Month: January 2018

January 2018 News – MS Remyelination Drugs, Genetic Markers To Predict Response to Copaxone and More

Remyelination Drugs & Supplements for MS- a Few Showing Potential (Animal Studies Only) 1.C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) from Spirulina platensis and Phycocyanobilin (PCB) were found to promote white matter regeneration in EAE (animal models of MS), helping promote remyelination. I expect to see soon studies in humans [1]. 2.More Klotho To Boost Remyelination ? Gene therapy targeting Klotho protein is now investigated for MS. Klotho protein promotes neuronal survival and remyelination, being mostly known for its neuroprotective, anti-aging effects [2]. We all have Klotho protein in the blood and central nervous system. This protein helps us live longer and correlates with IQ, thus be more intelligent. It also offers resistance to oxidative stress and inflammation [3]. The problem is that the levels of Klotho decrease as we age. Abnormal levels of Klotho were also found in MS. Until researchers found the perfect pill to boost Klotho, I have two recommendations: exercise more and cut down on stress. Exercise had been found to improve Klotho’s levels [4], while chronic stress had been associated with low Klotho levels [5]. A number of supplements (omega 3, zinc, vitamins E and D, resveratrol, etc) also show some potential to increase Klotho in animal studies, but not yet confirmed in human studies. 3. Antipsychotic drugs used for the treatment of schizophrenia like risperidone or clozapine decrease the severity of animal model of MS. Will likely see clinical trials in the...

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Are You Sure It’s MS ?… Do You Know How Often is Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnosed ?

Top 7 Reasons To Challenge The Diagnosis of MS and How Often is Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnosed Neurological disorders like MS. Other conditions That Mimic MS What Causes Brain Lesions Besides MS? What Can You Do To Get The Right Diagnosis ? I. Top 7 Reasons To Challenge The Diagnosis of MS and How Often is Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnosed I could write 100 blog posts asking the question- are you sure it is MS and not “X” disease? I have several good reasons to challenge the diagnosis of MS, and so should you. MS is a serious diagnosis, not a cold or flu. You have the right to know the right diagnosis and rule out other conditions MS is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed condition. There about 100 conditions that mimic MS [1],  and we have no accurate test to properly get the diagnosis. How often is multiple sclerosis misdiagnosed ? Rates of MS misdiagnosis vary with the study- from 6% up to 35%. Yes, up  to 35% – roughly 1 in 3 cases could be another condition, not MS ! Did you know that ? Doctors are very much aware about  how often is multiple sclerosis misdiagnosed. A new study (feb 2018) supports the overdiagnosis of MS [2]. Unfortunately, a person suspected with MS is rarely referred to another neurologist for a second opinion or to other specialists to rule out...

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Treating Serotonin Deficiency: How To Increase Serotonin Levels- Naturally Or With Meds

  How To Increase Serotonin Levels With Supplements            Is  L-Tryptophan safe ? Is 5 HTP safe?  L-tryptophan vs 5 HTP            Other  Supplements & Vitamins How To Increase Serotonin Levels -Other Natural Ways How To Increase Serotonin With Drugs, ECT, rTMS Why antidepressants aren’t effective in the majority of people treated for depression? Some thoughts  How To Increase Serotonin Levels With Supplements . Is L tryptophan safe ? Is 5 HTP safe ? L tryptophan vs 5 HTP- which one is better ? Other Supplements that Increase Serotonin Serotonin deficiency should be treated to avoid symptoms of serotonin deficiency, which I described in details here. Both L tryptophan and 5 HTP are precursors of serotonin and can boost the levels of this neurotransmitter. The question is- which one is the best and the safest?                                  TRYPTOPHAN                            /                  |           \                          /                    |              \              Proteins             5 HTP         KYNURENINE                                                |                      |                                                |                      |                                         SEROTONIN           Niacin (vitamin B3)                                  /           |                               /            N acetyl serotonin                        ...

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Sara’s Success Story Of Reversed MS

  Since my last post was about serotonin deficiency and MS, I thought I should write  about Sara’s story, who was treated successfully by Dr. Brunes. Her MS treatment was based on her  symptoms of low  serotonin (relative to norepinephrine). Sara’s story comes from Dr Brunes book “Blurred Signals.”I talked about Dr. Brunes method of treating MS in this article.  Classical symptoms of  serotonin deficiency (relative to norepinephrine) Restless, depressed mood (which can be expressed as anger) Fatigue due to sleeping problems Obsessive, negative  thoughts following the same pattern Constantly worried Lack of impulse control Pain   Dizziness Loss of appetite Sara met first Dr. Brunes at age  45, two years after she received the diagnosis of MS. She worked as a teacher in Copenhagen. According to Sara, her job can be quite demanding at times, but she used to enjoy it. She was a popular teacher, children and colleagues alike enjoyed working with her. Sara also enjoyed her job, interacting with children and colleagues. She felt is valuable and needed at work. However, she started to feel less enthusiastic about her job. She later experienced pain as well as tingling in her legs, which would be aggravated by fatigue. She tried some pain medication, but with no success. Sleeping troubles further worsen her condition. She would have repetitive thoughts about her aunt who had a hard time dealing...

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Serotonin Deficiency Is Common. Do You Have Serotonin Deficiency Symptoms?

Serotonin deficiency is quite common and learning the serotonin deficiency symptoms can give you an idea whether you have a shortage of this neurotransmitter.  Let’s explore what is serotonin, its effects on the brain, gut, hormones, the immune system, and how important is treating serotonin deficiency in MS. 1. Serotonin deficiency symptoms (low serotonin mental/emotional and low serotonin physical symptoms) 2. Serotonin & The Brain & The Immune System Serotonin Protects the Brain Against Inflammation, Degeneration, and May Suppress Autoimmune Response Serotonin,  Mood, and Cognition 3. Serotonin & The Gut/Gut-Brain Axis — The Impact on Gut Microbiome and Its Involvement In Leaky Gut 4. Serotonin Controls Appetite and Sleep-Awake Cycle 5. Serotonin, Other Neurotransmitters, and Hormones   6. Serotonin Deficiency and MS- Could Serotonin Deficiency Be A Secret Cause?  7. How to Increase Serotonin Levels —Naturally or With Meds – Read This Article Serotonin is best known as the neurotransmitter in the brain that makes you feel happy, playful and self-confident. Plays a key role in mood, memory, sleep, and cognition. The popular SSRI antidepressants specifically target serotonin deficiency, thus helping (to a certain degree) to treat depression. However, the benefits of serotonin go well beyond emotions. It is involved in a wide variety of physiological functions such as eating, sleep, digestive health, hormones, and the immune system.   Let’s see. Do you have some of the following serotonin...

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