Air pollution matters to the brain. This new study reviewed past research on this topic. Studies suggest a link between air pollutants and brain development, strokes, headaches,MS (5 studies), cognitive function, brain degeneration. Furthermore, studies found a connection between air pollutants and nervous (autonomic) function, neuropsychological and neurotoxic effects.
A second new study looked specifically at the link between air pollution and MS. This study included the results of 24 studies concerning the relationship of exposure to air pollution (particulate matter, NOx and SOx, CO2, traffic noise, etc. and MS. The results of this review study: there was a significant relationship between exposure to air pollution and MS development and progression.
A third new study tells us that air pollution has an impact on the central nervous system. Particulate matter, especially the ultrafine (nanoparticle) components, can carry numerous metal and trace element contaminants that can reach the brain in utero and after birth. Exposing the brain to these elements had been linked with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and ADHD and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and MS. Multiple mechanisms of action, leading to the deaths of neurons, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. For more info check this new study.
The gut microbiome suffers certain changes that had been linked with MS in several studies. This new study suggests that changes in the microbiome are not enough, and genetic predispositions are also key players in developing autoimmunity.
A second new study suggests that gut microbiota could be a therapeutic target to treat MS, because it has an important impact on disease progression.
A third new study is also looking into the influence of certain microbiota species or compositions of microbiota on the immune system and MS progression.
Probiotics may be helpful to manage MS because they modulate the immune system and decrease inflammation, according to this study.
I wrote about gut microbiome here, and changes associated with MS here.
The benefits of keto diet for MS and other neurodegenerative conditions are reviewed in this new study, including the impact of this diet on the gut microbiome. I wrote about keto diet in detail here.
Supplements
Vitamin D. The role of vitamin D in MS disease activity.was investigated in this new clinical study. The conclusion: Vitamin D in association with other therapies may prevent the progression of MS-related disabilities and relapses (RRMS). Furthemore, Vitamin D levels may have an impact on several symptoms: depression, anxiety, cognitive deterioration, and fatigue, which are seen in MS.
Vitamin D & Omega 3. Taking Omega 3 and vitamin D for 12 weeks has beneficial effects on disability and metabolic status associated with MS, is the conclusion of this new randomized controlled study. Doses used: 2 × 1000 mg/d ω-3 fatty acid and 50,000 IU/biweekly cholecalciferol supplement or placebo for 12 wk.Technical: omega 3- vitamin D combo improved several important markers: C-reactive protein, plasma total antioxidant capacity, total glutathione, malondialdehyde concentrations. In addition, ω-3 fatty acid and vitamin D supplementation lead to a significant reduction in serum insulin, insulin resistance, total/HDL-cholesterol, and a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations.
Omega 3. A second study reviews the role omega 3 in managing inflammation, obesity, MS and how this supplement helps modulate the disease progression. You can find a review of the benefits of omega 3 here.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation should be considered in MS, says another new study. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation appears to lower the likelihood of new loss of myelin, changes apparent in MRI examinations.
Royal jelly. Royal jelly shows improvement in the quality of life of those affected by MS. Researchers used 500 mg royal jelly daily for 90 days in this new randomized controlled study .Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), one of the main active compounds of propolis, also show potential benefits to manage MS, suggests this new study (animal model of MS).
NAC. NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)has a positive effect on brain glucose metabolism in those with MS, helping improve in cognition and attention- according to this new clinical study . I wrote an in depth review of NAC here.
Coconut oil. This new study reviewed the benefits of coconut oil (based on research studies) and found that coconut oil could help to decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Note: according to previous studies, coconut oil has documented activity against obesity, insulin resistance, Alzheimer’s disease and MS.
A combination of α-linolenic acid (a supplement) and valproic acid (a drug) are tested for MS treatments, according to this new study
GJG, a Japanese herbal combination shows promises in this new study (animal models of MS). It appears to reduce brain inflammation (technical: by suppressing glial cell activation, followed by a decrease in the production of TNF-α via p38-TNF signaling).
Key components from astragalus helps ameliorate MS, suggests this new study (animal models of MS).
Vitamin K. The role of vitamin K in MS management is explored in this new study.
L-carnosine. A 8-week intervention with L-carnosine (2 g/day) appears “to be a safe and beneficial therapeutic strategy with regard to the reduction of presence and severity of symptoms of MS”, according to this small study which involved 3 participants. L-carnosine improved signs/symptoms like fatigue, waking distance and several markers related to the autonomic nervous system performance and brain metabolism.
Medical cannabis and MS. This is not a study, but the powerpoint slides from a webinar on this topic.
Mindfulness Meditation
In this new clinical study, there participants with MS were divided into 3 groups: one group practiced mindfulness meditation, the second one solution focused therapy, and the third group served as a control group. The results: the first and second group showed experience reduced stress, the ability to better cope with illness, more resilience and happiness compared with the control group.
A second new clinical study concluded that mindfulness meditation helps reduce stress and negative emotions in individuals with MS.
Exercise
Aerobic exercise helps improve the quality of life, according to this new study conducted in men with MS.
Unlike regular training, low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (LLBFR-RE) requires less muscular effort compared to traditional high-load resistance exercise, but is effective in improving nerve and muscle function. According to this new study, exercise with blood flow restriction is also well tolerated by those with RRMS. More details about this form of exercise here.
This new study reviews the impact of exercise on the function and structure of the brain: improved neural connection, protection against degeneration ( neuroprotection), helping the formation of new neurons (neurogenesis), and myelin producing cells (oligodendrogenesis), myelin repair. Many studies support the benefits of exercise for MS management.
More Therapies & News
Multiple sessions of tDCS ( transcranial direct current stimulation) paired with aerobic exercise lead to cumulative and persisting improvements in walking and endurance in those with MS, according to this new double blind randomized controlled study.
The benefits of UVB therapy used for early MS are explored in this study. UVB shows positive impact on the B cells.
This study explores the link between MS and autonomic nervous dysfunction , leading to bladder, sexual, cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, gastrointestinal dysfunction and fatigue.
Cooling vests. The lightweight cooling vest improves total walking time and distance in those with MS who have heat sensitivity, suggests this new study.
Is there any connection between antibiotic use and MS ? According to this new study, yes. Countries, with high consumption of penicillin and tetracycline, experience a higher prevalence of MS than other countries.
