MS - Multiple Sclerosis

Progressive Paralytic Diseases of the Nervous System  

 

 

Causes & Treatments (with Emphasis on MS, MND (incl. ALS), ME, CFS, MG, MCS)

 

 

  

Multiple sclerosis (abbreviated MS, also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata) is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to demyelination. Disease onset usually occurs in young adults, and it is more common in women. It has a prevalence that ranges between 2 and 150 per 100,000. MS was first described in 1868 by Jean-Martin Charcot.

MS affects the areas of the brain and spinal cord known as the white matter, destroying a fatty layer called the myelin sheath, which wraps around nerve fibers and electrically insulates them. When myelin is lost, the axons of neurons can no longer effectively conduct action potentials. The name multiple sclerosis refers to the scars (scleroses – better known as plaques or lesions) in the white matter. Although much is known about the mechanisms involved in the disease process, the cause remains unknown. Theories include genetics or infections. Different environmental risk factors have also been found.

 

Almost any neurological symptom can appear with the disease, and often progresses to physical and cognitive disability. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms occurring either in discrete attacks (relapsing forms) or slowly accumulating over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may go away completely, but permanent neurological problems often occur, especially as the disease advances.

 

There are several types of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Most will only vary in the degree or extent it affects the Central Nervous System (CNS). The most frequent type of MS is Relapsing MS. People with Relapsing MS will experience periods of relapses followed by complete or partial recoveries. This type of MS affects 85% of all MS patients. 50% of these patients will eventually experience progressive MS with or without periods of recovery. There are other types of more aggressive, progressive MS which affects the other 15% of the MS patients.

 

Myelin helps nerve cells conduct electrical impulses and operate properly. The damage to the myelin causes the CNS to operate improperly and thus, the various MS symptoms, which include bladder and bowel dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, vision problems, fatigue, walking difficulty, pain, numbness, dizziness, swallowing disorders, tremors and other symptoms.

 

  

These are a group of progressive neurological disorders that destroy motor neurons, the cells that control voluntary muscle activity including speaking, walking, breathing, swallowing and general movement of the body.  The Motor Neuron diseases include ALS-Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis, PLS-primary lateral sclerosis, PMA-progressive muscular atrophy, pseudobilbar palsy, progressive bulbar palsy and Spinal muscular atrophy.

 

Symptoms usually present themselves between the ages of 50-70, and include progressive weakness, muscle wasting, and muscle fasciculations; spasticity or stiffness in the arms and legs; and overactive tendon reflexes. Patients may present with symptoms as diverse as a dragging foot, unilateral muscle wasting in the hands, or slurred speech.

 

Neurological examination presents specific signs associated with upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Signs of upper motor neuron damage include spasticity, brisk reflexes and the Babinski sign. Signs of lower motor neurone damage include weakness and muscle atrophy.

 

Note that every muscle group in the body requires both upper and lower motor neuron's to function. The signs described above can occur in any muscle group, including the arms, legs, torso, and bulbar region.

 

The symptoms described above may resemble a number of other rare diseases, known as "MND Mimic Disorders". These include, but are not limited to multi-focal motor neuropathy, Kennedy's disease, hereditary spastic paraplegia, spinal muscular atrophy and monomelic amyotrophy. A small subset of familial MND cases occur in children, such as "juvenile ALS", Madras syndrome, and individuals who have inherited the ALS2 gene. However, these are not typically referred to as MND, but by their specific names.

 

  

Whilst this condition is not strictly a Paralytic Disease of the nervous system, It's causes and treatment indications are very close, if not identical to the Paralytic Diseases of the nervous system, therefore it has been included in this article.

 

M.E. Is an auto-immune disorder and as is discussed below, has all the causative factors associated with the paralytic diseases of the nervous system, such as infection (typically Candida but also others such as epstein-Bar, glandular fever) heavy metal and or pesticide retention, mitochondrial dysfunction especially, vitamin D deficiency and so on as discussed below. It certainly involves the nervous system and specifically the brain, as well as the immune and circulatory systems. There is additional aspect that has been discovered with M.E and also with more minor chronic fatigue that involves low blood pressure. This is especially noticeable as postural hypo-tension, i.e. if the person suddenly gets up from a sitting or lying position, there is often faintness or dizziness experienced this is due to inherent low blood pressure.  This has been found to be at least partly due to insufficient salt (see Celtic Ocean Sea Salt). In some cases this may be partly due to a low salt diet, it has been found that the adrenal glands in conjunction with hypothalamus in the base of the brain, do not do their job properly in regulating the amount of salt excreted by the kidneys, and too much is lost to the urine. In this case supplementing with Celtic Salt and or Ionic minerals is suggested and supporting the adrenals with liquorice can specifically help retention of sodium.

 

Raising the blood pressure to nearer normal will give more energy and reduce some of the fatigue symptoms. Persons in this situation will need a home blood pressure monitor and to experiment with the salts suggested to find the best dose for them.  As can be seen from our general suggestions in the companion article here the consumption of the correct type of unrefined salt is a normal basic recommendation for well-being in virtually all types of health disorders (Including high or low blood pressure)

 

Symptoms of CFS include widespread muscle and joint pain, cognitive difficulties, chronic, often severe mental and physical exhaustion and other characteristic symptoms in a previously healthy and active person. Fatigue is a common symptom in many illnesses, but CFS is a multi-systemic disease and is relatively rare by comparison. Diagnosis requires a number of features, the most common being severe mental and physical exhaustion which is "unrelieved by rest," is worsened by exertion, and is present for at least six months. All diagnostic criteria require that the symptoms must not be caused by other medical conditions. CFS patients may report additional symptoms, including muscle weakness, cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity, orthostatic intolerance, digestive disturbances, depression, poor immune response, and cardiac and respiratory problems. It is unclear if these symptoms represent co-morbid conditions or are produced by an underlying etiology of CFS.

 

  

This literally means "serious muscle-weakness"; from Greek "muscle", "weakness", and Latin gravis "serious"; abbreviated MG is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigability. It is an auto-immune disorder, in which weakness is caused by circulating antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors at the post-synaptic neuromuscular junction, inhibiting the stimulative effect of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. At 200–400 cases per million it is one of the less common auto-immune disorders.

 

The essential point to bear in mind is that all these diseases, no matter how we classify them have causes in common. They are all auto-immune disorders, and some may also be mitochondrial disorders. There is enough in common with all these auto-immune degenerative nerve disorders to discuss the common causes and by implication and through experience, the treatment.

 

Also it is generally understood by Immunologists  that the destructive aspect of a deranged immune system where an aspect of the immune system attacks parts of the persons body, in the case of these diseases various parts of the nerves, or nerve sheaf's, nerve cells and brain cells are involved. The genetic and constitutional variations of each person are sufficient to explain why basically the same disease process will attack different parts of the nervous system, resulting in different named diseases each with it's own classic set of symptoms.

 

 

In broad terms this refers to an unusually severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to many different kinds of pollutants including solvents, VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds), perfumes, petrol, diesel, smoke, and other chemicals in general. It encompasses problems with regard to pollen, house dust mites, pet fur and dander.

 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), unlike true allergies (where the underlying mechanisms of the problem are relatively well understood and widely accepted), is generally regarded as idiopathic (meaning that it has no known mechanism of causation and the processes are not fully understood).

 

The problem here is made more difficult still, by the variable nature of MCS from one person to the next. This often makes treatment with conventional medicine & practices ineffective or inappropriate. For most sufferers of MCS, the avoidance of pollutants/toxicants is the key.

 

Full article here

 

 

The following causes will vary in significance between individuals and possibly the type of disorder. However as all the suggested treatments are non-toxic and have broad-acting nutrient effects...all the listed nutrients and herbs can be systematically/incrementally introduced as a treatment program to suit the individual. 

 

  

This factor is always present and is usually connected with the other causes such as chronic infections (Candida for example), the original cause possibly being rooted in antibiotic use or mercury and pesticide toxicity. Another common factor is intolerance to certain regular items in the diet; most commonly wheat (bread, pastries, biscuits, cakes and so on). Nutritional deficiencies and refined chemical infused food also play a part. All of these factors can keep the immune system in a state of imbalance, producing auto-immune reactions. There are however, herbs that can insignificantly turn off the autoimmune destructive reactions that maintain the disease. Of these herbs the most important is Liquorice (see Adrenal Boost). Liquorice use at a sufficient level helps to produce the adrenal hormones so lacking in the vast majority of those with autoimmune disorders. The main hormone that controls the immune system is cortisol (hydrocortisone). A deficiency in cortisol results in an over reactive immune system. Inflammation, the primary aspect of autoimmune disorders, left uncontrolled for sufficient time will ultimately destroy tissue. Sufficient use of Adrenal Boost can stop this inflammation; usually within a few days, but sometimes within a week or two. With regard to this aspect of over reactive immune response and the use of Liquorice one should also read the article here. This article provides further information about the required levels of liquorice use and the the necessity of monitoring blood pressure whilst using these amounts. When blood pressure concerns result in a decision to take only a small dose of liquorice, supplemental bio-identical cortisol at physiological doses can also be used. Please see Adrenal MAX Support

 

  

These can be eliminated in a few weeks or months using nutritional combinations such as Deep Cell Detox (DCD) 

 

Note: If you do not take a course of Deep Cell Detox, it is suggested that one of the ingredients, R-Alpha Lipoic Acid & Acetyl L-Carnotine be used as part of your regimen. A totally natural and unique antioxidant, R-ALA is both water & fat soluble, so acts both inside and outside your cells neutralising and flushing out of the body the worst types of free radicals (a major cause of degenerative disease & cellular aging). As it deactivates both water and fat soluble free radicals, both lipoproteins and membranes are protected - no other anti-oxidant is know to do this. ALA, is able to penetrate into the nerve cells to help restore normal functioning. However if you do have heavy metals in the cells then the addition of Sea Greens, as contained in Deep Cell Detox is a wise precaution, as this removes toxins and heavy metals from the body via the gut, otherwise they are re-circulated back into the blood and again into the cells.

 

Most people (especially the chronically ill) have absorbed over their lifetime sufficient heavy metals and other toxins to contribute to, or even be the final factor that leads to, disease. Most common sources of acquiring heavy metals for example is via dental fillings containing mercury. It has been and shamefully is, still the common practice in many countries (some countries have now banned them) to be given fillings with mercury as the major component, unless you specifically request non-mercury fillings. The mercury amalgam fillings slowly gas off mercury for their entire life in the mouth and much of this is directly absorbed into the brain. Another shameful source of the extremely toxic mercury is via injections, such as flu injections ("I never felt right since my flu injection" is a common experience) and even worse into young children and babies as vaccinations.

The destructive aspects of the mercury absorbed could take years to manifest into a recognizable clinical disorder, such as MS, or could precipitate quite rapidly in susceptible children, autism. I ask myself why this shameful practice continues when there is massive scientific data to demonstrate the dangers of chronic mercury poisoning. It is ostensibly used as a preservative in vaccinations, yet there are many safer preservatives available. Are they deliberately trying to kill us ? Or is it, that to admit liability would bankrupt pharmaceutical giants and governments along with them, in medical negligence claims ?

 

Another common example of a chronic poison precipitating chronic disease including chronic fatigue and Progressive Paralytic Diseases of the Nervous system is organo-phosphates. These are regularly sprayed onto crops (and are also used in household spays for killing parasites like fleas) If you live or have lived in a crop spraying region for any length of time then your exposure could be high. Organo-phosphates are proven neurotoxins. For those with a poor ability to eliminate these, they can build up in the tissues and at some point, possibly years later, contribute to all sort of diseases of the nervous and immune systems.

 

Health Hazards of Heavy Metal article, and further Heavy Metal Removal

 

 

See also: Infections and the Immune System

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

 

 

This vitamin can often be deficient due to absorption and assimilation issues as well as dietary ones. It is discussed in detail in the article Vitamin B12.  Not only does B12 act on the neurons themselves, the symptom picture of B12 deficiency also corresponds closely with MS symptoms, so its experimental use would seem sensible across the range of neuro-degenerative disorders discussed in this article.

 

Example: Symptoms of MS have been noted in persons with a Vitamin B12 deficiency prior to evidence of megaloblastic anemia. There is a remarkable epidemiologic similarity between MS and pernicious anemia, and similar HLA (human lymphocyte antigens) are suggested for the association of the two conditions.

 

High dose vitamin B12, in a form that crosses the blood brain barrier easily is recommended i.e. Methylcolbalamin. This is non toxic and is available as a sublingual lozenge, so that intravenous injections are not required .

 

  

Whilst not strictly a cause, it's deficiency is widespread and a major cause of inflammation, it is such an important nutrient overall and especially important for nervous system functioning, it's use in these disorders is a sensible contingency to optimise the chance of the most rapid recovery. Not only does it improve functioning of the nervous system but can help mitigate the presence of neuro-toxins like heavy metals etc. High dose magnesium chloride liquid (Mag Sea Pure) for topical application is available here. For oral use we supply Low Sodium Ionic Liquid Minerals here this resolve magnesium deficiency and also supply a full range of ionic minerals and trace-elements in a low sodium formula.

 

Mitochondrial Malfunction

  

Every cell in the body has little mini-cells inside, these are responsible for the overall cell respiration and the release of energy via the ATP cycle. The Mitochondria are easily damaged by other factors already mentioned, such as virus, heavy metals and pesticides. This results in lowered cell respiration a drop in the available energy in every organ and system in the body, including the immune system.  The mitochondria can easily be returned to proper functioning by supply the correct mixture of respiratory - chain enzymes. These are produced by live nutritional yeasts bred in a high oxygen environment and are available in  products Zell Immunocomplex. This aspect of pathology has been specifically identified in Parkinson's Disease, but it is likely present in all degenerative disorders to a greater or lesser degree.

 

  

Vitamin D is essential to aid the immune system and many biochemical processes including the utilisation of calcium and magnesium. Its deficiency is almost universal in northern climates and even more so since the introduction of sun screen. Its deficiency has been linked strongly to auto-immune diseases. Furthermore the dose recommendations in the past were grossly under-estimated. At least 8000IU a day is recommended now. Introducing this will have a general calming, strengthening and healing effect allowing any other remedies to work more completely. Full Vitamin D Article

 

In very rare cases persons can be hypersensitive to Vitamin D, and is usually confined to persons with such conditions are sarcoidosis, oat cell carcinoma of the lung, and non–Hodgkin's lymphoma, although other illness, such as primary hyperparathyroidism, can cause the syndrome. Periodic measurements of 25(OH)D levels and serum calcium will alert the physician to the need to do more tests, such as 1,25(OH)2D3 or PTH. For full details of safety, dose and therapeutic potential see full product information and additional links from the article linked above.

 

Essential fatty acid deficiency of raw oils

 

This is also a factor in the development of any disease and raw fatty acids also help to integrate sunlight (Helps to prevent burning, along with other nutrients such as anti-oxidants, and bring the sun energy in the form of 'biological electrons' into the cells) A good source of essential fatty acids is raw nuts and seeds, including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and almonds.

 

An easy way to introduce these into the diet  is to grind to a powder in electric grinder and keep in tightly sealed jar for up to a weeks supply. Add about 2 heaped dessertspoons daily to food (do not cook) This can include, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and almonds, although Nuts purchased as raw may have been heat treated; One can use a raw, unheated oil supplement such as Black seed Oil. Black seed oil also has beneficial effects on the immune and general system, however hemp oil is the most balanced oil in terms of omega 3, 6 and 9 etc. (We do not supply) Consuming quality raw oils can help to dissolve these hardened fats, and return nutrient transport into the cells. The use of olive oil and coconut oil can also be beneficial, in terms also of dissolving hardened fats and arterial plaque but do not contain much of the essential fatty acids.

 

 

 

Inherited genetic bias can have a bearing on the type of health problems one can develop if the above factors are present. Even if a genetic factor is obvious, it does not mean that one cannot take control of the disorder and either heal it completely or partially using the methods here described along with a good diet and lifestyle. For example: "Scientists have not found a definitive cause for ALS and the onset of the disease has been linked to several factors, including: a virus; exposure to neurotoxins or heavy metals; DNA defects; immune system abnormalities; and enzyme abnormalities. There is a known hereditary factor in familial ALS (FALS); however, there is no known hereditary component in the 90-95% cases diagnosed as sporadic ALS."

 

Summary   

 

By treating all the causes and resolving nutritional deficiencies/needs we stand the best chance of resolving these terrible diseases.

 

  

Please note: This is provided as an example only, sometimes there are individual considerations to be taken into account, for further suggestions see Adapting to the Regenerative Process, and The Core Regime You can also email us at enquiries@regenerativenutrition.com for further advice.

 

 

Adrenal Boost (Liquorice) If there is a high blood pressure issue as discussed then Immuno-Calm (that has only small quantities of liquorice) or Natur-Leaf may be used.

Vitamin D, unless you are receiving daily exposure of Sun as detailed in article. 

 

 

Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate & Acerola Cherry Extract) can be added to the Zell Immunocomplex and mixed into a cold drink.

 

 

Add Vitamin B12 Sublingual Methylcolbalamin

 

Add Colloidal Silver. For very effective use  of this see "How to Beat Multiple Sclerosis (and the things your doctor didnt tell you)" This article suggests how safe it is in large doses and how it can help repair nerve damage. This may apply to degenerative diseases of the nervous system other than MS. It  can also be used at lower doses to reduce infective load in the system and eliminate the common candida infection.

 

Month 3 - Onwards 

 

Add Ionic Liquid Minerals - Low Sodium

 

If you are ready for stronger input for correcting nutritional and pH unbalances/deficiencies please refer to the HGRMP (High Grade Re-Mineralisation Programme) here. One option is to use a gentle calcium such as Calcium Citrate in combination with the magnesium rich Ionic Liquid Minerals - Low Sodium. This would give a broad-spectrum mineral and trace element support without the strong effects of Coral Calcium that may be too strong whilst you are adapting to this programme.

 

 

Add Deep Cell Detox for at least 4 to 5 months. (this is also a general high quality nutritional support)

 

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Again we need to add that this is just a general guide for you use, you should take advice of a qualified health care professional and you can of course use your own knowledge about your own body as a guide, but it is usually good to check these out by contacting us or other health care practitioner.

 

The above suggested supplements are selected for their relevance to autoimmune disorders and specifically to the treatment of progressive paralytic diseases of the nervous system. We have designed this program to be as simple as possible on one hand but to provide the most comprehensive program on the other hand that systematically targets all the causes of the diseases to give the best possible outcome. 

Not all of the remedies listed here will neccessarily be needed. We strive to bring you the most effective remedies to resolve your health problems in the simplest supplemental regime possible. We aim to treat the actual root causes of health problems holistically rather than supply remedies that will give temporary or partial relief from only the symptoms. This has been our mission since the founding of Regenerative Nutrition in 1994. As we uncover more fundamental truths about the causes, and therefore the relief, of diseases and health problems we update and revise our product range and recommendations.

Above, we detail targeted remedy recommendations for Multiple Sclerosis (+MCS,ME,ALS,MND,CFS), but we further suggest that you view the autoimune protocol article and supplement pages by clicking here

To achieve overall good health and long term resolution of this health problem the remedies selected here should be combined with the autoimmune protocol remedies for the best results.

It may well be that there is some overlap and that many of the remedies in the autoimmune protocol are listed here also.