. Antioxidant supplements such as C, E, carotenoids and selenium are important to prevent oxidative damage to nerve cells and should be taken as part of a high potency multivitamin or antioxidant formula. Herbs such as ginkgo biloba, turmeric and boswellia are very much indicated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Reduce Stress

Stress can negatively impact the immune system and thus anyone with MS should be doing all they can to reduce the effects of stress on the body. Regular exercise, prayer and avoiding environments that are unsupportive should be focused on. Frequent positive mental imagery of one’s body and life is recommended.

Summary

Multiple sclerosis is a serious condition that has several identifiable possible triggers. Holistic approaches for those with MS make the most sense for long-term therapy. Other therapies not included in this article such as acupuncture also provide many MS patients with substantial relief of symptoms.

Did You Know?

• An estimated 50,000 Canadians suffer from MS.
• Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
• Multiple sclerosis is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada.
• Women are twice as likely as men to develop MS.
• The disease was first identified and described by Dr Jean-Martin Charcot, a French neurologist, in 1868.

Source: mssociety.ca

MS: What You Can Do

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive autoimmune disease that impairs nerve function. Support the immune system through proper nutrition and supplementation with omega-3 oils, vitamin B₁₂, D, antioxidants C, E, carotenoids and selenium, and others.

Check for environmental toxicity through urinalysis or blood samples. Once identified, draw out toxins with a detoxifying program such as chelation therapy.

Reduce consumption of animal protein (except fish) and dairy. Consume omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish.

Consider food allergies. Go on an elimination diet or have food testing done. Avoid common food allergens.

Aid digestive function by using supplements such as betaine hydrochloride, digestive enzymes and probiotics or bitter herbs such as gentian root.

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