Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation (such as numbness). MS is caused by the body attacking the myelin sheath, which protects nerve cells and helps conduct signaling.
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:
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.
It is thought that taking supplemental vitamin D to reach an optimal blood level possibly may lower your risk of developing MS and may reduce MS disease activity.2 Talk to your doctor about testing your vitamin D level.
Research has suggested that healthy bacteria in our intestines may be protective and help to keep a normal functioning immune system. Although eating a fiber-rich diet helps to build up healthy bacteria over time, many with multiple sclerosis find it helpful to take supplemental probiotics. Ask your doctor to discuss if taking probiotics is right for you.
Taking supplemental omega-3 fatty acids may provide benefits to persons with MS, due to their anti-inflammatory properties.3 High doses may be necessary for the most benefit. If considering higher doses of omega-3 supplementation, discuss this with your doctor first as it is not appropriate for everyone.
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The following are sample questions from the Ask the Doctor Community Platinum and higher members can post their health questions directly to Dr. Fuhrman. (All members can browse questions and answers.)
I have recently been given a preliminary diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. My symptoms are relatively mild, mostly numb areas and tight or spasmodic muscles, sometimes a little dizziness. I have been on your basic Eat for Health plan for about 10 weeks now.
I recently read and implemented your autoimmune protocol. Because I have such mild symptoms, I had hoped that I would have seen a halt to new symptoms by now. I know that nerves take a long time to heal so am resigned to living with the old symptoms for a while but thought that new numb spots and/or tight or spasmodic muscles would not be forming by now.
Follow the autoimmune protocol carefully and continue to eliminate gluten and casein indefinitely. Make sure you get your 25 hydroxy-vitamin D level checked and supplement to get your level in the high end of the optimal range (30 -50ng/ml). Vitamin D is a potent immune modulator. A study in JAMA found a dramatically lowered risk of MS in individuals with the higher vitamin D levels. Also, get out into the sun. Recent evidence suggests that UV light is doing something beyond vitamin D to reduce risk. You can take up to 5 grams of EPA/DHA per day, but make sure the purified fish oil has more EPA than DHA. Add curcumin to your diet.
There are many great recipes in the Recipe Guide within the Member Center. Spend time reviewing them.
It is important to give this time. Just stick with it, and try to reduce your stress about it. There is good evidence that the central nervous system can repair itself, so be hopeful.
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