Using The Paleo Diet To Possibly Reverse MS

By Liliana Mills


Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating, chronic disease that affects the nervous system of the brain and the spinal cord. The human body's nerve cells contain an insulating layer along the outside called myelin, and the disease attacks the myelin, causing it to malfunction and the nerves to misfire. New technology and research has determined that it may be possible in some cases to reverse MS by following a specific diet and with vitamin therapy.

Multiple sclerosis can have many symptoms, but the most common involve balance and muscle tone. This can include muscle spasms, tightness and loss of elasticity. Problems with vision and cognitive issues are also possible with this insidious disease. Many instances of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are possible with the onset of the disease.

Recent research has indicated that changes in the patient's diet and environment may benefit some people and relieve some of the symptoms plaguing them. One recent study suggests that the Paleo Diet, which consists of eating organic, grass fed meats, vegetables and other whole, natural types of foods. This includes adding natural-caught, fresh fish, not farmed, unless it is known that no additives or enhancements are made to the fish.

The Paleo Diet may help by supplying larger amounts of the essential B vitamins, which can help protect the nervous system and the immune functions of the body. This type of diet is also high in iodine and Omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential to cell growth and regeneration.

Another part of the prevention or alleviation of symptoms has been to add extra Vitamin D to the diet, especially in the natural form, directly from the sun. One recent study showed a marked increase of the disease in females whose mother didn't get much sun, as they were pregnant in darker, winter months. The proximity to the equator seemed to make a big difference in the numbers of people who were affected.

Removing damaging substances from the diet can also aid in protecting and renewing the cell damage. The worst offender is the artificial sweetener Aspartame, which can be found in many processed diet products, especially soft drinks. It can cause damage to the central nervous system by eventually breaking down the cells that are located in the brain, as well as the whole body.

It is not just Aspartame which is killing off brain cells, it includes all substances that are not natural that are introduced into the body in the modern diet. Preservatives, colors and flavorings that are in everyday food can cause damage and eliminating these from the diet as much as possible may help to reverse the damage in a number of patients.

While changing the environmental elements and eliminating processed foods may help reverse MS, it is not a cure-all. But it may help to alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms and life changes that come with such a damaging disease. Some of these changes may prove to be easier than others. Simply getting outside in the natural Vitamin D-enhanced sunshine may benefit the body all the way around.




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