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Multiple sclerosis
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Prevention and self-management
- Diet: Nutritional changes along with the addition of supplements (vitamins, minerals, and herbs) may be effective in reducing symptoms associated with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
- It is best to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
- It may be best to eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy (milk, cheese, and sour cream), eggs, nuts, shellfish, wheat (gluten), corn, preservatives, and food additives (such as dyes and fillers). Food allergies and sensitivities can be a contributing factor in MS.
- It may be best to avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar. Doughnuts, pastries, bread, candy, soft drinks, and foods with high sugar/fructose corn syrup content may all contribute to worsening symptoms of neurological disorders.
- Food can be cut into small pieces, softened, or pureed to ease swallowing and prevent choking. While some foods may require the addition of thickeners, other foods may need to be thinned. Dairy products, in particular, tend to increase the secretion of mucus, which in turn increases the risk of choking.
- Exercise: Maintaining physical fitness is important to those suffering from movement disorders such as MS. Those with movement disorders who exercise and keep active tend to do better, with fewer symptoms and a slower disease progression than those who do not. A daily regimen of exercise can help the person feel better physically and mentally. Individuals should walk as much as possible, even if assistance is necessary. Talking with a healthcare provider about an exercise program is important.
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Types of multiple sclerosis
- Multiple sclerosis is classified according to frequency and severity of neurological symptoms, the ability of the CNS to recover, and the accumulation of damage.
- Primary progressive MS: Primary progressive MS causes steady progression of symptoms with few periods of remission. With primary progressive MS, symptoms get worse over time, but there are no relapses or remissions. Some people with primary progressive MS have brief periods of time during which their symptoms either stay the same or improve slightly. This type of MS is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 40.
- Relapsing-remitting MS: In relapsing-remitting MS, symptoms come (relapses) and go (remissions). Symptoms may evolve over several days and then disappear, although some symptoms may remain. The course varies from person to person, but on average, relapses appear every two years. The period between relapses can be very long, as much as 20 years or more. A small percentage of people have only a single attack in their lifetime.
- Relapsing-remitting MS is the most common form of the disease and is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 20-40. Up to 80% of individuals with MS are diagnosed with the relapsing-remitting type. Only 50% of people with RR MS develop secondary progressive MS within the first 10 years.
- Secondary progressive MS: Secondary progressive MS is initially similar to relapsing-remitting MS and eventually progresses to MS with no remission. The change from relapsing-remitting MS to secondary progressive MS generally occurs five to 15 years after the disease begins. With secondary progressive MS, neurological symptoms tend to worsen progressively, with or without superimposed relapses. Over time, it is common for secondary progressive patients to have fewer attacks (sometimes none at all), despite continual progression. About 30% of individuals with MS have secondary progressive disease.
- Relapsing-progressive MS: Relapsing-progressive MS is a rare form of MS with a gradual worsening of symptoms from the beginning, with superimposed relapses and remissions.
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Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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