DECEMBER 2019 MS NEWS- Mediterranean Diet Helps SPMS, Best Supplements For Pain, Benefits of Cannabis & More

dr.vanta

5 years ago

Neurostimulation methods such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)deep brain stimulation (DBS), epidural muscle lobe stimulated (MCS) and repeated transcranial electric stimuli (rTMS) were found to be effective in treating acute neuropathic pain
Among natural supplements, the following three show the most benefits to manage neuropathic pain (in this study): the aminoacid L-acetyl carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid and benfotiamine (the highly bioavailable form of vitamin B1, which is already used in Japan and Europe for neuropathy).

The link between changes in gut flora and MS had been studied previously. This new study shows a relationship between progressive MS and altered gut bacterial diversity.
A few more new studies exploring changes in the gut microbiome and MS/other neurological conditions here, here and here.
Mediterranean diet and supplementation with symbiotics (probiotic-prebiotic combo) for 12 months was found beneficial to manage secondary progressive MS, according to this new study.
Chronic high fat diet impairs nerve function and mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cells), according to this new study. Note: this study is not about keto diet (high fat very low carb)- just the chronic high-fat diets (think about Western diet filled with high fat processed foods).
The many benefits of fasting for MS and other autoimmune diseases (a review of animal and human studies) are described in this new research paper. In animal models of MS, fasting promotes regeneration of brain cells (glial cells), repair of the myelin, reduce inflammation and autoimmune response.

The benefits of cannabis are reviewed in this study. Regarding CBD- research shows benefits for the following brain conditions: autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, psychosis, neuropathic pain, cancer pain, HIV, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington disease, hypoxic-ischemic injury, and epilepsy.
Schisandra Chinensis (the fruit of this plant) shows again potential benefits to improve immune response in MS (animal models of MS) in this new study

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) — in the form of mindfulness-integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (MICBT) is effective on anxiety, sleep quality and fatigue in individuals with MS, according to this new randomized clinical trial. The same form of therapy may also help manage pain associated with MS, suggests another new clinical trial (in progress).
A special exercise program focused on posture and motor function shows improvement in individuals with MS. Researchers involved in this new study suggest this program could be used to improve muscle function and posture in those with MS.

Cryotherapy (whole body cryotherapy) not as effective as expected, in this new study which included 20 daily sessions of cryotherapy and 25 participants with MS. Walking did not improve significantly, but researchers noted some improvement in hand (grip) strength. My note: previous studies showed some benefits- more details about this therapy here, however, I would not recommend 20 daily sessions. Once a week along with other therapies (ie exercise, physio, diet, supplements) may be a better choice. Also, get the ok from a doctor before using this therapy.
Sudden loss of hearing and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as symptoms of an MS relapse. This rarely happens, but this new case study describes a case like this- which affected one ear. Evoked potential tests found abnormal.