Mindset And Mood Are Super Important

  • This randomized trial conducted in participants with MS shows that positive psychological changes (living in the present moment, mindfulness, commitment to the pursuit of worthwhile goals and focus on process rather than outcome) are associated with increased life expectancy [1].

  • Treat the depression and see your balance improving too: This new study shows that depression correlates with balance issues in MS. Both depression and balance deficits are common problems in MS, and they are clearly connected. Yet, this is the first study I’ve seen exploring this connection. According to this study, depression is a predictor for balance deficits. You may want to check my other posts about depression and neurotransmitter deficiencies, and how it can be improved naturally [2].  

You may also want to read success stories of reverse MS. They all have one thing in common: they start with  positive changes in the mindset. 

Hormones & MS.

  • Parathyroid hormones: parathyroid glands of people with RRMS do not respond (as they normally do) to low levels of vitamin D and calcium, which are stimuli for PTH (parathyroid hormone) secretion. The result: lower levels of PTH. Technical: The researchers suggest that the parathyroid glands are suppressed by abnormally high levels of iFGF 23 (fibroblast growth factor 23) and there is an unbalance along PTH -FGF-23-vitamin D axis [3]. My note : the function of parathyroid gland is under estimated and not tested routinely, yet it can have a great impact on your health and disease progression. Low levels of PTH may be responsible and/or contribute to symptoms like tingling, numbness, muscle spasms, fatigue, anxiety and depression. There are natural ways to manage parathyroid function. A key one would be to improve magnesium levels, as magnesium plays a key role in the health of parathyroid glands. Other causes of parathyroid dysfunction should also be evaluated (ie history of thyroid surgery, autoimmunity/ antibodies against parathyroid glands).

  • Testosterone and estrogen therapy for MS: Both hormones had been tested and show great potential. Testosterone protects neurons against glutamate toxicity (I wrote about this here), stimulates myelin formation and regeneration.  Estrogen reduces neuroinflammation and also helps repair the myelin and axons of the neurons [4]. Will see more research on sex hormones in the future for sure. I wrote 4 years ago an article about hormone therapy for MS- here it is.

  • DHEA. DHEA -another key hormone involved in brain function and can help manage MS. A great study exploring the benefits of DHEA [5] .

  • Melatonin: Melatonin is another hormone that helps manage MS. This new study highlights its benefits: regulation of circadian rhythms, modulation of the immune system, antioxidant, and how it can prevent apoptosis (the death of brain cells) and improve mitochondrial health [6].

Neurotransmitters

Correcting neurotransmitter deficiencies may be more important than previously thought.

  • This new study supports the fact that synapses are vulnerable sites on a neuron. In fact, synapses are damaged earlier, before neurons start dying. Synapse impairments lead to glutamate excess. Authors suggest that synapse function can be corrected with “bioenergetic medicine” and ketogenic diet.  Technical: According to the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) concept, neurons have virtually no use of glucose in vivo. Glucose is taken up by astrocytes, which metabolize it into lactate. Lactate is then transported to neurons where it undergoes oxidation in mitochondria. In some physiological conditions (ie starvation or suckling) ketone bodies, are synthesized from fats in the liver and used by brain cells. Pyruvate and lactate are excellent energy substrates for synapses [7],[8]. I mentioned in my previous article that pyruvate and lactate also boost orexins levels.

  • Serotonin : Serotonin (5 HT) supplementation can help treat MS. Inflammation had been linked with decreased secretion of serotonin and supplementing with 5 HT helps improve the immune system function.  Technical:5-HT attenuats T-cell proliferation, Th1 and Th17 production, reduces IFN-? and IL-17, increases IL-10; favors the expansion of FoxP3+CD39+ Treg cells and type 1 regulatory T cells; enhances Treg function [ 9 ].

 

New Therapies

  • Do you want to make healthier choices but don’t have the motivation? Try a rehab program. In this study, a multidisciplinary rehab program including physiotherapy, mindfulness, sailing, healthy diet, and cultural activities show significant and quick changes in the participants (with MS) toward a healthier lifestyle [10].

  • Cranial-nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM) is a novel technique that can improve gait and balance. A case study presented in this study. After a 2-week (2?×?1.5?h sessions daily) physiotherapy program that included this new technique, the balance and gait assessment tests showed improvement without side effects [11].

  • Physiotherapy improves muscle spasticity associated with MS. A review of 29 studies supports the benefits of physiotherapy, which uses various methods: exercise therapy, electrical stimulation, radial shock wave therapy, vibration, and standing. The most beneficial seem to be robot gait training, and outpatient exercise programs [12].

Supplements

  • Curcumin: Th 17 cells are cells of the immune system that are often high in MS, and this abnormal levels of Th17 cells are thought to play a major role in the development of MS. A special curcumin supplement in the nanoparticle form — nanocurcimin was found to restore the dysregulated of Th17 cells in MS patients, according to this new study [13].  Technical : nanocurcumin declines expression levels of inflammatory miRNAs; miR-145, miR-132, and miR-16; it also decreases STAT1, NF-?B and AP-1 and increases STAT5 mRNA expression levels. Finally, nano curcumin was found to reduce IL-1ß, IL-6, IFN-?, CCL2, CCL5, and TNF-a mRNA expression levels [14].

  • Cannabis and Sativex back in the news : This study reviews the use of cannabis over the years, and the conditions for which cannabis had been shown the most effective (based on extensive meta analysis of randomized controlled studies): spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, and appetite stimulation in cancer or HIV patients [15]. A second new study- and a great review of cannabis for MS and other neurodegenerative conditions [16]. A third study: Add-on Sativex provides better and clinically relevant improvement of resistant MS spasticity compared with antispasticity medication alone, according to this double blind placebo randomized controlled trial [17]

  • High doses of biotin (vitamin H, a B vitamin): MD 1003 is a medical grade, high dose biotin drug. It can give false results for thyroid tests, showing either very high or very low levels. This is not a new issue, I wrote about it before. Considering the benefits of high dose biotin for remyelination, it is worth exploring this supplement. German researchers found a solution to avoid false results on thyroid tests- stop taking high doses of biotin for 2-5 days before getting thyroid tests, or to request a special test (non-biotin/streptavidin dependant assays) [18]. 

  • Lactoferrin may improve memory impairment, likely due to its neuroprotective effects. Lactoferrin acts as an antioxidant, anti inflammatory, inhibits the death of brain cells. Technical: inhibits NF-?B and raises BDNF (animal studies) [ 19 ].  Another study showed the benefits of apo-lactoferrin for MS (animal study). Technical: suggested mechanism of action: activation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway [20].

  • Consume more often pomegranate, berries, grapes and walnuts. They are rich in ellagic acid. This study (animal model of MS) shows that ellagic acid offers neuroprotection and delays clinical symptoms of the disease.  Technical: ellagic acid works likely through stimulation of ceramide biosynthesis within the brain [21].

  • ALCAR can help ameliorate oxidative stress and the death of brain cells associated with MS and MS drugs [22]. I wrote about ALCAR and its many benefits  here. 

  • Extra virgin olive oil shows protective effects on the brain (animal model of MS) [23].

 

Reversing MS with Lion’s Mane, Other Supplements and Diet

 Nissa Lee is a naturopath, has had no relapses or MS ‘lesions’ in six years and relies purely on evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle practices to maintain her wellness. She uses high dose of Lion’s Mane mushroom, a supplement that stimulates the regrowth of damaged brain and nerve tissue, in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. You can read Nissa Lee’ s story here.

Diet

  • Successful nutritional treatments for MS- based on a review of multiple studies. You can read the whole article, here are some facts: For some individuals, the single most important requirement for reversal of multiple sclerosis is the elimination of gluten and restoration of a healthy microbiome; other foods that may cause problems : dairy and eggs. Supplements of the vitamins thiamine (vitamin B1) and niacin (vitamin B3) can both prevent and reverse MS. Other supplements that should be part of MS treatment include vitamins B6, D, C, zinc, cooper, probiotics and resveratrol. Researchers provide a list of supplements and foods [24]. My note:I agree with most of them (except glutamine supplement, high doses and iv chelations).

  • A second new study suggests nutritional intervention as an essential part of MS treatment. A good review of the benefits of certain foods and nutrients to treat MS [25].

  • This study suggests that intermittent fasting/caloric restriction may help MS [26]. It helps not only to lose weight, but to reduce inflammation and neurodegeneration and improve emotional health.

MS Drugs   

The Good

  • Copaxone shows benefits not only to manage MS, but also to improve lipid levels, HbA1c and iron levels [27].

  • Cladribine can help decrease disease activity in progressive MS [28] and does not increase the risk of cancer [29]. My note: It is a chemo drug, therefore has strong immunosuppressive effects. Be aware of its risks, too- not just the benefits.

  • Siponimod slows down disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), according to this a phase 3 trial published in the Lancet [30].

  • Dimethyl fumarate has a positive, long lasting impact on both innate and adaptive immune system in individuals with MS [31].

  • MP1032 has potential to treat MS.  MP1032 belongs to a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that fights free radicals, acting as a potent ROS (reactive oxygen species)scavengers. MP1032 ameliorated disease progression in models of MS. In a human studies had been tested for psoriasis treatment, showing good efficacy and safety [32].

The Bad

  • Autoimmune hepatitis developed after one injection of interferon-ß 1a in a person with MS [33]

  • Development of thrombotic microangiopathy (damage in the smallest blood vessels-the capillaries) linked with interferon-ß-1a [34]

  • A case of thyroid cancer that may be connected with long term use of corticosteroids [35]

  • Alemtuzumab linked with allergic inflammatory syndrome (2 cases) [36]

  • Alemtuzumab causing thrombocytopenia (4 cases) [37]

 

More News

  • A new form of MS ? This study reveals a case of MS which involves only the spinal cord, with no brain lesions [38].

  • Tumor-to-lesion metastasis? A case study describing a case of lung cancer and MS- where the cancer metastasis (spread) to brain around an MS lesion [39].

High Homocysteine Levels Linked With MS Progression

  • Homocysteine is an amino acid and by product of protein metabolism that, when present in high concentrations, is known a risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s and many other conditions. MS was also found associated with higher than normal homocysteine levels. This is the first study in which high homocysteine levels was associated with progression of the disease. Homocysteine levels was higher in progressive forms than relapsing-remitting MS, independently of sex and age [40].

Gut microbiome

  • Another study showing the importance of gut microbiome and how gut microbiota and enteric nervous system dysfunctions lead not only to digestive symptoms, but also to neurodegeneration seen in MS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease [41]

Mercury toxicity and its connection with neurodegenerative conditions

  • This new study reviews the toxic effects of mercury. Mercury causes oxidative stress and death of brain cells, being linked with both motor and cognitive impairments. We have more exposure to mercury that we may think. Sources of mercury include: waste combustion, gold extraction, coal fired electric utilities and hazardous-waste incinerators. Mercury is still used in healthcare : as an antiseptic, medical preservative, and antifungal. Dental amalgam are well known to emit mercury vapor (the vapors are highly volatile and water-soluble, thus cross the blood brain barrier and accumulate in the brain) [42].

Genetics

  • STAT4 polymorphism associated with increased risk of MS and juvenile onset lupus (for lupus these genetic variations also linked with increased disease  severity) [43].