If you’re here looking for natural treatment for multiple sclerosis you are my kind of people! Doctors typically tell those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis that there is no known cause and that their options are limited to taking medication and staying out of the heat. I’m here to tell you that you can do much more to naturally treat MS!
Natural Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis – Defined
The first step in treating anything naturally is to understand the problem. At it’s core multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition. This means that the body is attacking itself. Other examples of autoimmune conditions are rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroidism). This is a big clue for understanding how to go after MS from a functional medicine perspective. All autoimmune conditions have some common elements.
Every autoimmune condition is triggered by something. All autoimmune conditions have a genetic component that, combined with the trigger, causes the disease. For example, viral infections trigger many autoimmune conditions, but most people who contract these infections never develop an autoimmune disease. Only those who have certain genetic types are at risk for developing an autoimmune condition from these triggers. To take this a step further, one trigger can cause, say, rheumatoid arthritis in one person, but multiple sclerosis in another, depending on the genetic differences.
The common categories of triggers of most autoimmune conditions are infections, intestinal disorders, food sensitivities and toxins. So natural treatment for multiple sclerosis starts by looking for these triggers.
Before going further, note that two conditions are frequently misdiagnosed as MS because they share many of the same signs and symptoms. Lyme and mold toxicity share a similar clinical picture as MS. These are not autoimmune conditions and have very different treatments. Please read my articles on Lyme and mold to see if this might be your situation.
Natural Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis – Intestinal Problems
The intestinal tract contributes to MS (and all autoimmune conditions) in two basic ways.
Firstly, the intestinal tract can harbor bugs that can trigger MS and other autoimmune conditions. Clostridium perfringens is a bacteria that can infect the intestinal tract and has strong evidence linking it to MS and its symptoms. This bacterium produces toxins that can damage the nervous system, potentially triggering autoimmune responses that contribute to the development of MS. Ensuring a healthy gut microbiome through eliminating bacterial overgrowths, adding probiotics, and other lifestyle changes can help mitigate the risk of such infections.
Secondly, the intestinal tract can trigger MS is when it’s damaged and “leaks” molecules into the bloodstream that do not belong there (source). This condition is often referred to as “leaky gut syndrome“. It occurs when the gut lining becomes permeable, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and pathogens to enter the bloodstream. Infections, a poor diet, and even stress can cause this damage. The constant flow of foreign, toxic material into the bloodstream triggers the immune system of those with certain genetics, leading to autoimmune responses and potentially to the development of MS. Addressing gut health through proper nutrition, stress management, and treatment of underlying infections is crucial in preventing and managing MS.
Lastly, you need to identify if these problems exist and then address and fix them. Tests like a stool analysis, organic acids, leaky gut, blood tests are all needed here. Treatments vary from supplements that kill bugs, to probiotics, to nutrition to heal the gut.
Natural Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis – Food Sensitivities
Gluten is bad news for MS. I can’t think of another single protein that is scientifically linked to more health problems than gluten. Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, can cause inflammation and damage to the intestines in people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Even in those without these conditions, gluten can trigger immune responses that may exacerbate autoimmune diseases like MS.
Furthermore, gluten can contribute to systemic inflammation for individuals with MS. This means that it can interfere with the body’s ability to repair itself, potentially worsening symptoms and disease progression. Sources for gluten and MS: source, source, source.
Dairy has also been connected to MS (source). Dairy products can contribute to inflammation and can trigger immune responses that exacerbate MS symptoms. Casein, the protein in dairy, can mimic myelin, potentially leading to autoimmune attacks on the nervous system. For people with MS, eliminating or reducing dairy intake can be beneficial in managing their condition.
When it comes to any autoimmune disease, testing for food sensitivities and limiting the diet to “safe” foods is foundational to treating MS from a natural, functional medicine perspective. Foods can make the immune system do some very harmful things. Therefore, finding the foods that affect you negatively can make an enormous difference in your health.
Natural Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis – Mercury
Dental amalgams (“silver” fillings), large ocean fish, and vaccines are the common sources of mercury today. Mercury is an evil, nasty neurotoxin that is very hard on the brain and nerve cells. Additionally, there is plenty of evidence connecting it to MS. Sources for mercury and MS: source, source, source.
Check out this amazing video on how mercury affects nerve cells:
The deal with mercury is like many of the other things I’ve written about. The people who get really sick from mercury have a genetic weaknesses making them more susceptible to its toxic effects.
Treatment here is addition by subtraction. Get the mercury out of your body! Do you have silver amalgam fillings? Have them safely removed by a dentist trained in doing so. Don’t eat a lot of large ocean fish like tuna and swordfish. Check out this infographic on fish and mercury.
Testing for mercury toxicity is important because some people just can’t get rid of mercury very well. These people need special therapy to get the mercury out of their body.
Natural Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis – Mold
In addition to mold toxicity being misdiagnosed as MS, mold toxicity can also trigger MS. Mold can be sneaky and pervasive, making it a hidden threat. My practice is located in the dry southwest, where I routinely screen my patients for mold because it is surprisingly common, even in arid climates. For individuals with genetic susceptibility, even small amounts of mold exposure can lead to significant health issues.
Thankfully, effective testing methods are available to identify mold contamination. If testing reveals the presence of mold, it is crucial to address the issue promptly and thoroughly. This involves removing mold from living and working environments and detoxifying mold toxins from the patient’s system. Taking these steps seriously is essential for managing and potentially alleviating MS symptoms related to mold exposure.
Natural Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis – Infections
As I mentioned earlier, infections can trigger MS. Viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus (HSV) have a strong connection with MS. EBV, in particular, has been linked to MS through its ability to infect and manipulate the immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune responses. HSV can also contribute to MS by causing neurological inflammation and damaging the central nervous system.
Bacterial infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus have also been found to trigger MS. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is known for its role in respiratory infections and has been associated with systemic inflammation that can contribute to MS. Chlamydia pneumoniae, a pathogen causing respiratory infections, has been linked to increased risk of MS through its potential to provoke immune responses. Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium, can cause various infections and has been implicated in triggering MS due to its ability to induce immune system activation.
Again, the treatment here is to first determine if any of these infections are present through appropriate diagnostic tests, and then address them accordingly. Treating the underlying infections can help reduce the inflammatory triggers and potentially improve the management of MS.
Natural Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis – Management
Another huge topic I need to address here is the conventional treatments for MS. Many of these are harmful to the body. As well, in the long run they will not only make MS worse, but likely cause even more problems. All the drugs that are freely prescribed have really harmful effects. In the vast majority of problems associated with MS, there are natural treatments that are effective and healthy.
For example, steroids like prednisone, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, and antibiotics all damage the intestinal tract and can cause a leaky gut….which can trigger MS. Sometime these drugs are necessary, but often there are healthy ways of achieving the same outcome that the drugs produce.
If reducing inflammation is needed, which steroids and NSAIDS are often prescribed for, there are many excellent healthy alternatives. Turmeric, fish oils, bromelain, Boswellia, cayenne, cinnamon, clove, sage, rosemary and even food like strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, grapes and pomegranates all have excellent anti-inflammatory effects.
Get Help Now!
If you have MS and have not had any of these potential triggers looked into, I would love to help you! Our practice, located in Phoenix, AZ, works with patients both locally and from around the world. We specialize in identifying and addressing the underlying causes of MS, including infections, toxins, and dietary factors. Don’t navigate this journey alone—reach out to us with your questions and take the first step towards a healthier, more empowered life. I welcome your questions and look forward to partnering with you on your path to wellness.
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