Multiple
Sclerosis is characterized by sudden transient motor and sensory
disturbances, including blurred vision, dizziness, muscle weakness,
tingling sensation and extreme fatigue caused by destruction of myelin
sheath that surrounds nerve cells, causing severe loss of the nerve
impulse transmission.
- Usually occurs early in adult life,
especially between 20-40 years old
- 60% female and 40% male
- Cause is unknown
- Areas of highest frequency are all
located in higher latitudes in both the Northern and Southern
hemispheres including the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Scandinavia,
Northern Europe, New Zealand and Tasmania
I. Causes:
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A. Viral Infection:
possible because viruses found at sight of demyelination
B. Auto Immune Reaction: based on circumstantial evidence
C. Diet: possible link to diets high in animal and dairy products
D. Excessive Lipid Peroxidation (reduced capacity to detoxify free
radicals) |
II. Diagnosis:
Primarily by signs, symptoms and MRI
III. Therapy:
DIET:
Dr. Roy Swank, Professor of Neurology
at University of Oregon Medical School, has provided convincing
evidence that a diet low in saturated fats, maintained over a long
period of time, tends to retard the disease process of MS and reduce
the number of attacks. Dr. Swank has successfully treated patient
with the low fat diet since 1948.
The Swank Diet:
- A saturated fat intake of no
more than 10 grams per day
- A daily intake of 40-50 grams of
poly unsaturated oils (no margarine, shortening or hydrogenated
oils allowed)
- At least 1 teaspoon of cod liver
oil per day
- A normal allowance of protein
- Consumption of fish three or
more times per week
In this diet the majority of
proteins are derived from vegetables, grain, legume sources and
fish. Swank’s diet significantly reduces the platelet stickiness and
clumping together that is thought to improve the abnormalities in
MS.
FOOD ALLERGY:
May play a role in MS, especially gluten and milk.
SUPPLEMENTATION:
- High potency multiple vitamin
and mineral formula
- Vitamin E – 800 IU per day
- Selenium - 200-400 mcg per day
- Vitamin B12 – 2 mg per day
- Flaxseed oil – 1 tablespoon per
day
Pancreatin (10x) – 350-700 mg three
time per day (between meals on an empty stomach) Research shows
reduction of severity and frequency of symptoms and flare-ups.
BOTANICAL MEDICINES:
- Ginko biloba extract (24% ginko
flavonglycosides) – 40-80 mg three times/day
- Natural Alpha Interferon:
Initial studies indicate higher remission rates than reported for
Beta Interferon. Further studies with larger patient population
are needed.
EXERCISE:
Moderate exercise has shown to significantly improve fitness and to
have a positive impact on quality of life factors of MS patients.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE:
Decreases severity and frequency of flare-ups.
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