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Beyond Suppression: A Naturopathic Approach to Healing Multiple Sclerosis
Nerves are like wires. They conduct an electrical signal from one area of the body to another. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease in which the person's immune system produces antibodies that attack the myelin covering of nerve cells. Progressive damage to the nerves impairs their ability to conduct signals, leading to a range of possible symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the arms, legs or face, loss of sensation, weakness or clumsiness of the legs or hands, mild stiffness and fatigue in the legs, burning electrical pain, partial vision loss, eye pain, urinary incontinence, dizziness and depression. Symptoms tend to be worsened by heat and initially come and go...
Beyond Suppression: A Naturopathic Approach to Healing Multiple Sclerosis
Nerves are like wires. They conduct an electrical signal from one area of the body to another. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease in which the person's immune system produces antibodies that attack the myelin covering of nerve cells. Progressive damage to the nerves impairs their ability to conduct signals, leading to a range of possible symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the arms, legs or face, loss of sensation, weakness or clumsiness of the legs or hands, mild stiffness and fatigue in the legs, burning electrical pain, partial vision loss, eye pain, urinary incontinence, dizziness and depression. Symptoms tend to be made worse by heat and initially the symptoms come and go. Since this can take a few years, many people try to ignore it until the disease process progresses and symptoms become constant.
MS affects approximately 1 in 700 in the United States. It is more common in Caucasian women but also affects men. Symptoms of MS typically begin between the ages of 20 and 40.
One treatment approach is to stop the immune system from producing antibodies while relieving symptoms of nerve damage. The naturopathic approach to treatment goes one step further and addresses the reasons why the immune system becomes unbalanced and attacks the body. Since there are various options for this, the circumstances of each individual case must be considered individually.
Gluten and other food sensitivities are very common in people with MS. Over 80% of the immune system is located in the digestive tract. Consuming foods to which we are sensitive results in a chronically overstimulated immune system, which increases the likelihood of autoantibody production. Gluten is particularly a problem because of its affinity for the nervous system. Laboratory tests for food sensitivity may be done to determine whether it is a factor in a person having MS.
Vitamin D and sunlight play a role in the development of MS. The prevalence of MS decreases as we move closer to the equator. It does not occur near the equator. Where a person grew up also matters. Spending the first 15 years of life near the equator rather than moving to a northern latitude appears to be more protective, but the opposite is not true.
Eating fish and consuming essential omega-3 fatty acids are also a factor. MS is not common in coastal communities that eat a lot of fish. Omega-3 EFAs, which wild-caught fish are rich in, have anti-inflammatory effects, balance immune function, and support nervous system health. The myelin covering of the nerves consists mainly of fats. Eating too much of the wrong types of fats promotes inflammation, an overactive immune system, and decreased nerve health.
Multiple sclerosis can be a debilitating disease. In addition to what has been highlighted above, there are many possible factors that need to be evaluated by your doctor. There are treatment options in addition to relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease process. If you experience symptoms, do not wait to see a doctor.