Multiple Sclerosis

Also known as:  Disseminated Sclerosis;  MS

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic Neuromuscular Ailment in which the Myelin Sheaths surrounding the Nerves in the Brain and Spinal Cord (i.e. in the Central Nervous System) are damaged.  There are various theories as to the cause of Multiple Sclerosis (and none of these theories are agreed upon unanimously by medical experts - it is possible that some or all of these theories are fully/partially correct).

Multiple Sclerosis is also categorized as an Autoimmune Disease:  a childhood infection may trigger an autoimmune response later in life.

The body produces Antibodies that attack and destroy the Myelin Sheaths of Neurons in the Brain and Spinal Cord.  The damaged Myelin is replaced by hard scar tissue known as Sclerotic Plaques.

The term "Multiple Sclerosis" is derived from these multiple patches of hardened tissue.  Current medical opinion is that there is a genetic component to Multiple Sclerosis and that one or more environmental factors trigger the onset of Multiple Sclerosis (in genetically susceptible individuals).

 Multiple Sclerosis occurs mainly in the caucasian populations of westernized nations (in the USA, Canada, western Europe, New Zealand and Australia the incidence of Multiple Sclerosis is 50-100 cases per 100,000 population).  Within these countries, there is a greater incidence in higher latitude, temperate regions.

 Multiple Sclerosis is more prevalent in women than in men.

 Multiple Sclerosis generally commences at an early age - most often during the early adult years.

Immune System/Nervous System

 The main underlying process that occurs during Multiple Sclerosis is impairment of the Blood-Brain Barrier to the extent that activated and inactivated Cells of the Immune System pass through the Blood-Brain Barrier into the Brain.

 These Cells initiate a number of Autoimmune processes that eventually destroy the Myelin Sheaths of Axons of Neurons.  The severity of the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis is related to the extent of Myelin loss.  ^[2]

It is generally accepted that Multiple Sclerosis is neither preventable nor curable, although many patients have gone into remission for many years and various therapies have been demonstrated to alleviate the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

Amino Acids

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) (2,000 mg per day) may be useful for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (due to its ability to inhibit the further degradation of Myelin Sheaths which occurs in Multiple Sclerosis patients).  ^[3]

 Glycine may alleviate some of the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. 

 Orotic Acid (when administered by injection) may alleviate Multiple Sclerosis by facilitating the transport of Minerals into cells. 

 Phenylalanine may increase Bladder control, may improve Mobility and may decrease Depression in Multiple Sclerosis patients.  ^[4]

 Threonine (7,500 mg per day) may reduce the Spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis.  ^[5]

Carbohydrates

 Glucosamine may be useful for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.  ^[6]

Colamine Phosphates

 Calcium AEP may alleviate Multiple Sclerosis (by protecting Cell Membranes).  ^[7]

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Moderate exposure to Sunlight may help to prevent Multiple Sclerosis (due to Sunlight’s role in the production of Vitamin D).  ^[8]

Enzymes

 Multiple Sclerosis patients have low Glutathione Peroxidase levels.  ^[9]

 Enzyme Therapy (i.e. involving multiple Enzymes, especially Proteolytic Enzymes - Dietary) may break up (degrade) the Immune Complexes that are theorized to initiate Multiple Sclerosis attacks.  Specific Enzymes that are commonly utilized during Enzyme Therapy to degrade Immune Complexes in Multiple Sclerosis patients include: 

 Salivary Amylase

 Bromelain  ^[10]

 Chymotrypsin

 Lipases

 Pancreatic Enzymes  ^[11]

 Papain

 Trypsin  ^[12]

 Superoxide Dismutase (LIPSOD form administered by injection) is presently under investigation as a treatment for MS. 

Growth Factors

 Exogenous Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) has been utilized by some physicians for the treatment of MS (due to its ability to stimulate the growth of Myelin Sheaths). 

Hormones

 DHEA(Dehydroepiandrosterone) (90 mg per day taken as 3 x 30 mg doses) may improve Alertness, Stamina, Energy levels, Muscle Strength and may reduce Fatigue and Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis patients.  ^[13]

 Estriol may alleviate Multiple Sclerosis.  ^[14]

 Human Growth Hormone (hGH) has been utilized by some physicians for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (due to its ability to increase Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) which facilitates the growth of Myelin Sheaths).

 Abnormally low levels of Melatonin are theorized to be an underlying cause of Multiple Sclerosis.  ^[15]

 Pregnenolone may be an effective therapy for Multiple Sclerosis.  ^[16]

 Progesterone may be an effective therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (due to its ability to counteract ).  ^[17]

Immune System Chemicals

 Exogenous, synthetic Interferon Beta (administered by physicians) is an approved treatment for Multiple Sclerosis.

Lipids

 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) may be beneficial for Multiple Sclerosis patients who are unable to convert Linoleic Acid (LA) to GLA.  ^[18]

 Multiple Sclerosis patients are often deficient in Linoleic Acid (LA) and levels of LA may fall even lower during MS relapses.  ^[19]

 Phosphatidylserine may be useful for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.  ^[20]

 Multiple Sclerosis patients are often found to be deficient in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, indicating that supplemental Superunsaturated Fatty Acids may be beneficial for Multiple Sclerosis patients:  ^[21]

 MS patients are often particularly deficient in Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).  ^[22]