May 17th, 2013
Updated 05/17/2013 at 1:39 am
Multiple sclerosis is a bit of a mystery. It is a disease that occurs when the immune system damages the myelin sheath surrounding nerves, with effects being from mild to severe. Science is truly at a loss as to why it happens, why it is more common in northern latitudes, and why the damage that occurs varies so widely. But rest assured, there are numerous lifestyle tips for preventing and treating multiple sclerosis naturally.
MS is considered an auto-immune disease, where the immune system attacks the nervous system. A definite cause is unknown, but symptoms can vary from mild (numbness, tingling, tremor, etc.) to severe (extreme weakness, loss of vision, electric-shock sensations, slurred speech, extreme fatigue, and limited mobility). Usually, the symptoms come and go. In most cases, the disease worsens with time, with periods of remission getting shorter or nonexistent as the disease progresses.
Because the disease is a bit of a mystery, so is treating it. Of course, Big Pharma has come out with prescription solutions, but they are very expensive, come with a long list of side effects, and aren’t guaranteed to work. Fortunately, many people with multiple sclerosis have found relief through natural means.
Some Potential, Natural Solutions for MS
Because the disease varies widely, so too do the solutions. MS patients are cautioned that what works for one person, may not work for them – not so surprising. However, these potential solutions have had success in many people who suffer from the potentially debilitating disease.
- 1. Practice Healthy Living - While this tip may seem vague, things like stress and lack of sleep can worsen the symptoms of MS. For that reason, it’s important to take care of yourself. Exercising regularly, meditating, and sleeping on a set schedule could help to minimize your symptoms. Don’t sit around all day, and try not to fill your day with stress and anxiety.
- 2. Eliminate Some Foods - Some foods have been shown to aggravate the symptoms of MS. These include highly processed foods, polyunsaturated vegetable oils (like those in margarine), artificial sweeteners and preservatives, and gluten. For many, eliminating grains altogether seems to lessen symptoms markedly.
- 3. Add Other Foods - Other foods have shown promise in healing the body and reducing MS symptoms. These include: foods rich in Omega-3 fats (fish, nuts, etc.), grass-fed proteins, healthy fat sources (coconut oil, olives, avocados, etc.), and fermented food and drinks (kefir, apple cider vinegar, kimchi, and sauerkraut).
- 4. Use Herbs - Anti-inflammatory herbs may help when symptoms are at their worst. Some helpful herbs and spices that are easily added to foods are turmeric, ginger, thyme, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, and clove. Evening primrose oil, more difficult to find, may also help because of its concentration of gamma-linoleic acid, which helps optimize nervous system function.
In addition to these changes, a vitamin D supplement may help with MS. Some research suggests there is a link between low vitamin D levels and the rate at which MS patients experience relapses. The best vitamin D source is regular sunshine, however, you can also get a D3 supplement if you fear you are deficient.
Another study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that a cannabis extract has positive effects on the treatment of multiple sclerosis symptoms.
Natural treatments for multiple sclerosis depend mostly on living a healthy lifestyle and abstaining from highly processed and dangerous foods. This can be done with a significant amount of determination and motivation. And when the symptoms of MS are at their peak, they provide a serious amount of motivation to maintain even tough lifestyle changes.
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