Multiple Sclerosis

It is estimated that MS affects more than 2 million people worldwide and is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults worldwide, the vast majority of them being women. MS typically affects persons between age 30 and 50, but MS can be seen at any age.

Early MS symptoms may include:

• weakness/fatigue
• loss of balance
• problems with coordination
• tremors
• tingling and/or numbness
• blurred or loss of vision
• muscle stiffness/cramping
• thinking problems
• depression
• bowels problems
• facial or eye pain

It is still unclear what exactly causes MS in individuals, but experts believe it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as diet, toxin exposures, and intestinal bacteria imbalance. Many investigators also think that having a low vitamin D level may be a risk factor. Also, certain viral illnesses may play a role in MS.

Diet

• Hundreds of my patients over the last 25 years, have made dramatic recoveries from autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, connective tissue disease and psoriasis via a Nutritarian diet.  Many have achieved complete recoveries and no longer require any medications.  A vegan, gluten-free diet has shown to be quite helpful for many with autoimmune diseases.^1,2  Those with MS who eat more vegetables and other plant foods and fewer animal products tend to have fewer symptoms.^3,4
• Identify specific or general triggers to the disease to reduce or remove (which may be individual to each person). Many with MS will find they experience fewer symptoms by removing gluten, processed foods such as added sugars, and animal products. Other foods are less common triggers, such as certain nuts, soy, nightshades, or corn, for example.
• Vitamins, minerals carotenoids, flavonoids, fiber, and other phytochemicals have anti-inflammatory effects that could help to normalize the immune response and reduce symptoms.^5-7 Maximize the intake of immune-system-regulating, anti-inflammatory foods such as green vegetables, mushrooms, onions, squashes, parsnips, turnips and rutabaga, which have low allergic or reaction potential. Eat both raw and cooked cruciferous vegetables every day. 
• Fruit can be a trigger for some patients; fruit intake may need to be reduced to 2-3 small servings daily.
• Anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, cloves, garlic, and cinnamon should be used in seasoning dishes.^8-11  
• Talk to your doctor before and after making changes to your diet and supplement regimen if you have a chronic disease or if you are taking any medication, as medication and/or unique dietary modifications may be necessary.  Medication reduction should be monitored by a physician.
• Meal plan: Autoimmune Reversal

Supplements

• Dr. Fuhrman’s general supplement protocol for adults (see Vitamin Advisor for details) includes:

  • Multivitamin (without beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, copper), such as Women’s Daily Formula +D3, Men’s Daily Formula +D3, or Gentle Care Formula.

  • Omega-3 DHA and EPA, such as DHA+EPA Purity.

  • Optional: Consider adding a mixed mushroom immune supplement, such as Immune Biotect, because of the potential immune system benefits throughout life from assorted mushroom phytochemicals not normally consumed in the diet. Consult your physician if you are on medication. 

• Additional Supplements:
  • Probiotics: Research has suggested that healthy bacteria in our intestines may be protective and help to keep a normal functioning immune system. MS has been associated with alterations in the gut microbiome.¹²  Eating a fiber-rich diet helps to build up healthy gut bacteria over time, and supplemental probiotics have reduced inflammatory markers in studies on patients with multiple sclerosis.^13-15 Ask your doctor if taking probiotics is right for you.
  • Omega-3 DHA and EPA: Omega-3 supplementation has been linked to improved quality of life, reduced levels of inflammatory markers, and reduced rate of relapse in patients with MS.¹⁶ High doses may be necessary to experience a difference in symptoms.¹⁷ If considering higher doses of omega-3 supplementation, please discuss this with your doctor first as it is not appropriate for everyone.

Read

• Eat For Life
• Super Immunity
• Fasting and Eating for Health
• Position Paper: Autoimmune Disease

Other Considerations

Supervised, periodic water fasting can be used as an adjunct treatment for autoimmune conditions. I have documented remission of autoimmune diseases following supervised fasting in a published series of case reports.¹⁸ Additional studies have found that fasting (followed by a vegetarian diet) reduces pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients.^19,20 Continuing to follow a Nutritarian diet after completing the fast is essential for sustaining the benefits of the fast. Fasting puts the body into a repair mode, facilitating the elimination of damaged molecules, reducing inflammation, and resetting the immune system.^21,22 I generally recommend that patients adopt the dietary protocol for a few months prior to considering adding fasting to their protocol.  Fasting is not compatible with most medications. Fasting should be done under the supervision of a competent health professional.