Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Multiple sclerosis affects women twice as often as men. The exact cause of MS is unknown. MS is usually diagnosed in early adulthood, and most cases are diagnosed between ages 20 and 50. However, MS can also occur in adolescence or even early childhood. There are treatments available, but there is no cure for MS.
The Facts
The brain and spinal cord are largely made of nerve cells, or neurons. Neurons consist of a cell body, which receives impulses from other neurons and which produces impulses, and an axon, which carries the impulses to other neurons.
Many neurons have a substance called myelin on their axons. The myelin that surrounds their axons is called a myelin sheath. The immune system of a person who has MS attacks the myelin sheaths on neurons, destroying areas of myelin and producing scars or plaques, which are also called scleroses. The scar tissue is permanent, and damaged neurons cannot be repaired.
Treatments
While there is no cure for MS, there are treatments available. Some treatments for MS can modify the progression of the disease. There are also treatments for exacerbations of MS, or for the symptoms, such as bladder control problems and pain. Rehabilitation programs, such as physical or occupational therapy, can improve balance and mobility for MS sufferers.
Complementary and alternative medicine treatments are also options for MS sufferers. Some examples of complementary treatments are yoga, acupuncture, biofeedback, stress management techniques and special diets.
Diets
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, there is some evidence that a diet low in saturated fat and high in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids may be beneficial for some MS sufferers. Research suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation, which is the cause of many symptoms in MS. Some recent research suggests that vitamin D may have some benefit for the immune system.
Roy L. Swank, MD, PhD developed a popular diet for MS sufferers. The Swank Diet recommends no red meat for the first year and very limited red meat consumption after that. The diet severely limits saturated fat and limits unsaturated fat intake, recommends high intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and recommends only low-fat dairy products and limited consumption of processed foods. The diet also recommends daily supplements of cod liver oil. The Swank Diet echoes many of the guidelines that the CDC and MSDA recommend for healthy eating, and cod liver oil is high in Omega 3 fatty acids. The Swank MS Foundation conducts research on the effectiveness of this diet for MS sufferers, but little research has been done by experts not affiliated with the Swank MS Foundation. Dr. Swank wrote "The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book" with co-author Barbara Brewer Dugan, which includes recipes from the diet plan (see link to the Swank Diet website in Resources).
Montel Williams, a celebrity and former talk-show host who suffers from MS, uses a diet high in whole fruits and vegetables. He feels that this diet, along with regular exercise and relaxation, has helped to significantly reduce his MS symptoms, improve his quality of life and eliminate his need for antidepressant medication. Williams uses a juicer to make the vegetable juices he drinks daily, and his book "Living Well: 21 Days to Transform Your Life, Supercharge Your Health and Feel Spectacular," co-written with William Doyle, includes recipes from his diet plan. You can learn more about Williams's foundation at montelms.org.
Considerations
There are many special diets described on various websites that claim to treat or even cure MS, but there is little or no scientific proof that any of them actually can affect the course or symptoms of the disease. MS specialists recommend the same well-balanced low-fat, high-fiber diet that the CDC recommends for the general population.
When a person with MS considers trying an alternative therapy, such as a special diet, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends the following considerations. First, evaluate the treatment by asking what the treatment involves, how and why it is supposed to work, how effective it is, what the risks are and how much it will cost. Second, tell your doctor about any treatment you are considering and anything you are taking, including vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter medications. It is important not to abandon traditional therapy, because these therapies have been studied clinically and approved by the FDA for treatment of MS, while alternative therapies have not. It is best to use alternative therapies as a complement to, rather than instead of, traditional treatment. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society also recommends that you document your experience, so you can decide whether you think a diet or other alternative treatment is helpful to you.
Warning
Some diets that claim to help MS sufferers recommend potentially toxic high doses of vitamins and can actually be dangerous; your doctor can help you make sure that you are not practicing any treatments that may harm you.
Tags: fatty acids, Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Multiple, National Multiple Sclerosis, Omega fatty, Omega fatty acids