Natural Treatment For MS Sufferers

By Jerri Perry


One of the most potentially debilitating central nervous system diseases is multiple sclerosis (MS). Characterized by structures known as plaques in the brain and spinal cord, visible on an MRI scan, are diagnostic of the disease. Symptoms include numbness and tingling of the extremeties, blurred vision and weakness. As the disease progresses, urinary problems come into play. While the condition remains incurable, a number of natural treatment for MS can control symptoms and hold back relapses.

MS is regarded as an autoimmune disorder because T-cells of the immune system attack the body's own myelin. Myelin is a substance in the brain and spinal cord that surrounds and insulates neural cells, thereby increasing the speed of nerve conduction over what it would be in the absence of myelin. There is a pronounced regional distribution of the disease, with cases clustering closer to the poles and away from the equatorial region.

Scientists used to think that only the white matter was involved. It is now apparent that the disease strikes the grey matter, as well. This makes sense in view of the cognitive disturbances, colloquially known as "brain fog" associated with the disease. Epidemiologists are studying the geographic clustering of MS. It appears that people born near the equator who relocate into a region where there is lots of MS become more susceptible to the condition.

Professor George Jelinek, an ER specialist in Australia, was himself diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was 45 years old. He now runs 5-day retreats for MS patients, both in Australia and in New Zealand. He maintains his own symptom control with a strict program of lifestyle choices.

Prof Jelinek has five simple rules: Do not eat animal-derived trans fats under any circumstances, take high doses of vitamin D, get regular exercise, learn to meditate and supplement with conventional medications if necessary. Jelinek takes glatiramer, an immunomodulator, to help control his symptoms.

Ann Romney, wife of former Republican presidential nominee in 2012, Mitt Romney, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998 after experiencing a symptom widely known as "brain fog." She claims that her passion for riding horses helps to keep her symptoms at bay. This is consistent with Professor Jelinek's regime, although we do not have details of her dietary and supplement habits. When an MSNBC anchor chided her about this, it was fellow MS sufferer, Neil Cavuto, a senior vice president at Fox News Channel, who rose to her defense.

Other notable individuals who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis include Annette Funicello, popular American television and film star, country singer Donna Fargo and two of the Osmond family, David and Alan. Jack Osbourne, son of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne and his wife, Sharon, was diagnosed after reporting visual disturbances. He was 26 when he was diagnosed and had just become a father for the first time.

There is a promising natural treatment for MS in Europe. It consists of an extract of two compounds found in marijuana called cannabinoids. The drug is available as an oral spray, similar to breath freshener, and it is used to combat the spasticity that is associated with multiple sclerosis.




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