Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that involves the fatty sheath that insulates nerve fibers in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This sheath is comprised of a compound called myelin which normally insulates nerve fibers, thus facilitating efficient movement of nerve impulses between the brain, spinal cord, and body.

In MS, areas of myelin are destroyed (“demyelinated” in medical parlance) and replaced by scar tissue, which results in compromised nerve impulse flow or conduction. MS sufferers develop symptoms related to which parts of their brain and spinal cord are demyelinated. Among the many symptoms that arise with demylination are blurred vision, muscle weakness and spasticity, impeded walking and poor coordination, bladder problems, numbness, and fatigue.

MS typically appears in people between the ages of 20 and 40 with the initial attack and its corresponding symptoms followed by partial or complete remission. Additional attacks frequently follow and can set the stage for progressive disability. There is a form or variant of MS which progresses more quickly.

Although the exact causes of MS aren’t known, researchers believe that MS arise because the immune system attacks the body's own myelin cells. Many scientists suspect that specific triggers such as a toxin or virus sets this autoimmune response in motion in susceptible people. Like most autoimmune diseases, not everyone is equally susceptible. There is evidence that genetics plays a role, as well as such things as sun exposure while young (MS is less common among peoples that live on or near the equator), in peoples who have a greater dietary intake of animal fat, a lower intake of unsaturated fats compared to saturated fats, and who consume less omega 3 fatty acid rich fish. 

 There is no cure for MS, although drugs such as Avonex and Betaseron (Interferon), and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) have been found to reduce the frequency of relapses in people with certain forms of MS (as well as retard rate of progression). Other medications lower the severity of acute attacks or treat specific issues such as muscle spasticity.

At this point-in-time, there are no scientifically proved natural treatments for multiple sclerosis, although there are a few options that are reputed to help ameliorate disease progression or complications such as spasticity.

For example, a change of diet may be helpful to some MS patients. There is a modicum of evidence that changing the type and amount of fat consumed may influence the course of MS. Dr. Roy L. Swank developed a diet (“Swank Diet”) in which unsaturated fats replace virtually all saturated fat. Swank analyzed patient responses and found that those who most closely adhered to the diet (20-34 years) experienced significantly less disability than those who didn’t.  Although the link between fat intake and MS is compelling, research has not yet generated hard evidence that supports this particular dietary approach. A number of double-blind studies have been carried out involving (for example) linoleic acid vs. placebo with most generating conflicting results. Why is this? Some scientists assert that these studies – most running 2 years or less – need to be longer; that it takes more than 2 years to determine the true impact of a Swank type diet or regimen. 

A number of studies have found MS to (in some instances) be associated with a vitamin B-12 deficiency. This is not to say that the deficiency is the cause of the MS cases in question, only that such a finding cropped up. Since B-12 can influence neurologic function to a degree, some doctors recommend screening for a deficiency of B-12 and treating demonstrated cases. Prevention can be best handled by using a B-12 supplement that utilizes the better absorbed and utilized form of the vitamin, methylcobalamin. One premium time-release form is NUTRACENE.

A wide variety of population studies have revealed that MS is more common in peoples who get less sunshine; for example, Swedes versus Africans who live along the equator. Normally our bodies make vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight. We also get a certain amount through D-rich foods like fish and vitamin D fortified foods. However, recently some scientists have come to the conclusion that a great many people in sun-drenched areas of the world (such as the southern USA) do not get enough sun exposure or vitamin D through their diet. As such, supplementation might be prudent. One product provides not only the active form of vitamin D (D3), but also the calcium-shuttling form of vitamin K2 called menaquinone-7 is BONEGENESIS.

D- and DL-Phenylalanine is an amino acid that has been shown in various animal and other studies to help ameliorate pain and depression. These symptoms plus muscle spasticity occur in many MS sufferers. Not surprisingly, many doctors have suggested that D-phenylalanine and DL-phenylalanine might improve pain and depression in MS patients, particular if used in andem with other therapeutic agents and also pain-attenuating technology like the TENS (Transcutaneous electrical stimulation) device. And this is exactly what subsequent studies showed.

In two double-blind studies, phenylalanine was compared to placebo in 16 people with MS being treated with TENS.  In both studies, those who received phenylalanine and TENS treatment experienced substantially less muscle spasticity, bladder symptoms, and depression compared to those treated with TENS and placebo. One very potent DL-phenylalanine patented formula is NEPTOL

Other treatments of possible merit (but which lack definitive scientific proof of efficacy are  adenosine monophosphate (AMP), biotin, Bromelain, vitamin B1, some forms of vitamin E, and various anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory herbal blends such as HEARTROL.

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