By Schuyler Corrigan

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March 20, 2024

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease where the immune system attacks myelin in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. Myelin is the protective substance that coats our nerve fibers (axons), and when these are damaged, it can lead to disability over time. Nerve cell bodies within the brain’s gray matter can also be damaged. This leads to visual impairment and a gradual shrinking of the cerebral cortex, known as cortical atrophy. As of 2019, nearly 1 million people in the US are living with MS. MS typically presents its symptom onset between the ages of 20-40. Keep reading to learn more about the Naturopathic Approach to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

 

Symptoms Of MS

Symptoms of MS can vary in severity and depend on the body’s overall inflammatory reaction. Environmental inputs and other comorbidities or infections can also be present. MS can “flare” from time to time, causing debilitating symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, and spasms. It also can cause vision impairment, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, and even loss of coordination and balance. Along with the flares, MS symptoms may lay dormant for years or months. There is currently no known cure for MS. However, some approaches can reduce and support the occurrence of relapse symptoms and flares. The naturopathic approach to MS takes a whole-body, collaborative approach. 

 

Read More: The Naturopathic Approach to Autoimmune Disease

A Whole Body Approach

Supporting an individual with MS requires thoughtful inquiry, a detailed health history, and astute attention to symptom presentation and lifestyle factors. Current therapies for MS, include beta interferon drugs. These are targeted to modulate the inflammatory response. A prescribing neurologist may suggest several options for therapy depending on each individual’s symptoms. Many of these options have side effects, and your naturopathic doctor can work alongside your neurologist to support and mitigate these. 

 

Your naturopathic doctor will also thoroughly assess your diet and lifestyle. With this they can pinpoint any areas contributing to chronic inflammation or challenges to your immune system. They will also look into genetic and environmental risk factors for MS, including low Vitamin D or viruses. From there they will work towards supporting the gut microbiome. In order to do this they will recommend a a tailored diet and attention to detoxification and elimination pathways.

Allergies and histamine pathways may also affect the severity of MS symptoms. Some flares are worse in the spring or with diets high in histamine-containing foods. Your ND might recommend that you add or remove certain foods from your diet and suggest supportive herbs, supplements, or minerals tailored to your individual needs. These recommendations will be continually updated as your health changes. Additionally, certain chemical and emotional exposures including stress may need to be addressed to provide more stability.  

Partnership and Collaboration

Supporting a diagnosis of MS takes time and individual attention. It is essential to have a supportive and collaborative relationship between your current healthcare team and your naturopathic doctor. Working together to align therapies and health protocols is necessary for each person to respond positively and thrive with a challenging health condition. If you have questions regarding how naturopathic medicine can support you with an MS diagnosis, contact our office.