Alternative Answers for Healing Multiple Sclerosis

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Alternative Answers for Healing Multiple Sclerosis

This is a disease of the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis

(MS) can range from relatively benign to somewhat disabling to

devastating, as communication between the brain and other parts of

the body are disrupted. MS is believed to be an autoimmune disease

as through its immune system, launches a defensive attack against its

own tissues. In the case of MS, it is the nerve-insulating myelin

sheaths that come under attack. Such attacks may be linked to an

unknown environmental trigger or a virus.

Most people experience their first symptoms of MS between the ages of

20 and 40; the initial symptom of MS is often blurred or double

vision, red-green color distortion, or even blindness in one eye.

Most MS patients experience muscle weakness in their extremities and

difficulty with coordination and balance. These symptoms may be

severe enough to impair walking or even standing. In the worst cases,

MS can produce partial or complete paralysis. Most people with MS

also exhibit paresthesias, transitory abnormal sensory feelings such

as numbness, prickling, or " pins and needles " sensations. Some may

also experience pain. Speech impediments, tremors, and dizziness are

other frequent complaints. Occasionally, people with MS have hearing

loss. Approximately half of all people with MS experience cognitive

impairments such as difficulties with concentration, attention,

memory, and poor judgment, but such symptoms are usually mild and are

frequently overlooked. Depression is another common feature of MS.

If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), exercise can help retain

flexibility and balance, promote cardiovascular fitness and a sense

of well-being, and prevent complications from inactivity. Exercise

also helps regulate appetite, bowel movements and sleep patterns.

If walking or balance is impaired, stationary bicycle riding is more

practical. Swimming is helpful for stretching and cardiovascular

fitness. Yoga and Tai Chi are most useful for stretching and

promoting a sense of well-being.

Stress Reduction

Although stress cannot be totally eliminated from our lives, we can

learn to manage it more effectively. Any reduction in stress will be

associated with an improved sense of well-being and increased

energy. The following are some useful stress reduction techniques:

Identify causes of stress in your life and share your thoughts and

feelings. Remember: stress starts with one negative thought that

grows, manifests and multiplies. Stress manifests physically, but the

cause is one negative thought that compounds into a belief, which

creates a discomfort in our life, which becomes disease. Start

compounding one positive thought and then another and then another!

Simplify your responsibilities by setting priorities.

Do relaxation and meditation exercises.

Manage your time and conserve your energy.

Ask for help when needed.

Set both short-term and life goals for yourself.

Keep as active as possible both physically and mentally.

Recognize the things that you cannot change and don't waste your time

trying.

Make time for fun activities and maintain your sense of humor.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Oleic and Linoleic Acids: These fatty acids have been reported to be

deficient in MS patients. There is an unconfirmed suggestion that

supplementary feeding of these fatty acids may slightly reduce the

frequency of MS attacks. These fatty acids are contained in Flaxseed

oil Two tablespoons of flaxseed oil, in divided doses, each day will

provide you with these fatty acids and give you the added benefit of

a laxative. Or take 1,000 mg, twice a day if flaxseed oil or fish oil

in pill or gel pill form.

-Multi-vitamin (B Complex requirements)

B vitamins* 25-50 milligrams (mg) Take this with 400 micrograms

[mcg] of folic acid.

-Iron 8 mg The recommendation for iron for women is 18 mg.

-Iodine 150 mcg

-Zinc 10-15 mg

-Selenium 100-400 mcg

-Copper 2 mg

-Manganese 10 mg

-Chromium 200 mcg

-Vitamin E 400 international units (IU)

The natural form of Vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, is preferred.

-Vitamin C (with rosehips) 2,000 - 4,000 mg (in divided doses)

-Vitamin A (beta carotene) 5,000-10,000 IU

-Calcium 1,500 mg (in divided doses, 1000mg in am, 500mg in pm)-

Vitamin D 400 IU (divided doses with calcium and magnesium)

-Magnesium 500 mg (divided doses with calcuim and Vitamin D, 250mg in

am, 250mg in pm)

Be careful not to take excessive doses of vitamin B6 because

excessive doses of this vitamin can produce sensory symptoms similar

to those seen in MS. High doses of vitamin A and D are toxic.

Vaccinations

There has traditionally been a concern that immunizations could

worsen MS by stimulating the immune system. With the exception of

transient worsening associated with fever or rare neurological

complications known to be associated with certain vaccines, there is

no convincing evidence that immunizations make MS patients worse. If

immunizations are recommended by a doctor, they can probably be

undertaken safely. In general, immunizations should be delayed if the

person is experiencing an acute MS attack. However, in some

circumstances, such as when urgent vaccinations for tetanus or rabies

are required, immunizations should be given immediately. If questions

arise, you should discuss them further with your neurologist.

Mobility

The following are examples of mobile therapeutic strategies that

help everyday management of mobility-related symptoms.

Exercise Categories -- develop an individualized exercise program

that is based on your current needs and future goals. This may

include yoga, exercises in a gym, tai chi or Feldenkrais, as well as

traditional forms of exercise such as running, walking, biking,

swimming or water aerobics. In some cases, exercises can be carried

out independently, with or without modification. In other instances,

certain more challenging exercises may require some assistance.

Stretching -- Frequently, persons with MS have spasticity, especially

in their lower extremities. This can cause the legs to stiffen if a

regular stretching program is not incorporated into the daily routine

of activities. Stretching exercises help to maintain or improve

muscle length to allow greater flexibility.

Coordination -- Coordination exercises are done to improve balance

and ease of purposeful movement. The degree of skill required to

perform the exercises varies. An appropriate program will be

discussed with the individual MS patient.

Strengthening -- Strengthening exercises are designed to build

weakened muscles to aid in moving and walking. While being

beneficial, discretion is advised when carrying out a strengthening

program. For instance, if one has undergone a vigorous session of

exercising but is too tired to prepare dinner or do chores that

ordinarily can be done without difficulty, it may be necessary to

modify the program or space the activity more evenly throughout the

day.

Upper Body Exercises -- These simple exercises are designed to

promote flexibility and muscle balance as well as to enhance upper

extremity function. If done correctly, they are appropriate for all

stages of MS. Stretches are to be done slowly, generally being held

for approximately 20 - 40 seconds.

Nutrition

Good nutrition maximizes your energy, general sense of well-being and

healing capacities. A dietary routine also contributes to regular

bowel habits.

A significant number of people with MS may have some degree of mal

absorption. In one study, forty two percent of MS patients were shown

to have fat mal absorption, forty two percent were shown to have high

levels of undigested meat fibers in their feces, twenty- seven

percent had abnormal sugar absorption, and twelve percent had mal

absorption of vitamin B12.

Nutrient Cofactors:

-Grape Seed Extract

A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

-Coenzyme Q10

Needed for improved circulation and tissue oxygenation. Strengthens

the immune system.

-Bilberry Extract

Prevents oxidative damage to the capillaries. Especially helpful in

preventing cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration in the eyes.

-Ginkgo biloba

Acts as a powerful antioxidant that improves platelet function and

blood flow to the nervous system and enhances nerve cell function.

-Eat a diet high in protein and anti-inflammatory oils (nuts, seeds,

and cold-water fish).

-Eat orange, yellow, and dark green vegetables.

-Whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, oats and whole grain

corn.

- Provide a fiber boost to the carbohydrates in your diet.

-Avoid food allergens such as wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, citrus,

tomatoes, corn, chocolate, fish, and peanuts - eliminate these foods,

then reintroduce one at a time, watching for reactions.

-Many individuals with multiple sclerosis are sensitive to foods that

contain gluten.

-Eliminate refined foods, alcohol, caffeine, saturated fats (animal

products)

Swank Daily Diet Guidelines stated below:

Assist the body with nutrient absorption from foods and supplements

by daily including 1000 to 1600 mg of a digestive enzyme formula that

contains bromelain, papain, pancreatin, pepsin, betaine HCL, and ox

bile (spread throughout the day).

Supplement each day with a complete coverage of vitamins, minerals,

amino acids, and essential fatty acids (EFAs) for the body to uptake

and use in daily function and repair.

Tips for Improving Fatigue

1. Balance Your Day: set boundaries with work, family, friends,

exercise. To much of ANYTHING is not a good thing. Although we are

constantly reminded that MODERATION is the key, we seldom recognize

it in ourselves. Plan your day out on paper. Divide your time evenly

and stick to it.

2. Improve How You Work: work smart. Do not allow the " fires you put

out " each day to become uncontrollable. Allow a certain amount of

time for these issues as well as new projects, clients or meetings.

3. Get Exercise: If you are saying, how can I exercise, when I am so

tired. This is all the more reason why you need to jump start your

metabolism. Exercise is what your body instinctively wants to do

especially under stress: fight or flight, and it works. It burns off

some of the stress chemicals which tension produces. Therefore, a

tired muscle is a relaxed muscle. Regular exercise builds stamina

that can help anyone battle stress. But even something as casual as a

walk around the block can help you burn off some of the tension that

you carrying around.

4. Take A Look At Food: Carbohydrates provide glucose for energy.

Excessive carbohydrates can increase blood sugar levels to dangerous

levels, which then makes your body shut down to protect itself.

Protein is important because it allows the brain to synthesis the

neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which help keep your

mind attentive and alert. Excessive protein levels make the organs of

digestion work much harder to process this food and robs your energy

stores. Find the balance for YOU. Listen to your body! It will tell

you what makes you feel good and what does not. Especially in the

long term. If you have issues with excess heat, look at eating foods

that have a cooling nature. If you have excess cold, look at eating

foods that have a warming nature. Neutral foods help to regulate our

system.

5. Prepare for Better Sleep: Over thinking is a culprit that will rob

you of great energizing and restorative sleep. Turn off that mind by

starting to wind down early. Give yourself " quiet time " . Utilize the

power of peaceful music, a good book, diffusing essential oils, warm

milk or tea before you lay down.

6. Manage Your Best Energy Times: Take advantage of your natural

energy highs. Do your most strenuous work, thinking, planning,

exercise when you have your greatest energy. Note the time of day

when you feel your best and when you feel your worse. Expand your

energy where it is most needed, pull back where you feel you can.

7. Keep Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially on hot, dry,

windy days. If you're doing strenuous exercise, drink some fluids

before the activity begins. You should also drink at regular

intervals (every 20 minutes or so) during your activity and after the

activity ends.

8. Limit Time You Sit Down: Reduce sedentary behaviors such as

watching television and using computers. Being in one place for long

periods actually slows metabolism and energy production.

9. Learn To Do Nothing: Our urge to drive ourselves to greater

accomplishments, creates other issues such as exhaustion.

Create/allow a few hours in your week to simply relax and do nothing.

If you cannot find a few hours, it is time to rethink your priorities

and commitments.

10. View Your Lifestyle: If illness is not the cause of your

fatigue, then it is a lifestyle issue. Are you creating unnecessary

stress for yourself? Are there ongoing problems in your life that may

be causing prolonged anxiety or depression? Consider counseling or

talking about your issues with family, career personal or your

doctor. Find the issues that are taking you away from a vital,

energetic life!

Energy Medicine

Energy therapies are becoming much more of an interest to a Western

world that has spent so much time dissecting the parts of the whole.

Allopathic medicine has made great and life saving advances within

the past century. Many of which, we should embrace.

Where Western medicine falls short, is in its disbelief of the

intangible whole. The sub-atomic and minute particles that make-up a

world we have not begun to understand could just be the basis of our

healing capacity.

Now, Western medicine is doing more research and starting to see

actual biochemical reactions, which our brain experiences when we

undergo such energy therapies such as Touch Therapies, Meditation,

Acupuncture, Guided Imagery and Energy Work!

Physicists explain how energy supersedes all matter. Matter is

energy vibrating at a frequency that resonates with our optic nerve

therefore allowing us to see the energy as solid matter. Therefore,

by harmonizing energies, the law of cause and effect will take care

of the matter by itself.

Acupuncture has shown to be very helpful for dealing with symptoms

that pop up, as well as boosting the immune system, improving

circulation, stimulating brain function by accessing the hypothalamic-

pituitary-gonadal axis and boosting energy, coordination and muscle

function.

Massage Therapy not only treats those parts of you, which are a

problem, but also affects the whole of your metabolism through

normalizing your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems and their

interdependent functioning. MS seems to respond very well to massage.

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/ailments.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

Sent from Richmond, Virginia, United States