Foot reflexology can help manage constipation associated with MS, according to this new randomized controlled study. The severity of constipation significantly decreased in the group who received reflexology treatments twice a week for 6 weeks.
The best treatment for pain associated with MS (no drugs involved!)? This new review of multiple studies suggest the benefits of non-drug interventions: water exercises, yoga, and cannabis. More trials are being conducted on other modalities like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
Exercise, Mindfulness Meditation, AI, And Other Therapies
Exercise. A new review of multiple studies shows that exercise- in the form of aerobic or resistance training -benefits individuals with MS, especially related to the quality of life and function (ie muscle strength, balance, flexibility, walking ability, disability status).
Mindfulness meditation. This new review of multiple randomized controlled studies shows that mindfulness meditation can help improve fatigue associated with MS. Some of the studies also show improvement in pain.
Non-drug options for managing MS? This is another new study(review of 40 research studies) looking at the benefits of 6 types of interventions: physical activity, technology, rehabilitation, alternative, resistance training, and psychological therapies.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be useful to diagnose conditions like MS, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, according to this new study.
Dr.Zamboni’s ‘liberation therapy’ (venoplasty) in the new again. With positive results. Venoplasty decreases new cerebral lesions at 1 year, according to this new randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, sham-controlled trial which involved 130 individuals with RR-MS and secondary/progressive MS.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help multiple sclerosis related‐tremor, according to this new review of multiple studies.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help improve gait/motor function. In this new study, using tDCS before a 6-minute walk test may be more effective than using the same procedure during the walking test.
Diet & The Gut Microbiome
Keto diet. The benefits of the ketogenic diet for MS. This study Keto- MS is the first clinical study investigating the effects of a keto diet and fasting on disease progression of MS. This study includes various factors that improve while on keto diet: insulin levels, the gut microbiota, reduced inflammation, and oxidative stress and autophagy (the body’s ability to detox, repair and regenerate). Note: Here is my review of the keto diet for MS- and brain health in general. Keto diet mimics the benefits of fasting, and using intermittent fasting for 12-14 hours every day, while keeping your diet clean and on the low carb side may be a better option long term. Don’t overuse keto diet, it should be reserved for severe cases (ie epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease).
Another new study suggests the benefits of fasting-mimicking diets to manage age-related conditions including cancer incidence/progression, to modulate the immune response, ameliorate or reverse disease progression of MS, diabetes type 1 and 2, and reverse inflammatory bowel disease pathology. Is a review study including both animal and human studies.
Changes in the gut microbiome associated with MS- again in the news, in this study. I wrote in more detail about these changes here. Technical: this new study shows a reduction of circulating short-chain fatty acids (SFCAs) and tryptophan metabolites.
Supplements
Cannabis. Researchers evaluated the benefits of CBD-THC in 3 individuals with severe disability due to MS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in this new study. Great results after two or more weeks: one lady with Alzheimer’s disease became less confused, disoriented, disruptive, aggressive, and more alert, cooperative, socially pleasant and experienced better sleep. A verbally combative lady bedridden due to advanced MS experienced improved mood and behavior: become more alert, talkative, and verbally more considerate and appreciative. Finally, the third case, an elderly gentleman with advanced Parkinson’s became less agitated, fell less often, expressed himself verbally better and experienced. His gait improved, and tremor/shaking became slightly less intense. The formula used: CBD-THC oil in the 1 to 1 ratio, 1ml in the morning and another 1 ml at bedtime. At this ratio, the CBD-THC oil is nonaddictive and not associated with a “high”. Note: Sativex has a similar ratio of CBD- THC.
A survey study conducted in South Wales in individuals with progressive MS shows that 44% of the participants use or have used CBD oil, cannabis or synthetic cannabis. Symptoms improved by cannabis-based medicine: muscle spasticity, sleep, and fatigue.
Vitamin D is very important. Did you know a 2008 study found low blood levels were associated with double the risk of death overall? It is also very important to manage MS.
This new study reveals that higher (healthier) levels of vitamin D correlate with a reduction in MS activity and a slower rate of progression. Significantly. Here are more details: Higher serum D levels within the first 12 months predicted a 57% lower rate of new active lesions, a 57% lower relapse rate, a 25% lower yearly increase in inflammatory lesion volume. The same study looked at the link between maternal vitamin D levels and risk of MS in babies. The conclusion: The children of mothers with vitamin D deficiency during their pregnancy had a 2-fold greater risk of developing MS than those whose mothers were not deficient. A third important finding of this study: vitamin D helps regulate the T cells (immune cells) in MS. As you may be aware, some of the newer drugs specifically target these T cells to control inflammation and autoimmunity associated with MS. Vitamin D deficiency found in 90% of individuals with MS in this new study. After vitamin D supplementation, both qualities of life and fatigue scores improved significantly.
Licorice could be used in the future to treat MS, as it shows the potential to repair myelin. A key active ingredient in licorice, glycyrrhizic acid was found to accelerate myelination in this new study (an animal model of MS)
Bilobalide(BB),a novel compound isolated from Ginkgo biloba, can effectively ameliorate clinical symptoms and reduce myelin loss in MS, suggests this new study (animal model of MS).
Chrysin is part of the flavone class of flavonoids and can be found naturally in honey, propolis and various plant species may help manage MS, by decreasing inflammation and neurodegeneration, based on this new study (animal models of MS).
This new study includes many plant /plant compounds that show the ability to fight neurodegeneration. Here are some of the plant (compounds) included in this study: EGCG from green tea, curcumin, Lippia citriodora, verbascoside, Chionanthus retusus extract, auraptene (from citrus fruit), Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola), thymol , and also some compounds of marine-animal-origin.
Mind-body connection. How personality traits and emotions influence the physical symptoms and quality of life.
Reducing or eliminating negative emotions can significantly improve physical symptoms – and overall quality of life. This new study evaluated the link between personality traits, coping strategies and quality of life in individuals with RR-MS. The conclusion is not surprising: cognitive-behavioral therapy, emphasizing active coping strategies, can improve the quality of life in patients with MS. Certain personality traits -ie neuroticism and passive coping strategies being linked with the worse quality of life. Check out last month featured news – the power of mindset and also this article.
Another new study shows that anger and frustration also have a negative impact on the quality of life in people with MS. These negative emotions are related to the restrictions that the disease places on them, self-directed anger, and irritation with others’ attitudes towards them.
This new study looked at the link between feelings of hopelessness (more prevalent in those with MS), clinical symptoms and brain changes (especially related to serotonin pathway). Note: If you experience these emotions consider natural therapies: diet and supplements (check out this section of this blog. Mindfulness meditation and regular exercise are two powerful ways to eliminate negative emotions.
More News
Glutamate and Nitric Oxide (NO) could be used as biomarkers for disease activity and relapses in individuals with MS suggests this new study. Both glutamate and NO levels are higher during relapse. I wrote about excess glutamate and MS here and how to correct this excess naturally here.
Migraines are often associated with MS. But is there any correlation between migraines and disability? According to this new study, a history of migraine is associated with greater disability.
How menopause influences MS. This study evaluated changes that occur in women with MS after menopause compared with the premenopause period. Researchers found that after menopause there is a reduced relapse rate, but that disability progression continues at a similar rate, compared to the premenopausal period. The explanation: lower levels of estrogen correlate with less inflammation and therefore less disease activity. Note: This is a tricky topic. Other studies like this one looked at adding estrogen therapy to treat MS. The best approach is to support hormonal balance at any age- before and after menopause- for both estrogen and progesterone (as well as testosterone for men). Sex hormones can be used therapeutic, but be aware that you don’t need synthetic hormones (in fact they had been linked with serious side effects- including cancer). Hormone levels can be improved naturally -from diet to herbs like Don Quai or Shatavari and other lifestyle changes.
Some studies suggest there is a link between blood type and risk of MS. According to this new study, type 0 – seems to be protective against MS, while Rh+ plus A or B seems to be a risk in developing MS.
