June/July 2020 MS News- The Benefits Of Some Diets, Supplements, Exercise, Stress Management & More
dr.vanta
Herbs & Supplements
Medical cannabis. There is evidence that cannabis has therapeutic symptomatic effects in MS, according to this new study that reviews the pros and cons of using cannabinoids for MS and other conditions. A second study found that a spray (CBD-THC combo) helps reduce pain and spasticity associated with MS.
Olive leaf polyphenols. Olive leaf polyphenols show some potential to help manage MS, suggests this new study (animal models of MS). Technical: attenuated the clinical course of EAE; reduced the oxidative stress (by decreasing the concentration of MDA); upregulated antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, SOD2, and GPX1), SIRT1 (overall and microglial), and anti-inflammatory M2 microglia; downregulated proinflammatory M1 type; and preserved myelin integrity.
Curcumin and other herbal ingredients. Medicinal plants that can help in MS/ other neurodegenerative conditions. Although this new study focuses on curcumin, other beneficial plants include Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Bacopa monnieri, Salvia officinalis, and Hypericum perforatum.
Saffran. Saffran back in the news. Saffron syrup can be effective as an adjunct therapy for fatigue reduction in those with MS due to effectiveness and good safety profile, according to this new study.
Yarrow and other related herbs. The health benefits of the achillea genus (which includes) 100 species, including yarrow, are reviewed in this study– for MS, and many other conditions. If you check past MS news you will find a few well-designed studies on the benefits of yarrow for MS.
Vitamins & Minerals. The most commonly used supplements for managing MS are vitamin D and biotin, according to this new study. Other supplements: magnesium, B 12, B complex, folic acid, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium.
Vitamins. Supplemental high-dose vitamins B1, B6, and B12 is an effective therapy to improve visual function parameters in MS-related visual persistent disability, according to this new open pilot study. Doses: 300 mg of vitamin B1, 450 mg of vitamin B6 and 1,500 mcg of vitamin B12 for 90 days
A Chinese herbal combination- Bu-Shen-Yi-Sui shows the potential to promote myelin repair and help manage brain degeneration, according to this new study (animal models of MS).
Lapachol, a key active ingredient Tabebuia avellanedae, may help fight inflammation and possibly be used in MS, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions, according to this new review of multiple cell and animal studies.
Diets
The importance of diet and a healthy lifestyle are reviewed in this new study. Researchers looked at dietary protocols used by Swank and Evers to ameliorate MS, the role of a healthy microbiome, with a focus on propionate. Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) essential to gut and immune health is now missing from our diet while being incorporated in foods in the past. Studies found that propionate levels are low in those with MS, and supplementing with this SCFA was found beneficial. Changes in diet could explain what MS prevalence in the Western world increased threefold in the last 30 years.
Gluten-free diet, does it work? This new study looked at the evidence on the efficacy of gluten-free diets in multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Particularly related to MS, they found only one clinical trial has studied the effects of a gluten-free diet among those with MS. The trial found significant results but had some limitations.
Prudent diet (based on vegetables, fruits fish, whole grains, and nuts) was associated with lower relapse risk in the 5 years after the first episode of MS in this new study.
Caloric restriction promotes myelin repair, suggests this new study (an animal model of MS). More about caloric restriction and fasting here.
Exercise
Combined exercise training helps improve cognition, as well as walking capacity, fatigue, mood, and quality of life, according to this new randomized controlled trial.
Combined exercise training significantly decreased inflammatory markers associated with MS. In this randomized controlled study, the 12 weeks training included resistance, endurance, Pilates, balance, and stretch exercises.
Staying active is important to maintain brain volume (in a special area called hippocampus), suggests this new study. Those who were not active show loss of hippocampus volume. My note: the hippocampus is the main place where new neurons form, and plays a key role in memory, learning, and emotions.
Exercise – especially yoga, but also tai chi and aerobic may help manage fatigue associated with MS, suggests this new Romanian study.
Stress management
Mindfulness meditation is a valid and effective mind-body intervention to improve the well-being of those with MS, according to this new review of multiple studies.
Relaxation techniques can help reduce inflammation and manage MS. According to this new study, increase diaphragmatic breathing and decrease stress experience, including cortisol levels and stress. Subsequently, physiological symptoms reduce stress and thus affect the level of biomarkers like IL-12.
Major Stress & Risk of MS. Major life events and risk of MS…any association? Of course. According to this new study, most events significantly increased disease risk by 17%–30%. Why? Unexpected stressful life events may alter immune function and affect susceptibility to autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS).
MS & Other Conditions
MS& H.pylori. Helicobacter pylori infection as a potential risk factor for MS is the topic of this new study. I wrote in detail about this infection here and natural solutions here.
MS & Heart complications. Are you taking disease-modifying drugs? Researchers suggest regular visits to the doctor to evaluate your heart. MS can affect the heart, and taking certain MS drugs (ie mitoxantrone or fingolimod) further increase the risk of heart complications.
MS & IBD (Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis). Could MS be a manifestation of IBD? This new study looked at the association between these two conditions. Note: this should not be a surprise, having an autoimmune disease increases the risk for a second one.
MS & Sexual dysfunction. This new study looked at the association between social support, self-esteem, and sexual functioning. Self-esteem was associated with sexual functioning more strongly compared to social support and sexual functioning.
MS& Other conditions. According to this new study, the most common comorbidities associated with MS are depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, metabolic disease, and autoimmune diseases.
Sneezing & MS. The results of this new study may sound strange, but sneezing is one of the common health reactions against microbes, allergens, temperature changes, lightning, and cerebral injuries- could be actually used as a clinical marker for MS.
More News
Reflexology (twice a week for 4 weeks) can help reduce physical fatigue, anxiety, and improving sleep quality of those with MS, according to this new randomized trial.
Heavy metals & MS. High levels ( serum levels) of lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc were found in people with MS compared to those with MS, according to this new study. My note: consider NAC or glutathione supplements, cholera, and other foods and supplements with detox qualities.
Another new study found a correlation between high levels of copper (serum, plasma, whole blood, CSF) in those with MS compared with the controlled group.
Plasmapheresis – pros and cons of this procedure for MS treatment are reviewed in this new study. Note: during this therapy, the liquid part of the blood, or plasma, is separated from the blood cells. Typically, the plasma is replaced with another solution such as saline or albumin, or the plasma is treated and then returned to your body.
Could alcohol ameliorate MS, as it works as an immunosuppressant? This hypothesis is explored in this new study. My note: I‘ve also seen plenty of studies looking at the detrimental effects of alcohol, be aware of that. Chronic, excessive consumption of alcohol has a negative impact on the brain and major organs.
