Treatments and alternative therapies for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disorder in which the myelin sheath of nerve fibers is affected, it damages the sending of nerve impulses and consequently various symptoms may appear.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Symptoms of MS are varied and often the first signs of the disorder are overlooked. The most common symptom is fatigue or weakness, but other symptoms that may occur are as follows:
- Reduction in sensitivity
- Difficulty moving limbs
- Clumsiness
- Tingling or numbness
- Trouble walking
- Muscle spasms
- Changes in vision, blurred vision
- Decreased sex drive
- Incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing food
General recommendations
For people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, some recommendations may be helpful.
Diet: A healthy diet is recommended for anyone, and in the case of multiple sclerosis, it can help significantly. You must be aware of the quality of food, trying to use healthy oils such as olive oils, avoiding excessive consumption of processed foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables and reducing consumption of simple sugars such as refined sugar, soft drinks, etc.
Be positive: While there is no definitive cure, focusing on the negative may aggravate the disease by contributing to stress and frustration, it is best to stay positive.
Regular physical activity: Exercise helps us to keep our mind and body healthy, whether it’s a walk in the fresh air, practicing yoga, swimming or other sports. It may be useful against stress, and improve our flexibility and physical fitness, before you take up any exercise it is important to consult your doctor to make sure it is suitable.
Avoid smoking: Smoking is probably not the cause of MS, but it can aggravate the condition or increase the risk of suffering it, although it is unclear how smoking contributes to the disease, experts agree that one should give up this habit.
Useful alternative therapies for Multiple Sclerosis
There is no definitive cure for multiple sclerosis and the progression and symptoms of the disease may be very different from one patient to another. Although alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, yoga, herbal remedies, massages amongst others can help keep the disease under control. Usually these therapies are a complement to conventional treatments and not a replacement.
Acupuncture: involves stimulating energy points of the body, to promote a therapeutic effect, acupuncture may be useful to improve pain, muscle spasms, and even to control the bladder in cases where this is one of the symptoms. Before carrying out this treatment, it is recommended to see a specialist.
Apitherapy: This is the use of Apitoxin or, bee venom, which is injected in a controlled manner to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, amongst other benefits, this therapy is often used in cases of multiple sclerosis.
Massage: Massages cannot slow down the progress of MS, however, they are useful in reducing stress, tension and depression, factors that commonly aggravate the disease, so they are recommended, provided there are no problems with bone density or osteoporosis.
Garlic: Eating garlic raw or steamed may be useful in cases of Multiple Sclerosis, since according to studies, it can reduce inflammation in nerves, although more evidence on their effect is needed.
Evening primrose oil: is an oil rich in linoleic acid, a fatty acid which according to research can help reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It is also found in olive oil and sunflower seeds, however, it is worth mentioning that although it contributes in improving the condition, its effect is considered slight.
Vitamin D: Studies have shown, it is possible that vitamin D levels, influence the development of the disease. Studies found that children who were exposed longer to the sun during childhood, are less likely to develop the disease, so vitamin D, can be a form of prevention. Experts also suggest that pregnant women with low levels of vitamin D, can have children with a higher risk of developing the disease.
Consult your doctor
It is true that a person with MS can be benefit from these alternatives, but is not recommended to stop conventional treatment, in fact, it is important that the doctor is aware of alternative therapies which you want to use and the therapist should be aware of drug treatment that the patient is taking to provide a comprehensive and safer treatment.