Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable condition, but there are a range of treatment options available to help reduce muscle stiffness, soreness, and other symptoms associated with the disease. These treatment options can also help slow down the progression of MS and improve overall quality of life for those living with it. Natural complementary treatment methods are becoming increasingly popular.
This neurological condition varies in how it impacts people. It affects men and women from all backgrounds differently. Unfortunately, there’s no outright cure for MS yet. However, using holistic treatments can help improve your health and ease symptoms. High-dose vitamins, especially vitamin D, are showing great promise in handling MS signs
Medical cannabis options are also gaining popularity as a treatment for MS. Studies have shown that the use of cannabis can help improve symptoms such as muscle stiffness and pain, as well as reduce inflammation in the body8.
Moreover, some diets and natural compounds may reduce inflammation and protect nerves, which is key in treating multiple sclerosis1. By trying different holistic remedies, people with MS might be able to better manage their symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.
Key Takeaways
- Holistic remedies for multiple sclerosis focus on enhancing overall well-being and alleviating symptoms naturally.
- Alternative therapies, such as high-dose vitamin D supplementation, show potential in managing MS symptoms
- Medical cannabis has been found to be effective in reducing muscle stiffness, pain, and inflammation associated with MS.
- Specific diets and natural compounds have been identified for their anti-inflammatory benefits
- Research highlights the neuroprotective properties of various natural substances
- Alternative MS treatment strategies offer complementary support to conventional medical approaches.
Dietary Changes and Supplements
The way we eat can help manage MS better. Studies show that some foods and supplements may be beneficial. For example, vitamin D is linked to better control of MS symptoms because it helps the immune system stay balanced going herbal – vitamins and supplements for multiple sclerosis.
MS is a long-term disease that affects the central nervous system. It causes symptoms that can be mild or very severe, possibly causing permanent damage. Since the illness starts from a problem in brain and nerve communication, MS treatments focus on symptom management. When traditional treatments don’t work well, many people around the world try complementary or alternative medicine methods3.
One important part of MS dietary care is linoleic acid. It’s in evening primrose oil, some seeds, and oils. A diet personalised for the individual, with lots of antioxidants and foods that protect the nerves, can lead to better health. It helps boost the immune system and cuts down on inflammation fatty acids and antioxidants.
The above research points to the great benefits of ginkgo biloba for lessening inflammation and tiredness in MS patients. Yet, the real effects of herbs like gotu kola and myrrh stay uncertain. Ginger, on the other hand, seems to have properties that can help against inflammation and protect the nerves.
Nutritional supplements might not work the same for everyone with MS. But, some methods like changing the diet and taking vitamin D could help patients deal with their symptoms better. They work alongside usual treatments to improve health3.
Herbal Remedies and Natural Supplements
Herbal remedies aim to lessen MS effects, and slow down the illness. Ayurvedic herbs, including ashwagandha and Chyawanprash, may help with pain, tiredness, swelling, and stress. Chinese herbs such as gotu kola and ginkgo biloba are also being investigated for managing MS symptoms. Herbs more commonly associated with the West – like chamomile, dandelion root, and ginger are known for their anti-swelling, health-boosting, and brain-enhancing effects3.
Crocus sativus or saffron stands out for possibly improving mood and easing swelling in MS patients3. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, or cinnamon, is being checked for its anti-swelling effects that might reduce MS issues4. Nigella sativa, known as black seed, has effects on the immune system and health, adding to the herbal treatments for MS.
Still, more research is needed before doctors can recommend these clearly. It’s very important for those with MS to talk to their doctors before trying these herbs. This is to make sure they won’t cause negative interactions with any medicines they already take.
Vitamin D shortage might make MS symptoms worse, so it’s key to keep levels up. Fish oil could be good at lowering how often MS worsens and making life better overall. Turmeric is also quite interesting because it might help handle MS issues well4. With more and more proof emerging through continued research, natural supplements for easing MS signs seem very promising. But remember, talking to a health expert before starting them is a must.
Mind-Body Therapies
Mind-body therapies can greatly help those with MS feel better. Practices like yoga and tai chi have shown they can help. They reduce stress, depression, and tiredness, common things with MS. Cognitive efforts can affect how well MS patients balance and move. So, activities that help focus, like yoga, can make a big difference. They can ease these symptoms.
Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation are key to handling stress in MS. They bring peace of mind and emotional stability. For instance, meditation can lessen the strain of dealing with a long-term health issue. This makes people feel mentally better.
While these therapies don’t directly fix physical MS symptoms, they do help with the emotional parts. They offer a lot, even though we need more detailed research on their effect on the body.
Many MS patients find yoga improves their lives. These techniques work well with standard treatment, and give a more holistic approach to symptom management. Also, yoga is known to boost mental health, a decline of which is closely linked to MS.
Medical Cannabis for MS Symptom Control
One of the three health issues that the NHS is currently willing to consider prescribing medical cannabis for at the time of writing is the muscle spasticity relating to MS9.
But, with that said, the NHS almost never recommends medical cannabis to help with MS symptoms. Instead, over 99% of medical marijuana prescriptions for MS related issues come from private medical cannabis clinics.
Medical weed (containing both THC and CBD) has shown great promise in reducing pain, cramps, tiredness, and other symptoms that can be hard to manage. And even though more research is needed for doctors to know exactly how it helps with MS specifically, the evidence we have right now points towards a positive effect10.
Cannabis-based therapy options can also help with the secondary symptoms of MS. Stress, anxiety, a lack of appetite, and poor sleep can all be greatly helped by medical cannabis. These symptoms often occur as a result of MS and can further affect the patient’s overall quality of life11
Medical marijuana works differently for everyone, and some people may not experience positive results from using it. It’s important to consult with your doctor before trying any new treatments or supplements and always follow their recommendations.
If you have any experience whatsoever with privately prescribed medical cannabis for MS treatment in the UK, feel free to head to our homepage, find your provider, and leave a medical cannabis review, good or bad. Your review can help other patients find good providers and give the feedback to clinics they need.
Cooling Therapy and PEMF
For those with MS, cooling therapy brings hope in tackling symptoms triggered by heat. This includes wearing cooling vests, drinking lots of water, and using tools to stay cool. Such steps can bring down body temperature and lessen the impact of heat on symptoms. They can also make working out easier by cutting down on tiredness and muscle issues5.
PEMF is also making a mark in the fight against MS. It’s gaining fame for reducing sensations like burning or prickling feelings, fatigue, and enhancing life quality. This approach directs magnetic pulses into the body, aiming to adjust nerve issues and boost blood flow. Yet, it’s good to remember that PEMF doesn’t address bladder problems and MS-related disability. So, speaking with doctors is vital to check if these techniques fit well into a person’s MS management.
Conclusion
Natural ways to help with multiple sclerosis show promise. They work well with usual treatments. They showed herbs like saffron and black seed can help with symptoms. Eating a Mediterranean diet could also help fight tiredness and brain function issues in MS patients6.
Additional research has looked at how some supplements might help. Coenzyme Q10 and lipoic acid could lessen tiredness and brain shrinking in certain MS cases6. MRI scans give us clues about MS’s progress. Plus, nano-curcumin might help by fighting inflammation and oxidation7.
Possibly the most exciting of the current natural treatment options for MS in the UK is medical cannabis. It has really shown promise in helping with a wide range of MS symptoms and overall quality of life. As more research is conducted, we may see even more natural options becoming available for MS treatment. However, it’s important to always consult with your doctor before trying any new treatments or supplements, as they can provide personalised advice and monitor potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.
If you have any experience with privately prescribed medical cannabis for MS treatment in the UK, we invite you to visit our homepage, locate your provider, and share your medical cannabis review.
Your words are valuable—they help other patients find reputable providers and offer clinics essential feedback for improvement. By contributing, you play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of medical cannabis services and significantly impacting patient care.
Source Links
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4142451/
- https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-alternative-therapies
- https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/going-herbal-vitamins-and-supplements-for-multiple-sclerosis
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/multiple-sclerosis-natural-treatment
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/alternative-treatment-multiple-sclerosis-5247895
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/treatment/natural-remedy-dos-donts-multiple-sclerosis/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311642/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14615106/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/medical-cannabis/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148011/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
