SPECIAL
 

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Multiple Sclerosis is the de-myelination of the nerve sheath. The body attacks and deteriorates its own tissue, causing less integrity of the nerves. It is an Auto-immune disease, which means the body attacks itself. There are several theories as to the possible cause. There's the MS Virus Theory - is it a virus, not unlike polio, or is it caused by neuro-toxins? It is only 5 % hereditary, 95% 'sporatic'. There also seems to be increased number of cases in higher latitudes, where it is darker, cooler, and damper.

     1. Do NOT be in a moldy environment! In dark, damper environments, you find more cases of MS. Use filters or ozone therapy to remove molds from the air. Chlorinated swimming pools may make it worse. Swimming is good exercise, preferably in a lake or ocean.

     2. Avoid Stressors! The neuro-endocrine system shuts down due to stressors. There's a connection between the social/emotional self with the body. When under stress the endocrine system shuts down part of the immune system. Upsets in our environment are reflected in our bodies. Avoid excessive activities! It stresses the body and causes excessive activity of neurons, which causes damage. Use gentle exercise, like Yoga. Support groups. Get frequent gentle massages.

     3. Maintain Excellent health! It is crucial to minimize all cold / flu symptoms. The viral load can become too high. Take Lysine daily, and Goldenseal 4x a day when symptoms appear. You can use Astragalus daily as a deep immune enhancer to build up the immune system, NOT Echinacea.

     4. Do NOT miss meals! Avoid Hypoglycemic conditions - it exacerbates the problem. Get your energy from food, not from adrenaline, it drains your adrenal glands! Do not let yourself get low blood sugar.

     5. Avoid Neuro-toxic solvents/chemicals. Eliminate chemical use in your home and work environment! Use natural cleansers only! Do a severe environmental clean-up! Throw out and avoid using any solvents.

     6. Use Flax Seed Oil or Evening Primrose oil Daily! Your body needs these excellent omega 3, 6, & 9 oils. They are highly unsaturated. You can also use 800 i.u. of Vitamin E, 2x a day for rigidity. AVOID ALL trans-fatty acids, such as margarine, crisco, chips, french fries, ice cream, and ANYTHING with Hydrogenated Oils! Even breads and crackers! They cause oxidative damage and create bad trans-fats. Use only good quality COLD-PRESSED oils for cooking, such as safflower, sunflower, soy, or canola oil. Maintain a saturated fat intake of no more than 10 grams a day.

     7. Eliminate Wheat and dairy from the diet. Animal and dairy products are much higher in saturated fatty acids. Look for wheat-free breads, without hydrogenated oil! You may get remission from removing these from your diet. You can use glucosamine sulfate to bind wheat lectin sites temporarily (2-3 weeks). Also eliminate MSG and artificial preservatives.

     8. Avoid PEANUTS! All peanuts and peanut butters contain lectins, aflo-toxins. They cause the rancidification of trans-fatty acids. Use Rose Hips, or Rosemary to neutralize aflo-toxins. The lectin causes a worsening of symptoms.

     9. MOST IMPORTANT IS YOUR DIET! Now that you know what to avoid, here's a list of what is best to eat! These foods are considered botanical medicine itself. Instead of breads, use other complex-carbohydrates like Yams (excellent), carrots, pumpkins, squash, green herbs, spinach, chard, beet greens, lettuces (not iceberg). These are high in carotenoids and xanthyphils (green and yellow pigments) No trans fatty acids. Fish is O.K. occasionally. Also use yellow onions, broccoli, Russet potatoes. Apricots are excellent! They contain every major category of liver detoxification and protective nutrients. Eat lots of them!

     10. Eat 1 cup of berries per day!  Use high concentrations of Proanthocyanins. Include bio-flavanoids that occur naturally in berries! Especially high are Elderberries or Blueberries, also Blackberry, Raspberry, and Grapes. Frozen is best! It releases the cell wall. This has taken people from only crawling, to playing golf! Frozen berry juice is good too. Also BLUE Corn chips are very high, but get baked, oil-free! It decreases the inflammatory process around the nerves. Concentration of Elderberry is very effective. Can get a concentrated solid-extract from David Winston, Herbalist and Alchemist. Heating does not destroy flavanoids. You can also use Quercetin - 500 mg. 3x a day.

     11. Drink Green Tea - it contains catechins - which are very specific for the pancreas, and very useful for helping diabetics and regulating blood sugar.

     12. Botanical Treatments - Feverfew is a very helpful herb for inhibiting inflammatory process. Use 2-3x a day. It works like Prednisone. Licorice root can also be used. (Avoid if you have high blood pressure.) It contains bio-flavanoids that block the end reaction of the inflammatory process. Black Cohosh and Kava Kava roots are also very specific for muscle rigidity. They are anti-spasmodic and help relax muscular and neurological pain. Kava is a central nervous system depressant and a relaxant of the skeletal muscles, which has no narcotic properties. Sarsaparilla and Tumeric are excellent. Tumeric is a powerful anti-oxidant and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Use 1/2 tsp. 3x a day. (you can take as capsules, and use in cooking) Sarsaparilla is used to restore proper functioning of the body, correcting a wide range of systemic problems. It is often very helpful, for rheumatic conditions.

     13. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents such as aspirin, indomethacin and ibuprofen should be avoided in MS patients, as they inhibit the prostaglandin synthesis, which prevents the protective effect of linoleic acids.

     Most importantly, is being careful to maintain this program of diet and herbs. They will help you maintain remission. When you slack off, or go off of it completely, the symptoms may return. The success rate depends on your diligence. It may not be easy to maintain a strict diet, but it is also not easy living with this disease in its active stages.

References: Dr. Bill Mitchell, N.D. Botanical treatment of MS, Official Proceedings of the Naturopathic Symposium, Black Mountain, N.C. 1996

The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Dr. Michael Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.