Natural Approach to Manage MS

Last Updated on November 13, 2023 by Cathy

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. It affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It can cause a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and numbness. Doctors say MS is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself. – This is not true.

The true cause of MS is due to environmental toxins, not because the body is attacking itself. A 2022 study stated the main cause of MS is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). 

MS is a Viral Disease 

EBV is a widespread virus that infects almost all adults at some point in their lives. In most cases, the virus causes no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. EBV can cause chronic or recurring fatigue and neurological symptoms.

EBV is a sneaky disease. People don’t know they have it so their symptoms get blamed on other issues. That’s what happened with MS. EBV is causing the neurological symptoms yet it’s blamed on the person’s immune system. 

Today, there are many medications for managing MS symptoms but not one is a cure. These drugs cannot stop the destruction of nerve tissue. They only slow the progression of MS, if they work. Plus, they come with many side effects. This is what made me decide to start managing my MS naturally.

Instead of using disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). I build a strong immune system by eating and living a healthy lifestyle. I’m not promoting that you should stop your DMT, this is your personal choice.

Whether you’re on a DMT or not, you need to eat foods that support your immune system.

Other Possible Factors Causing MS

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Although researchers now know EBV is the main cause of MS they still don’t know how to help patients. They are working on a vaccine to prevent EBV but that won’t help people who already have MS. Plus, EBV is not the only factor. Ninety-five percent of all adults worldwide have EBV but only a small percentage have MS. This proves there is something else involved. 

Possible triggers to MS:

• Diet (processed foods, refined sugar, refined carbs, food allergies, etc.)
• Infections (bacterial overgrowth, parasites, viruses, and yeast overgrowth)
• Environmental Toxins (heavy metals, mold, pesticides, etc.)
• Chronic Stress (especially emotional stress)
• Hormones (cortisol, insulin, vitamin D – yes, it’s a hormone)
• Genetics (you can’t change your genes but you can change your gene expression by living a healthy lifestyle)

I grew up eating the standard American diet of processed foods and few fruits and vegetables. As a kid, breakfast was a bowl of cereal covered in sugar to hide the taste of the half milk-half powdered milk. (Powdered milk is cheaper than fresh milk.)

Unfortunately, we live in a toxic world – you can’t escape it. Toxins are in the air, soil, and water. Plus, we “clean” our homes and our bodies with toxins. That air freshener isn’t cleaning the air, it’s releasing toxins. That deodorant isn’t only masking odors, it’s releasing heaving metals into your body. If you get magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast, it also contains heavy metals. 

Doctors use Gadolinium, a toxic heavy metal, as a contrast agent in MRI scans to improve image quality.

Mercury, a heavy metal, causes neurological symptoms. Mercury exposure can happen by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. It accumulates in various tissues, including the brain and nervous system.

Several common household items can contain mercury such as:

• Certain types of batteries, such as button batteries used in watches and hearing aids
• Cosmetics, particularly in skin-lightening creams and some eye makeup
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Older barometers and thermometers
• Older electrical switches and relays

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

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Living a healthy lifestyle can benefit your health by improving your physical and mental health. It will also increase your energy levels, boost your immune system, improve your sleep, reduce stress levels, increase your longevity, enhance your cognitive function, and promote a sense of well-being and happiness. Living a healthy lifestyle will improve your overall quality of life.

Here are some of the potential benefits:

1. Better sleep quality. A consistent sleep schedule can improve sleep quality and quantity. Sleep difficulties are common for people with MS.
2. Improved immune system function. A healthy lifestyle can help strengthen your immune system. It makes you less susceptible to illness and infections. For people with MS, the immune system is in overload with pathogens and toxins.
3. Improved mental health. Exercise, diet, and sleep improve mood, reduce stress/anxiety, and promote clarity. Mental health affects nearly everyone with MS from depression to brain fog.
4. Increased energy and vitality. A healthy lifestyle can help increase your energy levels and improve your stamina. It helps you feel more productive and engaged in daily activities. Fatigue is one of the main symptoms of MS.
5. Reduced risk of chronic diseases. A healthy lifestyle reduces your risk of developing chronic diseases. Diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. People with MS have a higher risk for these diseases including cancer.
6. Weight management. A balanced diet helps maintain weight and exercise reduces the risk of obesity. Weight gain is a problem for people with MS.

Overall, living a healthy lifestyle can help you feel better physically and mentally. It also reduces your risk of other chronic diseases and it improves your quality of life.

Managing MS Naturally Is Possible

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Don’t wait for a “cure” for MS. Take action today to stop MS from progressing. Use natural approaches to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. 

Here are a few natural ways to manage MS:

1. Diet. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help manage MS symptoms. Eating nutrient-dense foods may reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
2. Exercise. Exercise manages MS symptoms, and improves balance, coordination, and energy levels. Exercises such as yoga, tai chi, and swimming may be particularly beneficial. My favorite exercise is an online gym for MS called OptimalBody Personal Fitness. The owner also has MS so he knows which exercises are best for strength and mobility.
3. Stress management. Stress can exacerbate MS symptoms. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation.
4. Vitamin D. There is a link between MS and Vitamin D deficiency. Taking vitamin D supplements or sun exposure may help improve symptoms. I like to take Thorne Vitamin D Liquid.

There are also many alternative treatments such as acupuncture and medical marijuana. They don’t work for everyone so you will have to try them out to see if they work for you. Here are some I have tried, BioCharger, Infrared Light Therapy, and Taopatch.

To read about my experience with Taopatch read: Taopatch For Multiple Sclerosis Review

Natural Approaches to Manage MS

Living with MS is challenging, but there is a natural approach you can take to manage your MS symptoms. It isn’t easy but with determination and a willingness to make healthy choices, it can happen. It will require changes to diet, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle factors. However, the benefits can be significant.

Living a healthy lifestyle can manage MS symptoms and improve quality of life. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, making healthy choices can benefit you, regardless of your health status. 

Start by taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle, every effort counts. Be determined and consistent to manage your MS naturally and live your best life.

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Natural Approach to Manage MS