A Naturopathic Approach To Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a scary diagnosis for any patient to get, but it doesn’t have to mean that life as you know it is over.

Naturopathic doctors are able to help with naturopathic treatments for multiple sclerosis.

To help you understand a little about the disease and how we help our patients, I’ve included some information for you below.

We’ve also included the video where I discuss treating multiple sclerosis from a naturopathic standpoint, on VitaminJunkies.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a serious, progressive disease, possibly auto-immune in nature.

MS is a disease where the wrapping around of nerves gets attacked by the body; as you unwrap them, it interferes with the signal transmission to and from the nerves.

Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis?

There are several symptoms of MS, as the nerves are continually attacked, causing an increasing number of symptoms and severity:

• trouble moving arms
• trouble walking
• issues with balance
• muscle weakness
• vertigo or dizziness
• cognition impairment
• you may need a wheelchair
• if bowel or bladder nerves are affected, it can lead to incontinence

What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

We’re not entirely sure what causes multiple sclerosis, but some conditions seem to pre-dispose you to it; for instance, there is a genetic component, and it can be passed down through generations of families.

Research shows that people who live in boreal climates (higher latitudes) have a lower incidence, and we suspect that has to do with the amount of sunlight they get.

Epstein-barr virus can predispose you to MS, as well as environmental toxins; some have questioned the link between mercury in fish or teeth fillings, but that hasn’t yet been proven.

Preventing Multiple Sclerosis

If genetic, then you’ll want to be carefully monitoring for symptoms, while including some of the appropriate homeopathic treatments.

The diet most appropriate for genetic MS patients is the Swank diet, which was developed in the 1950s, and it’s known to reduce frequency of flares and severity of symptoms.

The diet is high in Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D, but it also has you limit other fats, especially saturated fat and whole- or partial-fat dairy.

Other than that, it suggests plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Dr. JJ’s Vitamin Supplements For Multiple Sclerosis

Along the lines of the Swank diet, here are my recommendation for supplements to improve your chances of dodging MS:

1. Omega 3 Fish Oil

Omega 3s fit well with MS because one of the most important interventions is fish oil.

Studies suggest it’s the anti-inflammatory properties that are so valuable, meaning that other such foods would also be helpful: turmeric, tomatoes, nuts and olive oil.

You can get different intensities of Omega 3s; for the central nervous system, DHA has more of an affinity and is therefore more helpful, whereas EHA has more of an affinity for the heart – however, you must take both for best effect.

2. Vitamin D

Really, the very top of the list should be vitamin D – because we have identified that sunlight deficiency seems to increase the incidence of MS, you want to try to be sure to get as much sunlight as you can, whether from being outdoors or through supplements.

We have seen very good effects with a high dose in a current clinical trial, but it must be administered and monitored very closely.

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ

If you are suffering from multiple sclerosis or the disease runs in the family, then I encourage you to consider homeopathic treatments to delay and reduce the symptoms you experience.

Call now and book an appointment to see me, Dr. JJ, so I can discuss with you about your medical history, your diagnosis, and your options.