November 2020 MS News- The Benefits Of Mediterranean Diet, Exercise, Electric Stimulation, Building Resilience & More
dr.vanta
Diet, Nutrients,Probiotics -MS News
A new study (randomized controlled) evaluated the benefits of Mediterranean diet for fatigue and cognitive issues associated with MS. Researchers found higher protective effects of the Mediterranean-like diet against MS-related fatigue than the standard healthy diet. No significant improvement was observed in the cognitive status of following this diet.
Optimizing vitamin D levels is considered a potent strategy for MS prevention. According to this study from Pakistan, 36.44% had mild or moderate deficiency of vitamin D . In utero and early-life exposure could also be important, but there is strong evidence that levels of vitamin D during the end of adolescence and beginning of adulthood have a major effect in determining the risk of MS.
Vitamin E. Short-term therapy (2 weeks) with vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) showed improvement in motor dysfunction and reduction of demyelination in the animal model of MS, according to this new study (animal models of MS.
CoQ10 may help increase remyelination and helps manage inflammation, suggests this new study (animal models of MS).
“Probiotics in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases”- this new book offers a review of the benefits of probiotics for MS and other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Herbs/herbal compounds -MS News
This new review/ study Convolvulus prostratus-1 evaluated the herb Convolvulus prostratus aka Sankhpuspi in Ayurveda, and its many benefits for brain health (ie anti-Alzheimer, neuroprotection, cognitive function , anti-stress, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti seizure, alcohol; addition, brain tonic)
Moringa. This review study summarizes the many benefits of moringa based on research studies. Moringa may benefit 80 diseases, including MS and other autoimmune conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, ulcerative colitis, atopic eczema. Besides autoimmune conditions, morning can be also useful for diseases associated with oxidative stress/chronic inflammation, altered sugar metabolism, tumors and organ injuries.
Oleanolic acid (a natural compound) ameliorates the gut dysfunction (intestinal permeability, inflammation, oxidative stress) found in MS, according to this new study (animal models of MS). Note: the main natural sources of oleanolic acid include: apples, pomegranates, mandarins, lemons, pears,persimmon, grapes, bilberries, jujube, olives.
Naringenin attenuates MS (animal models of MS) by protecting the blood brain barrier and controlling inflammation, suggests this new study. Note: great sources of naringenin include: grapefruit, pummelo hybrid, oranges, rosemary, oregano, tomatoes.
Ellagic acid also may help ameliorate MS, according to this new study (animal model of MS). Good natural sources of ellagic acid are berries, cherries and walnuts.
Exercise- MS News
Exercise can be an adjunct therapy for reducing MS severity and progression. Exercise mitigates the MS, not only by reducing symptoms but also by harnessing a neuroprotective effect, which attenuates the neurodegeneration. Based on a new review of multiple studies, exercise has a surplus of benefits for those with MS. Overall the most consistent findings have been improvements in gait (with significant effects on motor function), fatigue, cognition and cardiopulmonary function. Studies also found improvements in mood (depression) and cognition, cholesterol levels and immune health.. Both aerobic and anaerobic exercises are beneficial. Technical: Aerobic activity improves the immune system as evidenced by evaluation of T-cell (increases CD39 cells and decreases CD31 cells). Anaerobic workouts improve energy metabolism by increasing fatty acid oxidation.
Pilates significantly improves the severity of fatigue, physical disability, balance and a marker of inflammation in females with MS, according to this new clinical study. This was a 8 week program, 3 times a week , 40-60 mins each Pilates session.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) seems to protects the brain against autoimmune neuroinflammation (technical: by reducing microglial derived ROS formation, neurotoxicity and pro-inflammatory responses involved in propagation of autoimmune neuroinflammation), suggests this new study (animal model of MS). HIIT_neuroinflammation
Psychological heath- MS News
Emotional well being matters. This new study M/E HEALTH_MS showed that irrational beliefs and dysfunctional attitudes have a direct negative effect in individuals with MS , while spiritual health has a direct positive effect on psychological well-being in patients with MS. Thus, psychological well-being can be increased by educational interventions based on irrational beliefs, dysfunctional attitudes and spiritual health.
Group behavioral activation therapy should be used as a complementary therapy along with other treatment methods to improve the psychological status of those with MS, according to this new study. The goal of this study was to find if this form of therapy depression and identity crisis, and the results showed significant improvements in both depression and identity crisis.
The importance of resilience for those living with MS. This new study looked at resilience factors that allow an individual with MS to remain physically active after falling. Protective (personal ) factors personal factors included Locus of Control, Perseverance, Positive Attitude and Optimism, and Flexibility. Resilience processes included Utilizing Support, Problem Based Coping, and Perspective Taking. Finally, the theme of Looking Beyond Oneself was identified as a benefit.
More MS News
Therapies for drop foot. Drop foot is a sign of neuromuscular damage caused by the weakness of the muscles and can be seen in MS and other neurological conditions. This new study (systematic review that included 24 studies) found that two forms of therapy: robot-based ankle-foot orthosis (RAFO) and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) showed considerable improvement in the gait cycle of the participants of the studies.
Electric stimulation in the form of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) could help manage bowel dysfunctions like fecal incontinence and functional constipation, according to this new clinical study. Seven participants (out of 60) of this study actually remained free of symptoms(constipation).
Lipid profile ( triglycerides, LDL and cholesterol) correlates with cognitive function, according to this new study conducted in 20 individuals with MS.
ECS (endocannabinoid system). Targeting ECS to manage neurological conditions like MS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, is the topic of this new research paper. Great concept, I wrote in details about ECS here.
MS Progression Risk Factors
Rick factors to transition from relapsing remitting (RRMS) to secondary progressive SPMS. This new study looked at thousands of participants with MS. The most consistent risk factors for SPMS were an age at onset >40 years, experiencing multiple MS symptoms at onset, higher baseline disability (EDSS) score and a higher number of relapses. The most consistent protective factor was the disease-modifying therapy (DMT) exposure was found protective when used during early phase RRMS but did not prevent the disability accumulation after the SP transition.
A second study looking at the progression of MS in women and its relation with menses and menopause. Conclusion of this study: A short reproductive period with premature/early menopause and/or low number of pregnancies may be associated with an earlier onset of the progressive multiple sclerosis phase.
