Multiple sclerosis
For 23 years, Diane Whitcraft injected herself every other day with Betaseron, a drug that helps prevent flare-ups from multiple sclerosis. The drug worked well, drastically reducing Whitcraft’s trips to the hospital. But as her 65th birthday approached last September, she made a scary decision: to halt the medication altogether.
With health insurance through her job, Whitcraft had paid a $50 or $100 monthly co-pay for the drug; she hadn’t even realized that the price of Betaseron had soared to more than $86,000 a year. Shopping around for drug coverage through Medicare, the out-of-pocket costs were mind-boggling: close to $7,000 annually.
“I was just feeling really bad that my disease was going to affect our retirement budget,” Whitcraft said. “You’re retired; you’re on a fixed income. And it just really was bothersome to me. I was doing this to us. This disease was doing this to us.”
By Dr Axe
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that can develop at any age.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women more than men.
The disorder is most commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age.
MS affects 2.5 million people worldwide and around 400,000 people in the United States.
Multiple Sclerosis Causes
MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop.
The nerve damage is caused by Inflammation which occurs when the body’s own immune cells attack the nervous system. This damage can happen anywhere in the brain or spinal cord.
Although no specific cause is known, some possible causes include: infections, mold toxicity, emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, toxic exposure, vitamin D deficiency, food allergies, and immunizations.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Multiple sclerosis symptoms can vary widely but the most common symptoms include:
- Blurred or double vision
- Trouble thinking
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of balance
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in an arm or leg
For everyone, MS symptoms can display differently.
You may have a single symptom, and then go months or years without any others. A problem can also happen just one time, go away, and never return. For some people, the symptoms become worse within weeks or months.
The good news is there are natural treatments for multiple sclerosis that are effective and in many instances the condition can be reversed or greatly improved.
Foods for Multiple Sclerosis Diet
In order to help recover from this disease, following a multiple sclerosis diet that is high in healthy fats and nutrients is key:
Unprocessed foods – Choose whole, organic, unprocessed foods as often as possible.
Coconut Oil – Coconut oil contains large amounts of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) that support the brain and nervous system.
Fresh fruits and vegetables – Aim for a variety of colors to provide antioxidants that can help prevent free radical damage.
Omega-3 fats – The EPA/DHA fats found in wild-caught fish can help reduce inflammation.
Cabbage and bean sprouts – Foods high in lecithin may help strengthen the nerves.
MS Diet Foods to Avoid
Processed foods – Reduce your exposure to chemicals and toxins by avoiding any foods that are processed.
Gluten – People with MS generally have a gluten-intolerance and gluten can make symptoms worse.
Potential food allergens – Allergens can make MS symptoms worse, avoid any foods you might be allergic to.
Sugar – Lowers the immune response and causes systemic inflammation and premature aging.
Alcohol – Increases inflammation and can create a toxic environment.
Top 5 Natural Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
#1 Fish Oil (2,000mg daily) can help reduce inflammation and promote better nerve functioning.
#2 High potency multi-vitamin Provides basic nutrients needed for immune function.
#3 Digestive enzymes (1-2 capsules with meals) May help with digestion and reduce autoimmune reactions to foods.
#4 Vitamin D3 (5000 IU daily) helps modulate the immune system and support brain and nervous system.
#5 Vitamin B12 (1000 mcg daily) helps with the formation of nerves.
Bonus Remedy Astaxanthin, a powerful carotenoid antioxidant found in wild caught salmon can support the brain and nervous system. Take 2 mg 1-2x daily.
Essential Oils for Multiple Sclerosis
Essential oils of frankincense and helichrysum support the neurological system. Take 2 drops of frankincense internally 3x a day 3 weeks, then take 1 week off and repeat that cycle.
Rub 2 drops of helichrysum to temples and neck 2x daily. Also, basil oil and cypress oil can improve circulation and muscle tone and can help reduce MS symptoms.
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