Monday, June 17, 2013

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.

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary, but generally include neurological problems, such as with balance and gait. This can include problems with vision, muscle tone, spasms and tightness of the muscles. There are also cognitive, or mental types of problems that can occur, including depression or mood disorders. The most common sign is a loss of muscle tone, numbness and issues with walking.

Recent research has been testing the effectiveness of diet changes on the MS patient and overall environment changes, both to help prevent the disease and help after it is diagnosed. The Paleo diet has been suggested as a possible way of life for sufferers to follow to get some relief. It is comprised of grass fed meats, strictly organically grown produce and other natural, whole types of food, not processed. Fish with no additives or growth hormones are also part of this diet.

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 substances that aren't natural from the diet may help relieve symptoms or prevent the disease from occurring. The one substance that gets the most negative attention is Aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener found in many diet products, like sodas. This harmful ingredient has been shown to cause damage to brain cells and other cells in the body by breaking them down.

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.

The risk factors for this chronic and debilitating disease may be relieved by following a Paleo-style of eating, with only natural and fresh, whole foods. This means staying away from things that are processed, with additives and preservatives. Also adding extra Vitamin D, especially from the sun may help reverse MS and other similarly damaging diseases of the human body.




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