Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Cathy
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) causes many problems in our bodies. Symptoms include numbness, weakness, balance, vision problems, and much more. One symptom missed is the connection between multiple sclerosis and poor circulation.
Many people with MS complain of heat intolerance during the summer. But, they also complain of being cold. I’m one of those people, even during the hot months of summer you can see me wearing a sweater in an air-conditioned room. My hands and feet are cold year-round, especially during the winter months.
Good health requires a healthy diet, lifestyle, and exercise. Nutrients provide oxygen and healthy cells throughout our bodies. Circulation problems can affect anyone. It is unknown if autoimmune conditions play or cause problems. It is especially important to pay attention and take precautions when needed.
How Does Circulation Work?
Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart. Arteries carry blood vessels away from the heart. The arteries are connected to veins by tiny blood vessels called capillaries.
Capillaries branch out through the body delivering oxygen and other nutrients. They then collect waste and return back to the veins. As the circulation deteriorates it becomes more difficult for the heart to pump the blood. It is most common in our extremities, such as our hands and feet.
What Causes Poor Circulation?
MS is not the only health issue with poor circulation. People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, obesity, and diabetes also suffer. Narrowing of the blood vessels causes poor circulation. Arteries can cause numbness, tingling, nerve damage, and even tissue damage.
As we become less active due to our medical conditions our circulation begins to work less. This makes it harder for our hearts to pump blood throughout our bodies.
Raynaud’s Syndrome Or Phenomenon
Raynaud’s syndrome occurs from a severe blood flow reaction (spasm) to the blood vessels from the cold. Fingers and/or toes begin to feel pain, throbbing, and tingling. They begin to turn white from the inadequate blood flow.
More severe cases happen when the fingers turn blue. This happens from lack of oxygen as it is being depleted in the tissues. Again causing pain, throbbing, and tingling sensations, it can also cause some swelling. As the blood starts returning it returns at a higher rate than normal, and the skin begins to turn a bright red.
Symptoms may include pain, numbness, throbbing, pins & needles, and the skin changing color. This can last anywhere from several minutes to several hours.
It can also affect other parts of the body such as the nose and ears. In rare cases, it can cause gangrene. This is a life-threatening condition when the body tissue begins to die. You need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
There is no treatment for Raynaud’s syndrome. It is very important to take precautions when going out into the cold. Always wear gloves and warm socks. Limit your time outdoors, keep hand or foot warmers in your gloves or boots. It’s also a good idea to keep them in your car, purse, or pockets for emergencies.
CCSVI
Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency is also known as CCSVI. It’s a condition where people with MS have blocked blood flow in the veins. Dr. Zamboni discovered this link in 2008. It involves venoplasty (or stenting) of certain veins to improve blood flow.
This meets with lots of controversy and skepticism. I had this treatment done with great success in September 2010. The image above shows the blockage of the vein in my neck. In the past, I had to lift my left leg using both my hands.
Immediately after the procedure, I was able to lift my leg with no other assistance and I still can to this date. Later that year I also realized I no longer suffered from Raynaud’s syndrome (I suffered for years). I was so thrilled that the venoplasty cured my Raynaud’s.
“Studies of prevalence show a great variability in the prevalence of CCSVI in MS patients.” – PubMed
Why am I not continuing with CCSVI? Because, after the procedure, my walking continued to decline due to years of chronic stress. Stress also constricts blood flow. It’s also expensive and if you have to have it repeated in the same vein it causes scar tissue. Unfortunately, it can cause permanent blockage.
This is a temporary fix, it does not stop the progression of MS. Am I sorry I had this procedure done? No! I can now lift my leg to put my shoe on without me having to use my hands, and I still am free from Raynaud’s syndrome.
Symptoms Of Poor Circulation
- Feelings of tiredness/less energy
- Brain fog
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness
- Tingling in extremities
- Cold
- Pain
- Muscle cramps
More severe symptoms include:
- Extremities turning white
- Extremities turning blue
- Gangrene
Quick Links To Information In This Post:
CCSVI
How The Paleo Diet Benefits MS
EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen
Treatments For Poor Circulation
Diet, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is the most important thing you can do. Eat a huge rainbow and variety of vegetables daily including raw vegetables. Include good fats like salmon, avocados, and coconut oil. Ground flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, turmeric, ginger, garlic, raw almonds, and raw walnuts.
Eat grass-fed meat, pasture-raised poultry, and wild-caught fish for protein. Try to eat organic fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Eat organic as much as possible, especially from the EWG’s Dirty Dozen List.
Drink plenty of water, and bone broth to nourish your cells and accelerate healing. Avoid all processed foods and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils including trans-fats. This includes corn, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, and vegetable oils. Limit sugar, and other refined carbohydrates. These are the primary causes of the deterioration of blood vessel walls.
Exercise is important for balance and muscle tone. It’s also important to maintain a healthy circulation. Walking, riding your bike or stationary bike, swimming, yoga, and stretching. Even heel-to-toe raises are great for getting the blood pumping. Just keep moving!
Deep breathing is another great way to get your blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. When you breathe in deeply it helps make the blood healthier by supplying more oxygen. Take 10 deep breaths each hour by slowly breathing in through your nose. Hold for a few seconds, then release through your mouth. Your breath should be a deep breath like when you are trying to warm your hands. Deep breathing not only helps with circulation, but it strengthens your immune system. It also releases toxins and reduces stress.
Vitamins That Can Help Poor Circulation
Vitamin B, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E (look for “d-tocopherol” and not “dl-tocopherol” on the label). I trust and use Thorne Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C), Ultimate-E, and Methyl-Guard Plus for B vitamins.
Supplements can interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor before taking them. Eat healthy, exercise, remove stress, and take deep breaths. You can do this – You Are An MS Warrior!
Multiple Sclerosis and Poor Circulation
It is a known fact that exercise improves circulation. Exercising gets the heart pumping which increases blood flow throughout the body. People with MS need to continue to exercise. One study proved resistance exercise low-load resistance exercise improved blood flow restriction in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
My favorite online exercise for MS is OptimalBody Personal Fitness. It uses tension bands to help build strength no matter what level of MS you have.
It is owned by David Lyons who is a certified fitness professional and MS fitness specialist, he also has MS. He designed exercises he knew worked for muscle growth, stimulation, and mobility to activate the MS body. – I HIGHLY recommend OptimalBody Personal Fitness.
You can do this – You Are An MS Warrior!
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