Makeripples

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. In people who have the disease, the body’s own immune system attacks the protective covering (called myelin) around the nerve cells, such as those that are connected with body movement, touch, vision, and bladder function.

When the myelin coating is damaged, scar-like tissue forms. This hardened tissue makes it difficult for the nerves to send signals to muscles, organs, and each other.

What causes MS?
We don’t know exactly what causes MS. What we do know is that the immune system is regulated to provide a certain degree of protection from diseases, but in MS, your immune system attacks and destroys some of the components of the nerve cells. Because MS is caused by the body’s own immune system, it is called an “autoimmune disease.”

Symptoms may include the following:

• Vision problems
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Stiffness
• Cramping

Symptoms can vary widely from person to person. In addition, they can come and go with no apparent pattern, all of which make MS difficult to diagnose.

Multiple Sclerosis is often linked to heavy metal toxicity. It may be cadmium from smoking, lead from pipes or perhaps aluminum from vaccines or cookware. MS has been linked to Mercury toxicity in many people for decades this can come from places like amalgam fillings or vaccines.

What can we do to help?
The goals of MS treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent relapses, and slow disease progression. The treatment and management of MS involves lifestyle changes, medication, and other treatments, such as physical therapy or mental health services (counseling).

The product I find most people with MS test strong for is Ultimate Green Zone or Heavy Metal Detox from Nature’s Sunshine to help remove the heavy metals. I may also use a seaweed called algin. You must also realize that the body will protect the blood from the metals by encapsulating the metals in yeast so you may need to go on a yeast control program at the same time as the heavy metal program in order to rid the body of both.

We are not affiliated with a particular Ion-footbath company but have heard of many success stories when this technique is used. We are also hearing the praises of magnetic clay baths for metal detox.

Good Fats
The myelin sheaths are being destroyed by the disease so it is necessary to add good fat into the diet to rebuild. I frequently use fresh ground flax seeds. Virgin organic coconut oil is also helpful. Weston A. Price worked with the idea of certain types of saturated fats being helpful in the 1960’s. I am also a big fan of EPA/DHA fat from fish, not only does this help to heal the damages myelin sheaths but it has been proven to improve mental abilities and reduce inflammation.

Of coarse you must realize that undigested fat is useless. Perhaps support for the liver to detox and create bile for fat degreasing is needed along with addition of an enzyme containing lipase to get the fat digested. Does the person have tight shoulders? This could be an indicator of poor fat digestion.

It is common for the person with MS to be very constipated, use of laxatives may be a negative due to the difficulty controlling bowel function. Addition of fiber would be a good choice but make sure enough water is taken after the fiber to keep it moving in the digestive tract.

Healthy protein sources are always a must for the healing process since the immune system relies on protein. Protein is also a builder in the body. Protein and fats build… carbohydrates provide energy. Enzymes are the workers.

As always a good enzyme is needed to help the body recover from weakness. Think of it this way… If the body could have digested wouldn’t it have been nourished enough to stay healthy?

Threonine
Early evidence suggests that threonine, a naturally occurring amino acid, might be able to decrease the muscle spasticity that often occurs with MS.

Vitamin B12
Because several studies have found MS to be occasionally associated with vitamin B12 deficiency and lack of B12 can cause neurological problems on its own, it is recommend that people with MS be tested for this condition.

Vitamin D
Our bodies normally obtain vitamin D in one of two ways: through our diet or through exposure of our skin to the sun. More than one group of researchers has noted that areas with less sunshine tend to have a higher incidence of MS, unless the residents eat more fish that is rich in vitamin D. This has led to a theory that vitamin D might confer some protection against MS.

Phenylalanine and TENS
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning that we need it for life and our bodies can’t manufacture it from other chemicals. We normally obtain all the phenylalanine we need for nutritional purposes from high-protein foods. Supplemental phenylalanine has been studied for MS only in combination with another treatment: transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS), a portable electrical device used to decrease pain and muscle spasticity.

Managing Multiple Sclerosis
Get Regular, Moderate Exercise - regular exercise can help keep muscles strong. Swimming is especially beneficial, because the water helps keep your body cool during exercise.

Eat a Healthful Diet - This is key!!! A diet that is high in good fats and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can work wonders.

Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques - Many people with MS notice that stress makes symptoms worse. Consider getting regular massages and participating in other stress reducing practices, such as meditation, yoga, and relaxation.

Avoid Excessive Heat - Heat seems to provoke MS attacks in many people. Heat may be external or internal. Tips to avoid heat include:

• Avoid hot weather
• Stay in air-conditioned places during periods of hot weather
• Do not take hot showers or baths
• Seek treatment for infections or fever
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Avoid overexertion

Get Adequate Rest - Adequate rest helps alleviate the fatigue commonly associated with MS.