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Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms And Alternative Treatments

Multiple Sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is an inflammatory disease that affects the nerve cells in the spine and the brain. Due to this the brain and the spine are unable to communicate with each other. People with MS show a large spectrum of symptoms ranging from neural symptoms to cognitive symptoms to physical symptoms.

Author: Jeff Warner
Date: May 4, 2011 - 1:47:38 AM

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Multiple Sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is an inflammatory disease that affects the nerve cells in the spine and the brain. Due to this the brain and the spine are unable to communicate with each other. People with MS show a large spectrum of symptoms ranging from neural symptoms to cognitive symptoms to physical symptoms. MS is caused because the immune system of the body attacks and reduces the myelin sheath which is a layer of fat protecting the nerve cell; therefore the nerve cells are unable to transmit messages.

Multiple Sclerosis: Signs and Symptoms

MS manifests differently in different people, following are the most common symptoms of MS:

Ataxia: Lack of muscle coordination and balance, difficulty in moving.

Inconsistent Bladder and Bowel movements or control

Cognitive difficulties and Memory problems

Muscle spasms, stiffness and weakness

Pain (acute and chronic)

Emotional symptoms like depression and mood swings

Involuntary eye movement

Double vision: seeing two of the same thing

Optic Nerve inflammation

Hypoesthesia: a reduction of the sense of touch and a partial loss of sensitivity

Paresthesia: tingling, pricking or numbness of the skin, very much like the feeling of 'pins and needles'

There are also some symptoms that are very uncommon, but have been known to be associated with MS:

• Epilepsy


• Psychosis


• Aphasia, impairment of speech and comprehension of speech

<>bMultiple Sclerosis: Alternative Treatments
Though it may seem otherwise, MS is a controllable disease, given that the right treatment is administered. Traditionally MS is treated with strong prescription drugs. But recent studies have shown that certain alternative treatments are also available, to be used in conjunction with the prescription drugs. Not only do these methods help in the treatment of MS, they also help in managing the side effects of the prescription drugs.

Vitamin D: Like all autoimmune disease, vitamin D is an essential part of the treatment of MS. A blood test will reveal the amount of Vitamin D present in the body, ideally it should be about 70-90mg/ml. Since sun rays are the richest source of Vitamin D, exposing one's skin to direct sunlight, is the best way to increase the levels of Vitamin D. If that is not possible, a safe tanning bed is also a good option.

Essential fat intake: Essential fats such as Omega 3s help in the alleviation of the symptoms of MS. Ordinarily found in krill or fish oil, omega 3s is a rich source of essential fats. For vegetarians, flax seeds and chia seeds are recommended, as they are also a good source of essential fats.

Eliminate Sugar: as far as possible, sugar should be avoided. Reducing the consumption of processed foods is a good way to not only cut down the sugar level in the diet but also the level of damaging fats consumed by the patient.

Raw Food: Raw, natural, unprocessed and uncooked food is a very healthy option for dealing with MS. This includes vegetables, fruits, eggs and highly quality organic meats.

Apart from these steps, studies have shown that often mercury detoxification also helps, not only in the treatment of but also reducing the risk of MS. Commonly found in fish, and believe it or not, in dental fillings, mercury is a known neuro-toxin. So, next time the doctor offers to put in a 'silver' filling, say no!

While these treatments are known to work in most patients, it is still not advisable to rely completely upon them to treat MS. The use of prescription is still the best course of action, though these treatments may be used to supplement the drug therapy.

View all articles by Jeff Warner

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