May-June-July 2021 MS News- The Benefits of Exercise, Massage Therapy, Supplements, Dr. Wahls Diet, HBOT And More
dr.vanta
Exercise training
Vibration training. Vibration training could be an effective alternative training to enhance cognition and quality of life in individuals with MS, according to a small randomized controlled study.
Exercise training has a positive influence on MS disease MS by improving the gut flora, according to this new study. I wrote more about the importance of the gut microbiota here and its changes associated with MS here.
Aerobic exercise seems to have a positive effect -ie improve motor function when compared to conventional physiotherapy. The results are seen after six weeks of exercise, two-three times weekly,suggests this new review of multiple studies.
Different massage approaches help relieve symptoms of MS. According to this review, fatigue may improve with reflexology, therapeutic massage, and Swedish massage. Pain, anxiety, and depression can effectively be improved with reflexology, while spasticity may be reduced by Swedish massage and reflexology.
Aerobic exercise ( 3 days a week, 25-40 minutes/day at 50-70% of HRMax for eight weeks, and vitamin D (50000 IU weekly) supplementation for 8 weeks- help improve BDNF and NGF levels in individuals with MS, according to this new randomized placebo-controlled study. Even better results were seen in the group that combined exercise with vitamin D supplements. Note: BDNF and NGF levels are often impaired in MS, and improving these levels helps promote brain repair, regeneration and maintain proper function. Scientists are looking to target these molecules to treat MS, Alzheimer’s, depression, and other brain conditions.
Diet and Supplements
A review of multiple studies looked at Cordycepin, a key active ingredient from the mushroom Cordyceps for its effects on the immune system and provide symptomatic relief in MS.
Cannabis. This new study reviews the benefits of cannabis for MS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, emesis, epilepsy, chronic pain, and cancer.
Sativex (cannabis-based prescription drug). A new Belgian study involving 276 participants with MS evaluated the benefits of Sativex to manage spasticity. The study found that more than 60% of the participants who started add-on treatment with Sativex reported a clinically relevant symptomatic effect and continued treatment after 12 weeks. I reviewed Sativex here.
Curcumin. This new study looked at the mechanism of action behind the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating qualities of curcumin and its potential use for MS. Technical: curcumin downregulates NF-κB signaling pathway and its downstream gene targets including cyclooxygenase-2, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6.
High-dose biotin. Studies regarding the benefits of high-dose biotin for MS have shown mixed results in the last few years. However, this new systematic review/meta-analysis that included 366 relevant papers and 3 randomized controlled trials involving 889 individuals diagnosed with MS concluded that high dose biotin is beneficial for those with PMS, it has a great safety profile (similar incidence of adverse events in the high dose biotin group compared with the placebo group. However, being aware of lab test interference. High dose biotin mechanism of action (technical): Biotin may activate the acetyl-CoA-, 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA-, propionyl-CoA-, and pyruvate carboxylases→ increased myelin repair and/or synthesis, and may enhance the production of ATP→ potential to prevent neurodegeneration.
NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) improves cerebral blood flow and may also improve cognition and attention in individuals with MS, suggests this new clinical trial.
A second new study reviewed the benefits of NAC for many health concerns, including MS. More details about NAC here.
Dr.Wahls diet vs Dr.Swank diet for MS. This new randomized controlled study found that both diets were associated with clinically meaningful reduced fatigue and improvements in the quality of life. More details about Dr. Wahls’s protocol here.
Mindfulness meditation and Tai Chi
Mindfulness meditation may help with various aspects of MS- including decreased stress levels, improving quality of life quality ( including physical function, social function, mental health, vitality, and general health), and also improving some various emotions like cognitive uncertainty; need to control thoughts and self-awareness, suggests this new study.
Tai Chi and meditation may help improve balance, posture, fatigue, and disease impact associated with MS suggests this new study.
Other therapies
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) significantly alleviated the progression of MS, suggests this new study conducted in animal models of MS. Note: there are clinical trials that assessed the benefits of HBOT, as well. There had been an increased interest in this therapy after studies done in the late 1980s. One research paper showed that 85% of the participants (40 in total) experienced remarkable improvement in symptoms.
Rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This new clinical study shows that the use of rTMS has a positive effect on fatigue, both motor and cognitive, in those with MS at all types of course and at different stages of progression.
Pet therapy, especially dogs- can help improve mood, quality of life, and disease symptoms across multiple neurological disorders, including MS, suggests this new study.
More news
The impact of lockdown on individuals with chronic neurological conditions had been evaluated in this new study. The study concluded that lockdown causes posttraumatic stress and deterioration in the quality of life.
Air pollution and MS. Air pollution has been associated with increased levels of inflammation and degeneration in the brain, possibly linked with the risk of developing MS or having relapses. This new study looked at possible effects of air pollutants like particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and ultrafine particles), gaseous pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ozone), and heavy metals, on MS development and relapse.
