How To Reverse MS By Following The Paleo Diet

By Liliana Mills


MS, or Multiple Sclerosis, is a chronic and debilitating disease of the spinal cord and nervous systems of the human body. The nerve cells are covered by an insulating layer called the myelin, and when the disease is present, that layer is slowly destroyed, causing the nerves to malfunction. It has been studied and determined that in some people it may be possible to reverse MS with diet and vitamins.

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 success of implementing the Paleo Diet into the treatment of MS and other autoimmune diseases involves the increased amount of the important B vitamins in the body. B vitamins help to protect the nervous and immune systems from damage and this type of diet also provides additional amounts of Omega 3-fatty acids and iodine to further assist the body in healing itself.

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.

Any of the many unnatural substances that are in today's food supply can cause damage to the body, not just Aspartame. Anything that contains colorings or dyes, preservatives and artificial flavorings can cause problems for the human body, but especially to those with compromise immune systems, like someone with multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune diseases. Eliminating these from the daily diet may help alleviate the symptoms in some people and help prevent them from starting in others.

While changing the environmental elements and eliminating processed foods may help reverse MS, it is not a cure-all. But it may help to alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms and life changes that come with such a damaging disease. Some of these changes may prove to be easier than others. Simply getting outside in the natural Vitamin D-enhanced sunshine may benefit the body all the way around.




About the Author: