Could those with MS be more resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic? While the rate of stress, anxiety, and depression significantly increased in the general population, this new study we examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional symptoms and quality of life in individuals with progressive MS. Out of 131 participants, 4% reported they had the infection. Overall, little change was noted in symptoms of depression or anxiety or overall quality of life.
New Book “Integrative Neurology” looking at the benefits of diet and optimizing the gut microbiome and intestinal permeability and supplements like vitamin D, turmeric, probiotics, omega 3, glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, melatonin, magnesium, l carnitine, coQ10, biotin, hormone replacement therapy (HGH, sex hormones), nootropics, LDN and more. You can read online this section focused on MS here.
Diet/ Nutrition
“Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis through Lifestyle Changes: Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, and Stress Management”, is the title of this new research paper– where the authors emphasize the benefits of nutrition, as well as exercise, sleep, and stress management for MS management.
The role of the gut microbiome in inflammation of the spinal cord/MS is explored in this new study. I wrote more about changes in the gut microbiome -MS here.
Dietary restriction (DR) regimens (either chronic or intermittent reduction of food intake) ameliorate the development of CNS autoimmune diseases like MS, suggests this new study. I wrote about the benefits of fasting/caloric restriction for MS here.
What are the benefits of fasting? According to this new study: “ Fasting has shown a similar response to manufactured drugs for the management and treatment of health-related conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, without the adverse effects sometimes caused by medications. Therefore, fasting could potentially ameliorate the health condition of highly motivated adults. However, the effects and safety of fasting cannot be generalized to every patient population, and the practicality of fasting is difficult to accomplish by many people. Continued research on the effects of fasting on the body and mind are needed to obtain a better understanding of this practice and the potential risks and benefits to human health.”
Dietary fish-risk of developing MS. Here is the conclusion of a new metanalysis: the consumption of fish decreases the risk of MS. Dietary intake of at least 0.5 servings of fish per week during adolescence and after might reduce the risk of MS.
Vitamins, Foods, Herbs
Vitamin D deficiency. This new study found that those with MS are more likely to be vitamin D deficiency compared with the control group. Furthermore. this high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in those with MS seems to be associated with certain genetic variations ( CYP27B1).
This new study suggests that kombucha could reduce the severity of MS (an animal model of MS). Technical: through activating Treg and Th2 cells.
MS.Sinomenine, a pure alkaloid extracted from the Chinese medical plant Sinomenium shows potential benefit for the primary progressive MS, by decreasing inflammation and disease severity, according to this new study (an animal model of MS).
The benefits of alpha-lipoic acid for MS management are reviewed in this new study, with a focus on the impact on this supplement on certain inflammatory cells and markers.
High dose biotin for MS management- a review of studies – some showing positive effects, while others showing negative effects. “Thus, whether high dose biotin is efficacious in PMS and/or whether it causes relapses is uncertain at this time”, is the conclusion of this study.
Medical cannabis- this new study looked at the adverse reactions from using cannabinoids. The most common ones were fatigue, weakness, and drowsiness- mostly linked with synthetic cannabinoids like sublingual THC-CBD spray (Sativex), nabilone, and dronabinol. Note: past studies found that synthetic cannabis is linked with more adverse reactions compared with natural cannabis. More about medical cannabis in this section.
Yoga, Pilates, HIIT & More
Yoga therapy. This small study show symptom improvement (symptoms of MS) following a 3-month yoga therapy.
Clinical Pilates and yoga interventions resulted in improvements in respiratory muscle strength and a decrease in perceived walking difficulties in those with MS, suggests this new study. Furthermore, pilates was found superior to yoga in terms of improving balance confidence, walking speed and quality of life, while pilates training was also found effective on mobility, quality of life, and cognition.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves many symptoms in PwMS and may positively influence disease progression. This new randomized controlled study showed improvement in inflammatory markers over a 3-week training program (HIIT).
Kinesio Taping (KT) could be a solution to muscle spasticity. This new randomized crossover trial conducted in para-athletes suggests that KT can reduce muscle spasticity. Previous studies found KT beneficial for pain relief, edema absorption, and improved muscle performance.
Other Therapies & More News
LDN- according to this new review of scientific literature, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has shown promise to reduce symptoms related to chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel conditions, and multiple sclerosis.
Ozone therapy may help manage MS. According to this new study. Ozone therapy has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, showing beneficial effects on T17 cell (which play a key role in inflammation/immune response in MS).
This new study looked at the link between cognitive fatigue and circadian or stress-related cortisol levels in those with MS. Key findings: people with MS have higher cortisol levels during the morning and in the afternoon. The highest level can be found in MS patients that do not experience fatigue. Those who do not experience fatigue seem to suffer from dysregulated circadian patterns of cortisol production.
Suicide ideation & MS. The prevalence of suicidal ideation in those with multiple sclerosis was estimated at 13%, according to this new study/meta-analysis. Solution: counseling, and psychological support.
Practicing gratitude may help you cope with MS and build resilience. This new study found that gratitude uniquely predicted a higher quality of life beyond other predictors (ie cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, and depression symptoms).
