MS – causes and resolutions

MRI Scan Results

Disease that damages the myelin sheaths around nerves, thus causing problems with the central nervous system. We will explore what a few sites say about the causing of MS, then common indicators, then look at the some of the remedies.


Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to transmit signals, resulting in a range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems. Specific symptoms can include double vision, vision loss, eye pain, muscle weakness, and loss of sensation or coordination. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms). In the relapsing forms of MS, between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely, although some permanent neurological problems often remain, especially as the disease advances. In the progressive forms of MS, bodily function slowly deteriorates and disability worsens once symptoms manifest and will steadily continue to do so if the disease is left untreated.

While the cause is unclear, the underlying mechanism is thought to be either destruction by the immune system or failure of the myelin-producing cells. Proposed causes for this include immune dysregulation, genetics, and environmental factors, such as viral infections. MS is usually diagnosed based on the presenting signs and symptoms and the results of supporting medical tests.

Wikipedia


… Although the pathogenesis of MS is not yet fully elucidated, several evidences suggest that autoimmune processes mediated by Th1, Th17, and B cells play an important role in the development of the disease. Similar to other cells, immune cells need continuous access to amino acids (AA) in order to maintain basal metabolism and maintain vitality.

… there is considerable evidence to suggest that MS is an autoimmune disease mediated by auto-reactive T and B cells in early stages, while innate immunity (monocytes and microglia cells) contribute to further axonal degeneration, neuronal loss and progression of the disease.

… Limited access to AA during immune cell activation may compromise immune responses by inhibiting immune cell division, differentiation, maturation, migration, and acquisition of new effector functions.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.600428/full


Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease with unknown etiology. It is assumed to result from interplay between genetic and environmental factors, including nutrition. …. We examined 63 MS patients and 83 healthy controls. Nutritional status was determined by a dietary questionnaire, blood tests, quantification of cell membrane fatty acids, and serum antioxidant capacity. Results: We found that MS patients consumed a more limited diet compared with the healthy group, indicated by a lower average of 31 nutrients and by consumption levels of zinc and thiamine below the recommended daily intake. Both consumption and measured iron values were significantly lower in MS patients, with the lowest measures in the severe MS group. Long saturated fatty acids (>C16) were significantly lower in MS patients, while palmitic and palmitoleic acids were both higher. Serum total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower in the MS group compared with healthy controls, with the lowest measures in patients with severe MS…..

This study points to a possible correlation between nutritional status and MS. Understanding the clinical meaning of these findings will potentially allow for the development of future personalized dietary interventions as part of MS treatment.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413226/


Early indicators:

  • bladder issues
  • bowel issues
  • cognitive issues
  • dizziness or balance issues
  • muscle spasms
  • neuropathic pain
  • numbness, tingling
  • tremors

Resolutions:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with reduced bone and muscle strength and function.

EAA‐based supplements enriched with L‐leucine increase protein intake and optimize MPS in healthy older adults without compromising total energy intake during mealtimes, and plasma EAA concentrations are associated with muscle function in older women in the community.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413226/


Options:

  • low doses of D3, as high doses don’t work
  • amino acid supplements, especially leucine and arginine – make sure it is not synthetic
  • fatty acids – ALA, DHA and EPA – all work to reduce the inflammation; prevent dehydration; and are incredibly useful to the brain – which should be about 70% fats

but there are many misdiagnoses – MS is often a dumping diagnosis when a physician cannot find another explanation. Similar conditions include:

  • B12 deficiency
  • Brain or central nervous system damage
  • brain tumors
  • chronic inflammatory diseases including lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis
  • CNS infections, ie. Lyme disease
  • Spinal cord damage

As always, one needs to be careful about determining the cause in order to apply the appropriate protocol.