Dr. HingHau Tsang's Crusade on Nutrition
Newsletter #77
--- Natural approach to Multiple sclerosis (MS)
MS affects about 350,000 people in the US. It usually affects young adults, most often occurring in people between 20 and 40 years of age. More than twice as many women as men get MS. It is also more common among Caucasians, especially those of Northern European descent, but people of African, Asian, and Hispanic ethnicity may also develop MS. MS is more common among those who live in northern latitudes. MS is nearly zero near the equator and increases with latitude in both hemispheres. The increased sunlight near the equator allows the body to produce more vitamin D, and may theoretically reduce the incidence of MS.
We know very little about what causes Multiple sclerosis (MS) and what factors influence its progression and outcome. MS begins with localized inflammatory damage of the myelin sheaths surrounding the nerve fibers due to an attack by the immune system. The resulting damage interferes with nerve impulses and can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of vision, and a variety of other neurological impairments.
MS is a chronic, often progressive disease that involves inflammation and destruction of myelin (the fatty sheath covering nerve fibers) in the brain and spinal cord. For most people, MS may follow a pattern of acute attacks, sometimes called relapses or exacerbations, followed by periods of recovery and remission. Some people have transient symptoms that never return, while others experience cycles of exacerbation and remission. In some people MS is relentless, leading to complete disability and death.
Although considered an autoimmune disease, it is not clear what causes the immune system to attack nerve sheaths.
A drug called beta-interferon has become the conventional treatment for MS patients, especially those with the remitting variety. It can slow the progression of the disease, but is expensive and produces unpleasant side effects. Really effective medical treatment is still not available for most patients.
Natural approach to Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Eat more organically grown fruits and vegetables. Eat organic products made from wheat and soy.
Eliminate milk and milk products.
Decrease protein toward 10 percent of daily caloric intake. Replace animal protein as much as possible with plant protein.
Use extra-virgin olive oil. Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, all foods (such as deep-fried foods) that might contain trans-fatty acids.
Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids from Cold water fish, walnuts, flax seeds or take Opti-DHA daily. EFA's are vital raw materials for the repair/replacement of myelin. They also aid in the transmission of nerve impulses, strengthen the immune system, and are vital to many functions. Those with MS need more EFA's because of their constant need to repair and rebuild myelin, so it's very important to supplement our intake.
Omega-six fatty acids, found in such oils as evening primrose oil may also be beneficial.
Eat ginger and turmeric regularly or take ginger extract EV.EXT77 .
Potent vitamin and mineral supplements provides the raw materials needed to rebuild/replace damaged myelin. Several vitamins are important to nervous system function, most especially the B group of vitamins. So take potent multivitamin with antioxidant, mineral and digestive enzyme such as My favorite multiple Vitamin / Mineral daily and/or Vitamin B complex.daily. Take Vitamin E complex with mixed Tocopherols 400 I.U daily.
Take Calcium /Magnesium with vitamin D every day. This combination significantly decreased the number of MS flares. "Vitamin D supplements may positively influence the immune systems of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), Vitamin D status affects chemicals that modulate the immune system called cytokines, and these changes may benefit patients with MS," said lead researcher Dr. Margherita Cantorna, of Pennsylvania State University. Her research study has shown that 1000 IU of Vitamin D daily may reduce symptoms of MS. So be aware of the detrimental effects of vitamin D insufficiency in MS patients and make sure they are supplemented with adequate vitamin D. MS is nearly zero near the equator and increases with latitude in both hemispheres. The increased sunlight near the equator allows the body to produce more vitamin D, and may theoretically reduce the incidence of MS. Do not exceed 1000 IU of Vitamin D per day because of Vitamin D toxicity.
Take powerful support for eye health - Eye support with Bilberry Complex and Lutein and Ginkgo Biloba to promote proper blood flow to and throughout the eyes.
Take Alpha Lipoic Acid a strong antioxidant to protect against oxidative stress.
Take 100 milligrams of Co-Q-10 daily to helps metabolize fats.
Take Melatonin - antioxidant for energy production, anti-aging and sleep.
Take Siberian Ginseng for energy boost (great for fatigue)
Take L-carnitine which assists in essential fatty acid utilization.
Green tea extract and Grape seed extract, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM ) (important organic sulfur compound that aids in immune function, detoxification, and many other functions).
Take Pro-biotic Acidophilus and Psyllium if constipation is a problem.
MS is associated with chronic inflammation marked by elevated C-reative protein (CRP). Curb inflammation with systemic oral enzymes like Catalytic Formula with Rutin. Marked C-reactive protein reduction has been shown after administration of oral systemic enzyme. Please read Newsletter #129 --- Curb inflammation with enzymes.
Avoid getting a cold or other viral infection. Viral infections can trigger flare-ups of MS. It is okay for MS patients to use Resistance Support Formula on a short term basis for the duration of a cold or other minor infection. I wouldn't recommend using it on a long term basis because it is a theoretical risk for people with MS.
Take 5 grams of soy lecithin granules daily (store this in the refrigerator and sealed tightly to avoid exposure to oxygen. Lecithin destabilizes with oxygen). Lecithin works with EFA's and other nutrients to produce myelin.
Several studies have shown that linoleic acid, in a dose of 17-23 grams, may reduce the severity and length of MS flares and may decrease disability as well.
Do light aerobic exercise on a regular basis. Choose something you enjoy but do not push your self to the point of exhaustion.
Stress reduction, mind/body treatments, Visualization, meditation, and hypnotherapy can redirect your mental energies in positive directions.
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Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.
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