You can read here an awesome story of reversed MS with diet and lifestyle changes-Dr. Saray Stancic, MD.
Gut Microbiome
This study supports the importance of a healthy gut microbiome, ho altered gut flora can induce neurodegeneration and inflammation, while certain friendly bacteria (their metabolites) showing protection against brain inflammation (animal study) [1].
I wrote about MS microbiome here. In this new study, scientists found out that CIS (Clinically Isolated Syndrome) is also associated with altered gut flora [2].
Diet, Supplements, Natural Therapies
Paleo diet improves fatigue in progressive MS (by improving lipid levels). Dr. Terry Wahls is one of the researchers of this study. The participants of this study followed the paleo diet plus other interventions that included neuromuscular stimulation and stress reduction [3].
Food lectins are linked with migraines, according to this research paper [4] . I wrote about lectins when I reviewed dr Gundry’s book here.
It is worth improving the diet and keep a healthy body weight. Being overweight/obese can be a risk factor for developing MS among young females (below 20 years of age) [5].
Vitamin D: The importance of vitamin D for MS management is highlighted in this study [6]
Genistein, a plant estrogen found in soy can help prevent MS, based on a study in animal subjects [7] .Note: this is not the first study evaluated genistein in MS (animal models) showing beneficial effects. While this supplement is mostly known for it anti-cancer qualities, it can also be useful in inflammatory or/and autoimmune conditions.
Probiotics can help improve the gut flora in MS, improve immune system function, decrease inflammation and reduce the expression of MS risk gene variations .This study used a combination of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus twice daily for two months [8]. Read more about the MS microbiome and its implications here.
Tectorigenin, a plant compound found in various medicinal herbs shows neuroprotective effects/ability to decrease brain inflammation (in animal models) [9].
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found helpful in MS (animal and human studies) Technical: CLA improves CNS autoimmunity via the gut-brain-axis [10].
Omega 3 can help reduce risk of MS. High fish intake was associated with a 45% reduced risk of MS/CIS (clinically isolated syndrome) compared with consuming fish <1/month and no supplements [11].
Aloe Vera: this study (animal models) shows that MS decreases estrogen and progesterone (which have a negative impact on disease symptoms and progression), and that the active ingredients of Aloe Vera increases the concentration of the estrogen and progesterone in EAE (animal model of MS) [12]
Acupuncture seems to help manage urinary symptoms associated with MS (small study) [13]. Other (larger) studies confirmed the benefits of acupuncture for MS. Worth looking into this therapeutic option.
Lifestyle changes for improving progressive MS: this review a multiple studies suggest that aerobic exercise is possibly effective (level C evidence) for cardio respiratory fitness. Mindfulness training is probably effective (level B evidence) for psychological distress, depression, anxiety, pain, and quality of life [14]. Not too many benefits from diet, according to this study (luckily we have many others showing the opposite)
Mental resilience: It is worth building mental resilience- it had been linked with lower disability in early MS in this study [15].
Deep brain stimulation (using “brain peacemaker”- an electrode implanted within the brain) can help with certain type of tremor found in MS called Holmes tremor [16].
Thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) shows protective effects against induced demyelination and accelerates remyelination, according to a study in animal models [17]. Note: while all hormones are important for brain and overall health, thyroid hormones are essential (in the top 3 most important hormones) for myelin repair.
Imidazobenzodiazepines: Targeting GABA A receptors of the microglia (immune cells of the brain) with imidazobenzodiazepines appears beneficial for managing neuropathic pain (tingling and numbness). I wrote here and here about GABA.
Can UVB phototherapy help prevent the progression to MS in those with CIS (clinically isolated syndrome)? This study compared participants who received phototherapy for eight weeks compared with controls. All participants received vitamin D supplementation. This study shows that 100% of those in control group and 70% in those who received phototherapy had converted to MS [18]. Note: the benefits of sunlight go beyond UVB radiation and vitamin D production in the skin. Aim to get sun exposure (ideally 20 minutes daily) and correct vitamin D deficiency.
Alemtuzumab: one single-course treatment with alemtuzumab may have the potential to induce MS remission [19]. Before getting excited about these findings, check the side effects of this drug below.
Adverse reactions from MS drugs and supplements reported in multiple studies this month, including:
Two cases — serious side effects (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis) after alemtuzumab treatment [21]
Two cases — anaphylactic shock from methylprednisolone (pulse therapy) in two individuals with neuromyelitis optica ( a condition similar to MS) [22]
One case of severe pneumonia (with Legionella) following treatment with alemtuzumab [23]
One case of autoimmune hepatitis developed during treatment with alemtuzumab for MS [24].
Monoclonal antibodies such as natalizumab and rituximab- a scientific review of neurological complications — you can read details here.
Fungal infections associated with MS drugs dimethyl fumarate and natalizumab [25].
One case : lymphomatoid papulosis (a condition similar with malignant lymphoma) after starting treatment with dimethyl fumarate [26].
Four cases of neutropenia (abnormally low levels of certain white blood cells called neutrophils) associated with rituximab use for treating MS [27].
A case study describing the development of potentially lethal PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) related to long term use of natalizumab [28].
Eighteen case studies which associate the development of tumefactive demyelinating lesions with fingolimod therapy for MS [29].
High dose biotin could have proinflammatory effects [30]. Use this supplement cautiously.
Vaccines and MS
Anti-autoimmune disease vaccine ? There is research going on in this direction. Currently tested in animal subjects [31],[32]. Interestingly, these studies were published after this one — which describes 2 cases of MS developed after Gardasil (the vaccine against human papillomavirus HPV) [33]. I would stay away from new vaccines, until they prove are safe.
More Studies
The viral/bacterial theory of MS development in the news again: These two studies suggest that it is likely that EBV infection and other viruses to be significant contributing factors in genetically predisposed individuals [35], while this study focused on the role of the Clostridium perfringens toxin [36]
“Chaos” theory explaining why MS symptoms are so unpredictable [37].
Genetic variations linked with significant increased risk of MS: this study focuses on rs7120118 and rs2279238 variants [38]
McArdle’s sign : this sign could be used as an aid to diagnosis, as is specific to MS [34]. Check this short video to learn about this sign.
