Featured News
-
The American Academy of Neurology recently published a position statement and concluded that medical marijuana is “probably effective” for some symptoms of multiple sclerosis (spasticity, central pain, painful spasms, and urinary dysfunction). Cannabis-based supplements seem to already be used by many people. According to this new survey from the University of British Columbia Hospital (UBCH) MS clinic, 1 in 4 people with MS reported using cannabis-based products.
-
This new study explores Ayurvedic Medicine’ has a unique approach to treat multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Note: I am a big fan of Ayurvedic medicine and I see a lot of benefits from using it- I wrote about it here.
Exercise, Electrostimulation, Meditation and Other Therapies
-
Which behavior or exercise intervention is the most effective for managing fatigue associated with MS? According to this new review of 43 clinical trials, exercise and behavioral interventions show real benefits (anti-fatigue effects) on MS fatigue, and CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) also shows a lot of potential.
-
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to manage drop foot associated with MS and stroke is again in the news. Here is a new research paper supporting its benefits.
-
The benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are reviewed in this new study It is already approved by the FDA to treat depression, migraine headaches and OCD and research studies also show benefits for MS, stroke, epilepsy, tinnitus, ADHD, autism, dementia, PTSD and more. Best of all, it has an excellent safety profile.
-
The many benefits of physical activity /exercise for MS, diabetes and Alzheimer’s;s are reviewed in this new study. Research studies show that physical exercise along with diet can influence the gene expression, delays brain aging and degeneration, improve cognitive processes and memory, has painkiller and antidepressant effects, and promotes a sense of wellbeing.
-
Exercise may be a drug-free, inexpensive, safe method to improve sleep quality in people with MS, according to this new study and a reason why exercise is beneficial because it improves serotonin levels.
-
Chinese tuina massage is an effective method for successful handling pain symptoms associated with MS, according to this new study that evaluated the patients with MS over for 3 years period.
Diet, Gut microbiome, Therapies Targeting The Gut Microbiome (fecal transplant) and Supplements
-
Gut microbiome. Research shows that interaction between the immune system and the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of MS. TThere are significant changes in the gut microbiome in those with MS versus healthy individuals. Technical: Individuals with have higher amounts of Pedobacteria, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Mycoplana, Acinetobacter, Eggerthella, Dorea, Blautia, Streptococcus and Akkermansia, and lower levels of Prevotella, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Haemophilus, Sutterella, Adlercreutzia, Coprobacillus, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Anaerostipes, and Faecalibacterium. By restoring the gut microbiome, there is a reduction in inflammation and reactivation of the immune system, suggests this new study. I wrote about the gut microbiome changes and MS here.
-
The role of diet (especially high salt, high fat combination) and the gut microbiome, and MS are explored in this new study
-
Is fecal transplant safe? This new research paper looks at the evidence. Used since late 1950 and over 70,000 fecal transplants had been done to date, worldwide- and had been researched for many conditions, including MS. So far no reported infection transmission from this procedure, although mild to moderate side effects were noted in more than 1 in 4 participants.
-
Supplements that can help manage MS. Deficiencies in vitamin A, B12 and D3 are more prevalent amongst those with MS. The supplements that may have a positive effect on MS are vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and melatonin, according to this new study.
Medical conditions found more prevalent/associated with MS.
-
Be aware of them, so you can talk to your physician to treat them.
-
Migraines are a common problem associated with MS. This new study evaluated over 700 people, and migraine was found to affect more than half of them (54.1%).
-
This new study suggests a possible correlation between abnormal cholesterol levels (increased serum LDL cholesterol and serum total cholesterol) and cognitive dysfunction in individuals with MS.
-
Ths new study suggests a possible link between psoriasis and MS and each condition may serve as a potential risk factor for the development of the other
-
Bladder and bowel symptoms affect half of the individuals with MS. According to this new survey-study, bladder problems were reported by almost 75%) respondents, constipation by almost 50% of the participants and fecal incontinence in 32% of them.
-
The sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the “fight or flight “ response) and its key neurotransmitter/hormone – norepinephrine limits brain autoimmune inflammation, according to this new study. I wrote about the link between norepinephrine deficiency and MS, and how correcting this deficiency can help improve symptoms here and here.
Genetics
This new study reviews the genetic susceptibility to develop MS. Scientists identified 232 autosomal variants and the first X chromosome variant associated with MS susceptibility.
