This is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the myelin sheath on the nerve endings gets damaged and inflamed. This is leading to scarring of the neurological tissue in the brain and spinal cord. This is a condition in which the body is attacking its own immune system and it attacks the myelin sheaths which insulate nerve tissue. It is resulting in scar tissue plaques which disrupt the neurological signals throughout the body.
The most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include dementia and mania as the condition worsens; burning, itching or pain on the skin; sense of shock running down the neck and spinal cord, especially when moving the head/neck; numbness, tingling, reduced sense of touch; cognitive changes and mental impairment, including trouble thinking clearly, memory loss, poor judgment and inattention; vision changes like blurred vision or double vision, etc.
Some possible causes for multiple sclerosis are immunizations; food allergies; Vitamin D deficiency; toxic exposure and heavy metal poisoning; mold toxicity; viruses and infections, such as retrovirus or herpes-virus; heredity or family history of multiple sclerosis; hormonal imbalances; a poor diet that causes inflammation, poor gut health and nutrient deficiencies; high levels of emotional stress. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from multiple sclerosis before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies so in this way you will avoid side effects.
Home remedies for multiple sclerosis
Yucca: This natural cure has anti – inflammatory and anti – arthritic properties. Also, it has antioxidant and anti – platelet effects. There are some studies in which are said that yucca can be used as a home remedy for multiple sclerosis but consult with your doctor firstly.
Wood Betony: This natural cure has been used in the traditional medicine to treat respiratory and digestive problems. The Wood Betony oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. There are some studies in which are said that this natural cure has the potential to fight against other disease – causing processes but there should be done a lot more studies to understand if this home remedy will be effective home remedy for multiple sclerosis. [1]
Zinc: This mineral is necessary in small amounts for human health. It can boost the immune system, fights against viruses and neurodegenerative conditions, address skin conditions and treat a variety of eye problems. There are some studies in which are said that people who have multiple sclerosis have a low intake of zinc. It has been shown that some people with multiple sclerosis can benefit from the zinc in the promotion of eye health and the neural health but there need more studies to approve this claim. [2]
Vitamin E: This is a fat – soluble nutrient that is possessing anti – oxidant properties. It is very important for the immune system health and preventing blood clots. The best sources of this vitamin are green vegetables, nuts and vegetable oils. Also, the antioxidant abilities of Vitamin E can help in the natural treatment of people who suffer from multiple sclerosis. It is known that people who have multiple sclerosis have low levels of Vitamin E but there are not enough studies to prove that this vitamin is very effective for multiple sclerosis so talk with your doctor before you start using it. [3]
Salmon: This fish is rich in proteins and Omega – 3 fatty acids. You should add in your diet if you suffer from multiple sclerosis because it will provide you healthy fats that will decrease the inflammation.
Vitamin D: We know that the Vitamin D is very important for the immune system, nerve, muscle and bone health. You can get this vitamin from fortified foods and drinks, fatty fish and sun exposure. There are some studies in which are said that there is a strong connection between Vitamin D levels and the development and progression of multiple sclerosis [4]. In the recent years, doctors are recommending Vitamin D supplementation and sun exposure as a home remedy for multiple sclerosis.
Vitamin C: The vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid. It is playing an important role in the function of immune system. This is an antioxidant which may be not absorbed as well by the people who suffer from multiple sclerosis. Vitamin C deficiency is a rare condition, but it can cause serious problems, such as joint pain, fatigue, tooth loss, depression and even death.
There are some studies in which are said that this vitamin is essential for the eye health and the prevention of cataracts and macular degeneration. Also, there are some studies in which are said that Vitamin C can protect people who suffer from multiple sclerosis from deterioration due to its antioxidant properties but there should be done a lot more studies in the future to approve or disapprove the usage of this vitamin for multiple sclerosis. [5,7]
Vitamin B12: This is an important vitamin for the proper function of the brain, red blood cells, nerve cells and many other parts of the body. Vitamin B 12 deficiency can lead to many different problems, such as memory problems, confusion, balance problems, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, weight loss, weakness and even nerve damage.
Those people who suffer from multiple sclerosis have more chances of developing Vitamin B 12 deficiency so the supplementation of this vitamin is making it a good option. Also, this vitamin can be effective for the eye health which is a very common problem in people suffering from multiple sclerosis. [6,7]
Vitamin B6: This vitamin can be found in certain foods, such as starchy vegetables, fish and organ meats. The deficiency of Vitamin B6 can be linked to kidney problems, confusion, depression and abnormal brain function. There are little research about this Vitamin that can prevent the symptoms of multiple sclerosis so a lot more studies need to be done in future. [7]
Vitamin B1: The vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. It is very important vitamin for the proper brain function. The Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to multiple sclerosis. Too little of this vitamin can cause fatigue and weakness. You can consume foods that have Vitamin B1, such as lean meats, eggs, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts. [7]
Vitamin A: This vitamin is very important for the proper function of the heart and other organs. It is a fat – soluble vitamin which is playing an important role in the vision, reproductive health and the immune system. You can find Vitamin A in foods like dairy products, fruits, organ meats and leafy greens. You should not take this vitamin in large doses without talking with your doctor. This vitamin has antioxidants which can be helpful for people who suffer from multiple sclerosis. [7]
Valerian: This home remedy has been used in the traditional medicine for trembling, headaches and many different sleep disorders but also it can be used for depression and anxiety. Also, it can be used for anxiety and insomnia so it can be used for the natural treatment of multiple sclerosis. [8]
Turmeric: This is a popular home remedy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and it can alleviate its symptoms due to its anti – inflammatory abilities. You should talk with your doctor about the recommended dosage for your multiple sclerosis. [8]
Stevia: This natural cure can improve the liver and kidney health. It can be used as a natural treatment for multiple sclerosis.
John’s wort: This home remedy can be used for nerve pain and mental health problems. It can help to promote the healing and the health of nerves. You should talk with a doctor about the recommended dosage for you.
Soy lecithin: Soy lecithin is found in soybeans. It is rich in choline. It is linked to better health and brain health. This natural cure can be useful in the fight against high levels of cholesterol and raising choline levels in the brain. It can be used as a home remedy for the multiple sclerosis.
Slippery elm: This natural cure can be used as a home remedy for multiple sclerosis and it can be used for the treatment of symptoms like sore throats, coughs, gastrointestinal discomforts and skin problems.
Exercise: You can do different exercises, such as practice simple stretches, yoga, pilates, ride a stationary bikes, walk, swim or use an elliptical machine. You should lift weights because it will keep your muscle strong. [9]
Massage: Massage can help to stimulate the lymphatic flow and circulation. This can increase the joint flexibility and it can help with the muscle capacity. [10]
References:
[1] Babaheydari SB, Heyrati FP, Akhlaghi M, Dorafshan S. The dietary wood betony, Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl extract as a growth promoter and immune enhancer in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research. 2014;15(4): 359–63.
[2] Bredholt M, Frederiksen JL. Zinc in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ASN Neuro. 2016;8(3):1759091416651511.
[3] European Leukodystrophies Association. A derivative of vitamin E aids in the repair of myelin in multiple sclerosis. 2014. Retrieved from ela-asso.com/en/study/a-derivative-of-vitamin-e-aids-in-the-repair-of-myelin-in-multiple-sclerosis/
[4] Sintzel MB, Rametta M, Reder AT. Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis: A comprehensive review. Neurology and Therapy. 2018;7(1):59–85.
[5] Kocot J, Luchowska-Kocot D, Kiełczykowska M, et al. Does Vitamin C influence neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders? Nutrients. 2017;9(7):659.
[6] Reynolds EH. Multiple sclerosis and vitamin B12 metabolism. Journal of Neuroimmunology. 1992;40(2-3):225-30.
[7] Khosravi-Largani M, Pourvali-Talatappeh P, Rousta AM, et al. A review on potential roles of vitamins in incidence, progression, and improvement of multiple sclerosis. eNeurologicalSci. 2018;10:37–44.
[8] Mojaverrostami S, Bojnordi MN, Ghasemi-Kasman M, et al. A review of herbal therapy in multiple sclerosis. Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2018;8(4):575–90.
[9] Dalgas U, Stenager E. Exercise and disease progression in multiple sclerosis: can exercise slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis? Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders. 2012;5(2):81–95.
[10] Schroeder B, Doig J, Premkumar K. The effects of massage therapy on multiple sclerosis patients’ quality of life and leg function. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;2014:640916.
