The power of your mind. This new study shows that mastery, which is the sense of being in control of one’s life and improvement- is associated with better physical and mental quality of life. The participants in this study were diagnosed with MS. Efforts to improve the sense of self-control of people with MS may have benefits for their quality of life, even despite experiencing symptoms of the illness- is the conclusion of this study. This study simply confirms previous research papers that support the power of your mindset. Check out this article that I wrote on this topic.
Silent MS. The concept of the “ preclinical” phase of MS explained in this new study is becoming more and more recognized. Silent MS is considered the period before MS is diagnosed (about 5 years before the diagnosis)- and is characterized by non-specific symptoms such as cognitive impairment, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
Exercise
The many benefits of physical activity for MS -and brain health, in general- are reviewed in this new study. Benefits include improvement in memory and cognition, analgesic and antidepressant effects, and a sense of wellbeing, giving strength to the ancient principle of “mens sana in corpore sano” (a sound mind in a sound body).
Exercise is an essential strategy for improving symptoms of MS, says another new study, which suggests that neurologists should recommend exercise to those who have MS. Only 20% of people with MS exercise enough to get health benefits.
A third study this month recommends aerobic exercise to be included in the physio/rehab programs for individuals with MS.
Diet & The Gut Microbiome
The benefits of diet and nutrition in neurology, focusing on MS (low-fat diet plus supplements) and seizures (high fat/keto diet) are reviewed in this new article. Note: you can review the benefits of the keto diet for MS here.
A new review of multiple studies looked at the link between diet and MS symptoms. The conclusion: modifying the diet can greatly reduce fatigue and moderately help decrease symptoms of MS. Replacing animal proteins with plant-based alternatives (high in starch) showed improvements. The plant-based diet showed a decrease in inflammatory cells, damage to the blood-brain barrier, myelin loss, and other brain cell damages. Note: this study talks about a plant-based diet- not completely 100% plant/ vegan diet. Great the idea to replace some animal proteins with plant-based proteins and fats, in case you eat excess meat.
The benefits of fasting for MS and other neurodegenerative conditions are reviewed in this new study. Fasting promotes the formation of new brain cells, new connections between cells and stronger, more resilient brain cells. Technical: fasting increases BDNF, BHB, PGC1alpha. AMPK, adiponectin, and ghrelin, while decreases glucose, insulin, mTOR, leptin, IL6 and TNF alpha. End result: optimized neuroplasticity and neurogenesis; optimized neuron resilience and neuron bioenergetics. All great stuff.
Exercise, diet, and stress all influence the gut microbiome. Mode details included in this new study, along with the link between gut microbiome imbalance and MS/neurodegeneration. I wrote about the MS microbiome here.
Supplements
How effective is marijuana for MS? This short article focuses on Nabilone, the synthetic version of marijuana and how it can be used for pain associated with MS, as an alternative to opioids. “Cannabis in an oral or buccal spray is safe, tolerable, and effective,” says Dr.Maloni.
Vitamin D deficiency linked again with the development of MS and disability scores in this new study. Another two new studies on vitamin D reviewing benefits and how the deficiency is associated with MS. check out here, and here.
The benefits of micronutrients (especially vitamin D and zinc) for MS and other autoimmune diseases are explored in this new study.
It looks like a smart combination: CBD plus MS drug Copaxone. This is a new patent application. Promoted for treating MS.
Ethyl pyruvate (EP), a derivative of the natural molecule pyruvate found in the body helps repair myelin, based on this new study (an animal model of MS), likely due to its strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.
Note: The body produces pyruvate when it breaks down sugar (glucose) and pyruvate is available as a supplement, usually in the form of calcium pyruvate, is marketed for healthy weight loss, increase energy and athletic performance and for nerve and bone health. Be aware that some studies found calcium pyruvate to increase LDL cholesterol.
Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon) shows some promises to reduce inflammation and symptoms associated with MS, according to this new study (an animal model of MS)
Ursolic acid (UA), a natural compound from apples seem to protect and repair the myelin, according to this new study (animal models of MS).
Medical conditions found more prevalent/associated with MS.
The risk of osteoporosis and fractures is moderately increased in both men and women with MS and in the older age groups, which may relate to physical inactivity and an increased risk of falls, according to this new study.
MS is associated (again) with an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions in this new study.
A third study this month links MS with an increased risk of many conditions including:
Other autoimmune diseases, bladder dysfunction, eye conditions, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder.
Genetics
A new study linking vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and MS (based on almost 27 studies, almost 5000 participants with MS and over 5000 in the control group). The results: The VDR TaqI polymorphisms showed an association with MS risk, especially in Caucasians. In Asians, ApaI and FokI polymorphisms correlated with MS risk, while BsmI polymorphisms showed no association with MS.
More News
The role of excess glutamate in the development of MS is reviewed in this new study. I wrote about glutamate excess and MS link here and how to improve glutamate levels naturally here.
Organic solvents linked with MS (again) in this new study. Note: organic solvents are very common, you can’t avoid all, but at least try to limit exposure as much as possible. Note: Organic solvents had been associated with cancer, fertility issues, and brain toxicity and are used in many industries. They are used in paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, glues, and in degreasing and cleaning agents, and in the production of dyes, polymers, plastics, textiles, printing inks, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals. Here is a list of them from the CDC.
Side effects drugs. Always look at the benefits vs risks when choosing a drug. This is a new review of adverse reactions linked with specific MS drugs.
