Nutrients for Multiple Sclerosis

Here are a list of nutrients that have been found to be beneficial for those with MS. 



Lion’s Mane (Amyloban 3399)

This Chinese herb contains properties that improve the production of Nerve Growth Factor which has shown to improve the regeneration of nerve cells. It is the only herb known to create NGF. Lion’s Mane is helpful in reducing the progression of nerve deterioration and helps to improve the healing of the damaged or degenerative nerve and brain tissue.

·         Lion’s Mane contains Hericenones and Amyloban

·         Improves the creation of NGF

·         Improves reflexes

·         Regenerates the nervous system and may help with pain

Aequorin

·         Aequorin is derived from a specific species of jellyfish.

·         Aequorin prevents 50-55% brain cell death by regulating the function of calcium in the nervous system.

·         Aequorin is a calcium binding protein with prevents too much calcium from injuring brain cells.

·         Too much calcium into the cell, kills it. 

Lecithin

Contains choline, which is needed to help repair the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve.

Dibencozide (Co-Enzyme B12)

·         Both multiple sclerosis and vitamin B12 deficiency may result in the demyelination of nerve sheaths.

·         Symptoms common to both a deficiency of B12 and multiple sclerosis include visual loss, abnormal sensory responses, and abnormal reflexes.

·         There are two key differences between a B12 deficiency and multiple sclerosis, however.

·         First of all, a severe B12 deficiency may lead to a disruption of myelin synthesis, while multiple sclerosis results in the breakdown of myelin.

·         Second, a vitamin B12 deficiency is easily remedied with vitamin supplements, which is why this deficiency must be ruled out in making a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

·         There may be a problem with vitamin B12 binding or transport associated with multiple sclerosis.

·         At the very least, vitamin B12 is important for building and strengthening myelin, and any B12 deficiency may aggravate multiple sclerosis or impede recovery.

Threonine

·         This amino acid is a precursor of glycine synthesis in the spinal cord and essential to maintaining a healthy central nervous system.

·         It helps to reduce spasticity and improve mobility, particularly of the lower limbs. In a study conducted by Dr. Stephen Hauser at Massachusetts General Hospital, MS patients treated with threonine showed improvement.

·         Best of all, these patients did not suffer the side effects experienced by those who took anti-spasticity drugs, which may cause increased motor weakness and sedation.

 Sphingolin

·         This is an extract of bovine myelin sheath and is a rich source of myelin protective proteins. Use of this product may benefit those with myelin diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Diet Suggestions Eat a low-fat diet. This means to remove the “bad” fat from the diet. Fried foods, margarine and the like. Increase the good fats, flax oil and olive oil.

·         Decrease your saturated fat intake to no more than 5-10 grams per day by opting for vegetarian protein from beans, grains, and vegetables.

·         Avoid current fad diets and focus on your individual health profile.

·         Eat a variety of foods, with emphasis on dark-colored fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, cantaloupe, broccoli, kale, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

·         Eat whole, unrefined, nutrient-dense carbohydrates such as whole grain bread, cereals, pasta, brown rice, oats, barley, etc.

·         Eat organic vegetables, meats, or poultry to avoid exposure to excessive hormones and pesticides.

·         Limit your fat intake to a maximum of 25% of your total daily calories.

·        Limit saturated fats, such as butter and fats found in milk and meat, to no more than 5% of your fat intake.

·        Emphasize monosaturated fats (flax oil, fish oil) to constitute the remaining 20% of your fat intake.

·         Limit red meats to no more than 4 ounces two times per week.

·         Emphasize fish, fowl, and low-fat yogurt as protein sources.

·         Explore vegetarian sources of protein, including wheat gluten, and grain and bean dishes.

·         Limit cholesterol to less than 300mg daily.

·         Avoid sugar and sweets. Avoid Nutrasweet and Equal as these damage the myelin sheath. Avoid Splenda, as it damages the immune system.

·         Do not be fooled by the new “low-fat” desserts, as they are usually loaded with sugar.

·         Avoid packaged, processed foods that may contain undesirable nutritional constituents such as hydrogenated fats, preservatives, or high amounts of saturated fat or sugar. Avoid all artificial sweeteners and preservatives, as theses are neurotoxins and will slow down or damage his recovery.