According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis or MS. Allopathic medicine, used by mainstream Western medicine, focuses on symptom management, treatment of relapse, and attempts to modify the course of the disease.
While this treatment course is effective for some, alternative medicine offers treatments that can stop progression and possibly reverse some symptoms. Alternative treatments are not usually supported by allopathic physicians, and like the standard CRAB drugs (Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex and Betaseron), they do not work for every person with MS.
Dietary Changes
Attention to diet seems to be one of the most important factors in using alternatives to manage MS. People with MS seem to have sensitivities to many foods. Gluten, legumes and chemical additives to foods.
There are several well known food plans commonly used by alternative-minded MS patients. The Best Bet Diet, developed by Dr. Ashton F. Embry is the most popular, followed by the vegetarian version of Best Bet. Other people have had healing with a vegan diet, and still others find healing with a raw food diet.
Testing for Food Sensitivities
People with MS tend to have multiple food sensitivities. To gain maximum benefit from any MS treatment, it's important to be tested for food allergies. Dr. Elson Haas, author of Staying Healthy with Nutrition, suggests using the food challenge method. This involves abstaining from all potentially allergenic foods for a period of time. Test one food at a time and observe your reactions closely. Allow 24 to 36 hours between food challenges because some people can show late reactions.
Low Dose Naltrexone
Low dose naltrexone (or LDN) is known worldwide as a medication that stops the progression of autoimmune disease, and can reverse symptoms of MS, in some cases, though there is still much debate. Dr. Bihari, the creator of the LDN for MS protocol, tells patients that if they are lucky, they can expect a reversal of the last three months of symptoms. LDN is used for all forms of MS, and seems to be effective even in cases of Primary and Secondary Progressive MS.
LDN can be obtained from a compounding pharmacy and is taken once each day, before bed. On the LDN website, Dr. David Gluck says "Low dose naltrexone (LDN) may well be the most important therapeutic breakthrough in over fifty years. It provides a new, safe and inexpensive method of medical treatment by mobilizing the natural defenses of one's own immune system."
Heavy Metal and Toxin Removal
Anyone facing an autoimmune disease may want to consider completing a heavy metal and general toxin removal program. Accumulated environmental toxins and heavy metals can be contributing factors to MS and other autoimmune disease. There are many good detox protocols available, use the one that resonates with you.
Many people have success combining detoxifying herbs like dandelion, marshmallow, ginger and garlic with a program that alternates fasting with eating only whole organic plant foods for a time. Include one teaspoon of psyllium husks in a glass of water each day. Psyllium binds to toxins in the intestines, and helps move intestinal contents through quickly. Be sure to drink enough water, one half your weight in ounces is suggested. (Example: if you weigh 150 pounds, you would drink 75 ounces of pure water each day.)
Exercise
Daily exercise helps keep the neurological system active and healthy. Exercise also adds muscle mass, helping to guard against muscle loss. People with MS should find a daily exercise program that works the major muscle groups, builds muscle mass has a cardio component, but does not leave the person tired or overheated.
Attitude and Meditation
The mind/body link is strong. Exercise your mind, and create a healing environment in the body by using daily meditation, positive affirmation and keeping a positive outlook on life. Focus on the things you can do, and challenge yourself to accomplish more than you think you can, without becoming overtired, or overheated.
Lifestyle Considerations
As you go about your day, avoid exhaustion by taking time to rest and relax. Avoid allowing yourself to become overheated, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Read food labels and learn to recognize foods or food additives that increase symptoms.
Stress can cause a relapse, so it's important to manage stress constructively. Allow yourself plenty of sleep.
Take time out to have fun. Mental relaxation is just as important as physical relaxation.
And finally, seek out others with MS who are looking for more than simply symptom management. There is hope out there. Although no "cure" has been found yet, thousands of MSers are living full, healthy lives with no to few symptoms.
Tags: autoimmune disease, Multiple Sclerosis, People with, dose naltrexone, healing with, more than