nervous system (brain and spinal cord) in which the myelin sheaths around the nerves are damaged. The process is called “demyelination” in medicine. The loss of myelin is not in continuous form; it is segmental, which means some parts of the nerves have still myelin covers and some parts do not.
MS affects females twice more than males mostly in their thirties and forties. MS has a relapsing-remitting course, and signs and symptoms are dissipated in time and place. Depending on which part of the brain or spinal cord has been involved, neurological symptoms vary.
Though the exact cause of MS is unknown, few possible risk factors have been postulated:
- Genetics.
- Environmental factors (more common among people who live farther from the equator).
- Decreased sunlight exposure.
- Nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin D).
- Infectious agents (Epstein-Barr virus, meals virus, mumps, rubella and herpes virus).
- Autoimmune disease.
- Oxidative stress damage.
- Food allergies.
- Heavy metals.
Nutritional Supports:
Restricted Foods:
- Foods high in saturated fats and Trans-fat.
- Butter.
- Hydrogenated oils.
- Shortenings.
- Artificial flavors, food colorings, additives, and preservatives.
- Processed foods.
- Canned foods.
- Fried foods.
- Allergenic foods.
- Inflammatory foods (red meats, and dairy products).
- Sugars and sweets.
- Alcohol.
- Too much caffeine.
- Soft drinks.
- Any food items that contain “aspartame“.
Recommended Foods:
- Whole grains.
- Legumes.
- Fish.
- Avocado.
- Flaxseeds.
- Chia seeds.
- Hemp seeds.
- Walnuts.
- Fresh and colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Fruits high in flavonoids: berries.
- Foods high in apigenin: artichoke, parsley, celery, and chamomile tea. It is claimed that apigenin might stimulate neurogenesis (growth of the nerve cells).
- Foods high in lecithin: soy products, tofu, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, legumes, sunflower seeds, cottonseeds, rapeseeds, and peanut butter.
Recommended Supplements:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (high doses): 5 – 20 grams day.
- Vitamin D: 2000 – 5000 IU a day.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): 600 – 1200 mg a day.
- French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
- Grape Seeds Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
- Lecithin: 2400 – 9600 mg a day.
- Fumaric Acid: 100 – 120 mg a day, and gradual increase to 500 mg a day over several weeks. It is naturally produced in the skin upon exposure to sun and may improve MS symptoms.
- Ginkgo Biloba: 240 – 480 mg a day. This adaptogen has antioxidant activity and also improves blood flow. It may ease the symptoms of MS.
- Insoine: 2000 – 3000 mg a day.
- Spirulina: as a tablet: 2000 – 3000 mg a day, as a powder: 2 – 3 teaspoons a day.
- Multivitamins – Multiminerals: A high potency product.
- Digestive Enzymes: A full spectrum product
Miscellaneous Suggestions:
- Live detoxification.
- Colon cleansing.
- Regular exercise.
