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Natural Treatments

Chronic diseases like MS can often be managed and sometimes cured more effectively with alternative therapeutics than with conventional medicine. MS patients commonly seek out alternative therapies that aim to reduce inflammation and are based on changes in the diet and lifestyle.

This section will include some of the better known alternative treatments for MS:

• the Swank Diet,
• an anti-inflammatory diet known as the modified MacDougall Diet,
• Wobenzyme N/proteolytic enzyme supplementation,
• bee venom therapy,
• and EAP supplementation therapy.

Also described are some general guidelines to follow no matter what treatment the MS patient chooses. We will update information as more research data are gathered and the effectiveness of the treatment options can be determined.

Swank Diet

Dr. Roy Swank, Professor of Neurology at University of Oregon Medical School, developed this diet after observing the outcome of a 5-year study conducted by the Montreal Neurological Institute. That study found that MS occurred only in populations that consumed saturated fats as a substantial part of their diet. With the exception of coconut oil, saturated fats can be found in the highest concentrations in animal products such as meats, cheese, milk, butter, etc. In countries with minimal saturated fat consumption (Asia, Africa, Middle East, and most of South America), MS is a relatively rare occurrence.

North America, Western Europe and Argentina (where the economy is founded on the cattle industry) have considerably higher rates of MS than the rest of the world. The authors of the study reported that in Norway, where the population is genetically homogeneous, there was a curious but significant difference in the occurrence of MS, depending on where one lived. For the inland population, where the diet is focused on butter, cheese, milk, other dairy products and meat as a mainstay, MS was 8 times more prevalent than in populations along the coastal shoreline, where the diet was based on deep ocean fish that are high in unsaturated fats. The amount of saturated fat consumed appeared to match the incidence of MS.

Another study conducted shortly afterward discovered the low incidence of MS in Sicily and Southern Italy, where large amounts of unsaturated fats in the form of olive oil and fish are consumed on a daily basis. The relationship between unsaturated fat consumption and low MS rates was too compelling to ignore.

Dr. Swank developed his own study that spanned 35 years and tracked over 150 MS patients. Half of the participants followed the low-fat Swank diet outlined below. The other half continued to consume a standard western diet—one that was high in saturated fat and contained plenty of dairy products and meats. The results were almost unbelievable. During the first 3 years, an 80% reduction of MS exacerbations resulted in the low-fat diet participants. Only 5 % of these patients suffered any deterioration after 35 years.

For those who faithfully followed the low fat diet (72 patients), only 31% had died after 35 years. In contrast, after 35 years, the patients who continued to consume a standard western high fat diet suffered a death rate of 80%. The difference here, even if age, severity of disease before participation in the study, and other confounding factors are taken into account, is astounding.

The Swank diet is more effective when started early on in the course of MS. Later stages and more severe illness do not respond as well.

The guidelines for the Swank diet include:

• restrict saturated fats to less than 10 grams per day (3 tsp)
• eat deep ocean fish 2 to 3 times a week
• supplement cod liver oil (1 tsp) or flax seed oil (2 Tbs) daily
• eliminate hydrogenated fats like margarine and vegetable shortenings (read labels on all processed foods)
• eat normal amounts of protein from fish and soy, legumes etc.
• eat fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• drink lots of water

Anti-inflammatory diet: the modified MacDougall Diet

This diet is named after Professor Roger MacDougall who cured his MS by following the guidelines below. MacDougall lived well into his 80's symptom-free.

• no animal products (except cold-water fish several times a week)
• eat fresh vegetables and fruits, root vegetables, small amounts of non-glutinous grains (millet, amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, rice, corn), nut and seeds
• drink lots of water
• get lots of fresh air
• absolutely no alcohol, sugar, processed foods, dairy or other animal fats, wheat or other glutinous grains

Wobenzyme N/proteolytic enzymes

Research has shown the effectiveness of using proteolytic enzyme preparations to treat the inflammatory process responsible for the myelin sheath damage that characterizes MS. Wobenzyme and other proteolytic enzymes are substances that cleave proteins.

In MS, the myelin protective sheath that covers the nerve cells is broken down by immune complexes that are embedded in it. The Wobenzyme N and other proteolytic enzymes break down the destructive immune complexes and can dramatically reduce MS symptoms. While regeneration of damaged tissue is not possible, regular supplementation with enzymes has been documented to halt the progress of degeneration associated with most stages of MS.

In several large-scale clinical trial studies, Wobenzyme N, a German enzyme formula, was found to be more effective than corticosteroids at reducing inflammation with no associated side effects or long-term risk factors.

In addition to the localized effect on the immune complexes embedded in the myelin, there are several other benefits of proteolytic enzyme supplementation:

• Their anti-inflammatory action works on all circulating immune complexes, not just the ones in the myelin. This action reduces inflammation in all soft and connective tissues of the body such as internal organs, eyes, skin, muscles, tendons, fascia, joint capsules, blood vessels, etc. All of these various tissues benefit from the reduction of inflammation.

• They are anti-fibrotic, meaning that they break down hard, fibrotic tissue, and in so doing, help prevent atherosclerotic plaqueing, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, thrombosis, blood clots, uterine fibroids and other fibromas, fibrocystic breasts and other fibrous degeneration.

• They are blood-thinning. Like aspirin, proteolytic enzymes lower blood viscosity. Unlike aspirin, enzymes present no risk of hemorrhage (the blood becoming too thin) and cause no complications from gastrointestinal bleeding. The mechanisms by which the thinning occurs involves the breaking down and cleaning up of waste products, cellular debris, circulating immune complexes, and white blood cells. By cleaning up the blood, more white blood cells are made available to protect the body from new intruders.

Bee venom therapy

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America recently awarded a grant to immunologist Dr. John Santilli to study the effects of bee venom on MS patients.

It is understood that bee venom stimulates immune response with adrenalin and endogenous cortisol release. The exact mechanism for achieving these results is not well understood.The anti-inflammatory constituents, however, have been identified. Melittin is the most abundant of these substances and is known to be 100 times more potent than hydrocortisone.

Bee venom therapy, also known or apitherapy, has a large following of MS patients internationally. Many find it very useful for reducing the common MS symptoms of fatigue, spasm and instability. It is symptomatic treatment, however, and cannot impact the degeneration of neural tissue.

It is essential that allergy to honey bee venom be determined prior to the start of treatment. Allergies to yellow jackets and wasps do not necessarily indicate a honeybee allergy. Careful monitoring by a doctor or experienced beekeeper during the first injections is paramount. Anaphylactic responses can be life threatening. Once allergy has been ruled out, the patient can choose to sting themselves with live bees or inject small amounts under the skin. Live bee venom is thought to be significantly more potent and therapeutic. Most patients insist that the best results require 6 to 10 stings at least twice a week. It is also reported that any noticeable change in symptoms may require several months of consistent treatment.

EAP Supplementation Therapy

Until 1984, it was believed that myelin was just a protective insulation on nerves. Now it is understood that myelin also serves as an electrical shunt to the central axis nerve fiber. In order for it to operate properly as an electrical passageway, certain chemical components need to be present in sufficient quantities. 2-amino ethanol phosphate (EAP) is one of these components. EAP greatly impacts electrical conduction at the cell membrane by protecting the membrane from the immune system aggression that is characteristic of MS. Researchers don't know why, but MS patients have less-than-adequate amounts of EAP.

EAP supplementation therapy works by increasing myelin cell membrane polarity and resistance to immune system aggression. This, in turn, increases electrical conduction capabilities.

Research has shown that EAP can be present in lower-than-average levels throughout the body, not just in the myelin cells, in many MS patients. Lower- than-average electrical discharging in urinary tract tissues may account for the recurrent urinary tract infections and symptoms so often experienced by MS patients. Without enough EAP, the electro-static filter that usually protects the urinary tract from infection does not function optimally, giving rise to microbial invasion and subsequent infections.

Ca-EAP (calcium- EAP) was registered in 1965 by the German Federal Health Authority as effective anti-MS medication, and it is used with positive results at the Hachen Sanitarium, the world's largest MS hospital. However, Ca-EAP has been banned by the FDA in the U.S. for unknown reasons. Many Americans travel to Europe for treatments, where IV injections of EAP are one part of a comprehensive MS protocol that also includes diet and lifestyle changes and nutritional supplementation. The documented results are very positive, and most patients who continue with treatment have no further deterioration of their condition.

General guidelines

Here are some general dietary recommendations that people with MS should follow, no matter what their course of treatment:

• Use the Swank diet outline above and follow it as closely as possible.
• Identify food allergens with the Elimination/challenge trial outlined below.
• Increase fiber by supplementing flax seed meal * - to 1/3 cup daily
• Increase water intake to insure smooth elimination - drink 2 to 3 liters daily.

Nutritional and botanical supplements for the MS patient include:

• Digestive enzymes to be taken as directed with meals
• Vitamin C 1000mg: three times a day with meals
• Lecithin granules: 1 tsp three times a day with meals
• Vitamin E: 400- 800IU daily
• Selenium: 150 - 300mcg daily
• B vitamin complex as directed on formula
• Multivitamin Formula as directed
• Potassium: 300 - 1000mg daily in divided doses
• Flax seed oil: 1-2 Tbs daily
• Ginkgo biloba standardized extract (24% ginkgo flavonglycosides): 40 -80mg three times a day with meals

The elimination/challenge trial

A good way of determining the impact food may have on symptoms is the time honored "elimination/challenge" trial. This traditional naturopathic procedure has been accurately diagnosing food-related symptoms for many years and continues to be the standard for identifying food sensitivities.

There are 2 ways to approach an elimination/challenge. The first and more difficult but more effective route is outlined as option #1 below. It involves eliminating all the major suspects that usually cause problems and then slowly, over time, adding them back into the diet one-by-one. It provides clear insight into what foods are impacting you in what ways. (The added bonus of this approach is that you may find that there are other foods that, while they are not causing MS, are giving you headaches or insomnia or any other health problem).

The second option is reserved for those who already have a good idea about what foods are problematic for them. The suspected food group is eliminated until symptoms clear and then added back into the diet in order to experience the response or return of symptoms.

Symptoms associated with food challenges may not be the same as the symptoms you were experiencing before you began the elimination process. For example, while you may have experienced chronic sinus pain prior to embarking on your elimination/challenge; you might find that upon challenging the suspect food that your stomach hurts. This doesn't mean the food group being challenged is not causing your sinus pain, rather your body and immune system may react a bit differently when re- introduced to the offending agent.

Some possible symptoms that can occur on a food challenge: headache (may be brief or prolonged), nausea, sleepiness, irritability, depression, anxiety, excitability - feeling "hyper" or "buzzed, stomach ache, sharp abdominal pain, sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy nose or eyes, tightness in the chest, skin rash or itching, facial flushing, red ears, muscle twitching or humming or aching, insomnia, fatigue, and apathy. Of course, there are as many ways of manifesting sensitivities as there are people who suffer from them, so be observant.

Elimination/challenge is the most effective way of determining food intolerance. It also provides you with an excellent opportunity to explore and understand your relationship with food more directly.

Option#1

Elimination

Eliminate all suspect foods:

• wheat products - pasta, breads, processed foods, faux meat
• dairy products - milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, etc.
• corn products - tortilla, chips, polenta, cornstarch/thickeners
• peanuts - peanut butter, peanut oil
• soy products - tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soy protein powder, faux food, soy oil
• glutinous grains - rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut, seitan, hops
• beef - this is usually more a problem with additives than with the protein itself
• chocolate
• sugar
• nutrasweet/aspartame
• food colorings/dyes
• pesticides and chemical spoilage retardants (esp. sulfites)

Maintain a diet based on:

• fresh fruits
• vegetables
• potatoes
• yams
• animal protein (fish. poultry, lamb)
• non-glutinous grains (millet, buckwheat, rice, amaranth)

If you have a choice, always choose organic. Otherwise, you could be ingesting pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and/or formaldehydes.

Avoid sulfite-containing foods, which most commonly include canned vegetables and fruits, wine, canned tuna (albacore).

Read labels. Know that "vegetable protein" is either wheat or soy; thickening agents and stabilizers are either wheat or corn; and food starch is usually wheat or corn. It is much easier to avoid processed food and faux food while on the diet than to figure out all the additives in prepared foods.

After 2 to 6 weeks of maintaining a strict elimination diet, you should experience a relief from symptoms. You may also lose weight.

Challenge

Begin your challenge with the food group you feel is the least likely culprit. Eat several servings from that food group throughout the day. For example, if you are challenging dairy, have milk with breakfast; include cheese, cream and yogurt in your lunch and dinner menus; drink milk at meals; and snack on dairy items. Then wait. DO NOT continue to add that food group to your diet. You only challenge for one day, then wait for at least 48 hours. Return to eating ONLY your elimination diet foods. If you do not experience a return of symptoms after 48 hours, go on to the next suspected food group. Continue this process until you find the problematic food group. In most cases you will experience a return of symptoms within 48 hours. Rarely do symptoms appear several days or weeks later. If, however, you want to wait more than 48 hours, feel free to do so as this will only increase the accuracy of this type of diagnosis. A week between food group challenges is optimal. Only challenge one food group at a time.

Option #2

Maintain your regular diet, eliminating only the food group that you believe to be causing your symptoms. Eliminate ALL items in that food group for at least 1 month. If your symptoms disappear before the one-month deadline, continue to abstain from that food group for one more week after symptom relief. If, for example, you find yourself symptom-free after just a few days of avoidance, you must still continue to avoid that food group for another week before you can effectively challenge. When you challenge, follow the guidelines stated above: eat several servings of the suspect food group during a 24 period, then return to the elimination diet and wait. More often than not you will get immediate information about how your body is interacting with a problem food group.

Physical Medicine

Exercise is an essential part of all MS treatment plans. Regular gentle exercise can help to maintain flexibility and muscle control and counteract some of the more destabilizing effects of MS.

However, it is easy to overdo it and get discouraged by the discomfort, exacerbation of symptoms, and/or fatigue that can result from too much activity. It is important to find the balance between not enough and too much exercise. Exercise tolerance levels will change from time to time, so persevere and be consistent. Discuss your options with your doctor and explore what feels best.

Common choices for exercise support include: yoga, Tai chi/Qi gong, swimming, bicycling, and walking. Avoid strenuous exercises that can overheat your body's core temperature, as this may exacerbate symptoms.

Multiple Sclerosis, Natural Treatments reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
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