For multiple sclerosis, what vitamins to take?

Multiple sclerosis: causes

The exact causes of the disease are not clear, but there are a number of factors that can trigger the development of multiple sclerosis. These include:

• some viral diseases suffered in childhood and adolescence;
• the body's reaction to the introduction of a vaccine against viral hepatitis;
• autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system;
• exposure to radiation;
• susceptibility to infectious diseases, weak immunity;
• lack of vitamin D;
• exposure to toxins;
• genetic predisposition.

Multiple sclerosis: symptoms

One of the features of the disease is the variety of clinical manifestations. The first symptoms often occur after exposure to provoking factors (nervous stress, injury, illness, surgery, etc.).

Multiple sclerosis may initially manifest itself as sensory disturbances, when the patient experiences pins and needles and tingling in the extremities. In addition, visual disturbances and dizziness may occur.

In later stages, multiple sclerosis manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• impaired motor activity (pathological reflexes, paresis, increased muscle tone);
• speech disorders;
• lack of coordination (unsteadiness of gait, instability in a standing position, nystagmus and a number of others);
• visual impairment - patients with multiple sclerosis experience a decrease in visual acuity and changes in visual fields;
• disturbance of sensitivity (pain, tingling, numbness of the extremities);
• increased fatigue, causeless weakness;
• changes in mental state (decreased attention and memory, depression or euphoria, sudden mood swings);
• dysfunction of the pelvic organs - patients with multiple sclerosis experience a strong and sudden urge to urinate, and may develop enuresis, erectile dysfunction, constipation or diarrhea;
• heat intolerance.

Thus, based on the above symptoms, we can conclude that multiple sclerosis does not have one characteristic sign on the basis of which an accurate diagnosis can be made. The disease has a variety of symptoms and can manifest differently in each patient.

Answers to questions from patients suffering from multiple sclerosis

Patients with multiple sclerosis have many questions about how to live with such a terrible diagnosis, how not to become a hostage to the disease? In fact, these questions appear at the beginning of the disease, when a person first learns about his problem. Subsequently, there is a reassessment of values, collection of information, analysis of it and the understanding that life goes on. Moreover, this life is not much different from the life of an average healthy person, you just need to learn to concentrate on what the patient is able to control.

In this article we will try to answer the most common questions asked by patients with multiple sclerosis.

Does cognitive function suffer in MS?

Severe dementia is extremely rare in patients with multiple sclerosis. But almost every second patient encounters cognitive dysfunction, and in patients with a primary progressive type of course, such disorders are less common. Serious cases of dementia, as a manifestation of multiple sclerosis, are not observed in patients, but concentration may suffer.

How to help yourself with memory and concentration disorders?

• be aware every minute, focus on what you are doing right now;
• avoid noisy companies, loud sounds, listen to TV and music at a muted volume;
• do not walk along streets with fast traffic, in transport do not look out the window in which objects and people are flashing;
• Keep a diary, plan your day hourly, try to stick to a stable routine;
• say your actions out loud, for example, before leaving the house - “I checked that I turned off the iron”, “I turned off the stove”, “I locked the door and hid the key in my bag”, etc.
• use smartphone reminders, program an alarm for the time of taking a medicine, an appointment, etc.
• use a voice recorder and tell yourself the algorithm of your actions for the near future;
• put things strictly in places so as not to look for them;
• train your memory - learn poetry, solve crosswords, puzzles, remember phone numbers of friends, read;
• talk into the recorder about how your day went, what meetings you had, what you remember most;
• don’t take on many things at once, choose one, focus on it and complete it, then move on to the next one;
• learn to juggle

Does multiple sclerosis affect your sex life?

Yes, sexual function is impaired during illness. The patient may complain of decreased sexual desire, problems with ejaculation, weak or absent erection, patients note vaginal dryness, numbness in the perineum and labia, and lack of orgasm. How to get rid of these manifestations or at least reduce them?

• do not isolate yourself, be sincere and frank with your partner;
• do not hesitate to tell your doctor or psychologist about problems;
• for vaginal dryness, use a lubricant;
• learn to feel yourself again, with multiple sclerosis, some feelings are lost, but new sensations appear, look for them, share the discovery with your partner, try new positions, experiment;

A fulfilling sex life is quite possible, but only if both partners try to please each other and are open.

Can women with MS have children?

This is a very important question because multiple sclerosis often occurs in young women of childbearing age. Experts answer that definitely, yes. Pregnancy and childbirth do not pose any special risks and are usually as uncomplicated as for other expectant mothers. And, as studies show, the frequency of relapses of the disease during pregnancy is often even significantly reduced, likely due to changes in the balance of hormones. However, women who have MS should talk to their doctor about what they need to know about pregnancy.

• plan your pregnancy in advance;
• stop taking some pills when you are expecting a baby (talk to your doctor about the timing of taking medications);
• when breastfeeding, it is also advisable to give up certain medications;
• involve your household in household chores during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, take care of yourself, rest more often;

Is it possible to play sports with MS?

Playing sports is not only possible, but also necessary. Physical exercise affects mood, overall health, and improves the overall quality of life. You just need to be careful and remember some rules:

• you can’t be overzealous, moderation is the main thing when playing sports;
• in the summer you need to do exercises and exercise in the morning, when it is not yet hot;
• in order not to overheat, you need to take breaks by wiping yourself with a wet, cool towel;
• during training, drink cool water more often and cool down with a spray bottle;
• exercises should be chosen by the attending physician;
• if the condition worsens, the choice of exercises must be adjusted; do not rush to quickly return to your previous form; training should decrease in time and effectiveness in the first two weeks of returning to it;
• Balance and stretching exercises are helpful;
• don’t train every day, give yourself days off between workouts (this doesn’t apply to walking, moderate walking should be done daily)

You can read more about choosing sports and exercise for multiple sclerosis here.

How to deal with urinary and/or fecal incontinence in MS?

Because of this delicate problem, many patients refuse to visit public places and deprive themselves of many pleasures in life. It is not always possible to completely get rid of dysuric disorders, but every patient can reduce their severity:

• study your biorhythms - how long after eating do you feel the need to visit the toilet; Having discovered a certain pattern, take this into account;
• in a cinema, restaurant, etc. try to take seats closer to the toilet;
• wear clothes that can be easily unbuttoned if necessary;
• use diaper pants, have special pads in your bag; even if you don’t use them, you will feel more confident;
• regulate bowel movements with diet;
• train your pelvic floor muscles;

How to walk in the summer when there is a lot of sun?

Indeed, walking in the hot season becomes problematic. But it is in the summer that you want to be outside more, play active sports and enjoy the sea. If you remember the recommendations of doctors and protect yourself from overheating, you can enjoy summer walks:

• in hot weather, take a cool shower before going outside;
• carry a spray bottle (in the form of a thermos) with cool water;
• Place a wet, cold towel with ice cubes in the container;
• clothing should be light, multi-layered and breathable;
• plan your route in advance; the street you are walking along should be in the shade;
• come to the sea before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.;
• Don't forget sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat;
• do not drink hot drinks or eat first courses; if they are hot, buy popsicles;
• buy a humidifier for your room and monitor the temperature and humidity in the room

But sun rays are necessary for a patient with multiple sclerosis, since the sun produces vitamin D, which has a beneficial effect on the activity of the disease. This is why high dosages of the vitamin D precursor are advisable during the winter months.

Is there a special diet for people with MS?

There is no special diet for patients with multiple sclerosis, but some recommendations are worth paying attention to:

• it is advisable to limit meat, especially pork, which the body perceives especially hard;
• It’s better to forget about alcohol (even weak alcohol);
• It is preferable to eat vegetables and fruits baked;
• Gooseberries are especially useful among berries;
• vegetables – broccoli and cauliflower;
• culinary processing involves steaming, baking, boiling; fried and smoked foods should be avoided;
• tomatoes should be limited;
• the diet should include nuts (especially pine and almonds), sesame seeds and flaxseed;
• periodically take unsaturated fatty acids

For patients with multiple sclerosis, diet is important. You can’t skip meals, you can’t overeat or undereat, you can’t go on diets, you can’t abuse your body. However, all these rules are also relevant for healthy people.

Will I eventually have to use a wheelchair?

70% of patients with multiple sclerosis can walk independently until the end of their lives, that is, the disease itself does not force them to use a wheelchair. But one third of patients are forced to use mobility aids. It could be a stroller, walker, crutches, cane, but it could also be a scooter or electric scooter. In each specific case, only the attending physician will be able to recommend a means of transportation, taking into account the type of pathology.

Is it possible to fly on an airplane?

Flying on an airplane itself does not cause an exacerbation of the disease, but flying from a hot climate to a cool one and vice versa can worsen the situation. A change in temperature can trigger a relapse. So be careful! Changing climatic conditions, you should not travel alone. There should be a person nearby who knows about your illness.

Is it possible to drive a car?

With multiple sclerosis, vision, reaction, and sensitivity in the hands and feet suffer. Changes in organ function can occur suddenly against the background of excellent health. Of course, this condition is unsafe for both the driver with multiple sclerosis and his passengers. If you feel that you can drive a car and you do not have the above symptoms, then try to protect yourself and your fellow travelers:

• avoid driving in the dark;
• try to drive on non-busy roads;
• do not talk to fellow travelers while driving;
• turn off your phone or don’t be distracted by calls;
• Drive only in good weather;
• do not drive if you are tired and feel unwell (a simple sneeze due to allergies or a cold makes you close your eyes for 1-2 seconds, at high speed this is several meters of the highway when the car is driving blindly);
• if necessary, purchase additional equipment for the car (wider mirrors, special seats, etc.);
• plan your trips;
• do not speed;

How to deal with increased fatigue?

Multiple sclerosis causes fatigue even after low activity. The patient may rest a lot, but feel weak and lethargic. After sleep, it becomes somewhat better, but after a burst of activity, irresistible fatigue sets in again. How to stay active?

• try to ensure that the maximum load corresponds to your biopotentials - if you are a “morning person”, it is better to be active in the morning;
• periodically give yourself 10-15 minute breaks while working, and if you have the desire and opportunity, you can sleep during the day;
• take walks more often, even if they are short walks, but they should be in the fresh air;
• if it is difficult to walk, do not overwork, use a cane or other adaptive materials;
• exercise;
• visit the pool, sign up for yoga, Pilates;
• do not work to the point of exhaustion;
• Monitor the room temperature, it should not be high, ventilate the room regularly;
• Cool down more often in the hot season and drink water;
• walk with a sprayer and cool yourself, if possible, take a cool shower during the day;
• do not starve, do not exhaust yourself with diets, eat small portions every 4 hours;
• talk about increased fatigue with your doctor, perhaps its cause is not multiple sclerosis, but another pathology

What to do if you suffer from insomnia?

Many patients (according to some data, more than 50%) face sleep problems. Insomnia affects the patient’s well-being, he becomes drowsy, distracted, chronic fatigue and depression appear. What do doctors advise?

• stick to a fixed sleep time (go to bed and wake up at the same time);
• create optimal temperature and humidity (usually 18 degrees 45-50% humidity), ventilate the bedroom and turn on the air purifier;
• do not watch TV debates and films that evoke strong emotions before going to bed, do not read fascinating literature, do not have active conversations on the phone;
• do not exercise before bedtime;
• nightwear should be soft and loose; breathable fabric;
• drink water no later than 4 hours before bedtime;
• limit the consumption of coffee and strong tea (find out until what time you can drink coffee without having problems falling asleep);
• do not overeat before bed, but at the same time do not go to bed on an empty stomach - drink warm milk or kefir;
• Take a relaxing evening walk before bed;
• Just before bed, listen to your favorite calming music;
• if you can’t sleep for a long time, don’t move around for more than an hour, get up and do something when you feel like you want to sleep, then go back to bed;
• learn to control stress and find the best ways for you to get rid of it (yoga, meditation, sports, music, prayer), do not go to bed if your head is occupied with any problems;
• pay attention to your sleeping place - a comfortable mattress, pillow, comfortable bed linen,
• the bedroom should be quiet and dark enough

How long do people with multiple sclerosis live?

It is known that modern medicine cannot cure this disease, so patients with absent-mindedness are most concerned about this very question - how many more years can he live, what awaits him next? The disease is not a fatal disease, that is, the life expectancy of patients, on average, does not differ from that of a healthy person. According to statistics, patients with multiple sclerosis live 6-7 years less than people without this diagnosis. And they die from the same diseases as the general population - from oncology and cardiovascular pathology. In severe forms of MS, the prognosis is worse, but the percentage of such people is extremely small. The disease affects quality of life more than length of life, and most symptoms can now be managed with medication and even self-monitored.

Multiple sclerosis is a serious and difficult test for a person; it changes some priorities and makes you look at ordinary things differently. Patients admit that they begin to appreciate life, and it reveals new amazing sides to them, new colors appear. The support of family and loved ones, communication with the same patients and a positive emotional attitude are very important. With their help, you can create the right balance in life, maintaining a healthy part of yourself and being harmonious even in this state. The patient begins not only to feel differently, but also to behave in a new way, in order to be able to overcome fears, not to plunge into despondency and depression, and to face any problem with dignity.

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, the causes and symptoms of which are described above, requires a comprehensive diagnosis.

Below are the main criteria used to diagnose the disease:

• presence of signs of damage to the white matter of the spinal cord and brain;
• gradual development of the disease;
• instability of symptoms;
• progressive course of the disease;
• results of additional studies.

Instrumental and laboratory techniques for multiple sclerosis are used to detect lesions and assess the severity of the pathological process.

The main method that confirms the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in women and men is MRI of the brain. Using this research method, the presence and localization of foci of demyelination in the brain are revealed.

To identify nystagmus, hearing impairment and statics, audiometry and stabilography are performed. In the early stages, an ophthalmological examination is indicated to detect optic neuritis.

What should be the diet and nutrition for multiple sclerosis?

The most effective diet for multiple sclerosis was developed in 1996 by scientist Ashton Embry. Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which immune cells conflict with the myelin and fatty tissue found near nerve endings in the brain and spinal cord. Diet for such a disease is of great importance, since non-compliance with it can affect the state of health and the development of the disease. The whole point of the diet is to avoid foods that contain proteins like myelin, which attack the immune system.

Nutrition for multiple sclerosis

To plan a diet for multiple sclerosis, you should consult your doctor. As practice shows, the patient’s diet should include:

1. Chicken breast (white meat), as well as meat from other poultry.
2. Fish and seafood - they contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
3. Lettuce leaves, as well as parsley, basil, etc.
4. Eating vegetables, fruits and foods with plenty of vitamins and microelements.
5. Products with unsaturated acids, these include nuts, vegetable oil and margarine, and cereals.
6. To improve intestinal permeability, add foods with plant fibers and fiber to your diet.
7. With your doctor's permission, you can drink cognac or dry red wine in moderation, this will help improve blood circulation.

If the patient who adheres to the diet is a vegetarian, then you can give up meat, but with the condition of eating food with a sufficient amount of protein. When choosing between canned or frozen seafood, choose products that do not contain preservatives. Even with quick freezing, all beneficial vitamins and minerals will be preserved.

What foods should you exclude from your diet?

The consumption of many foods will have to be excluded from the patient’s diet. First of all, you need to eliminate foods containing cholesterol. Excess cholesterol levels negatively affect the degree of blood vessel passage. This can lead to a deterioration in the patient’s condition, a decrease in the level of physical and mental activity, and impaired coordination of movements. You need to remove foods such as:

1. Products that cause an allergic reaction.
2. Carbonated drinks and other foods high in sugar.
3. Dairy products (sour cream, butter, cottage cheese, etc.).
4. Foods containing gluten (especially wheat, rye and barley).
5. Peanuts, peas, and soy products.
6. Beer.

Products that can not be excluded from the diet, but which should be consumed in limited quantities:

1. Limit your intake of corn and oats. You can replace it with rice, but consuming it in large quantities is not recommended.
2. Provided there are no allergies, eggs and yeast can be consumed in moderation.
3. Foods that contain saturated fats.
4. Margarine, salad oil and butter that is added to baked goods.

If you have multiple sclerosis, you need to be careful about bad habits.

When smoking, the body's circulatory system is disrupted, and in this case, the patient's functional disorders worsen. It is necessary to get rid of this habit, but if the patient cannot, then he is allowed to smoke no more than 5 cigarettes per day. Coffee consumption should be eliminated or limited. In order not to overstimulate the body, you can drink coffee in the morning.

It is best to completely stop drinking alcoholic beverages. A minimal amount of alcohol increases the symptoms of the disease. Alcohol breaks down fats very well and affects fatty substances and myelin sheaths. A patient with such a disease should lead a healthy lifestyle and adhere to a diet.

Healthy food

With this disease, the body needs vitamins such as B12, D3, omega-3, magnesium and calcium.

Sea fish contains large amounts of omega-3, as mentioned above, it can be taken for multiple sclerosis. However, only fish that were caught at sea will do.

Mackerel, herring, salmon - these types of fish contain many essential vitamins. Omega-3 is found in vegetable oils, walnuts or almonds, and vegetables.

The problem with products containing vitamin B12 is that they are not recommended for patients with this disease. This vitamin can be obtained from seafood, although in smaller quantities.

Seafood contains a large amount of calcium and vitamin D, phosphorus for its absorption in the patient’s body. Calcium is also found in sesame seeds, nuts and dried fruits.

Let us draw the following conclusions. The diet for multiple sclerosis is based on fish and seafood, vegetables and fruits. In addition to following a diet, doctors recommend taking vitamins and supplements. We must not forget about the amount of fluid consumed: you need to drink at least 2 liters per day. Temporary exclusion of certain foods is helpful, especially if you have allergies.

A diet based on technologies developed by Ashton Embry has helped many patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis. When following such a diet, an improvement in the condition of patients was observed. Improvement in the patient's well-being is the first sign of the effectiveness of the diet, which must be continued. It is also necessary to remember that nutrition for multiple sclerosis must be balanced. But in any case, before starting a diet, consult a qualified doctor.

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Multiple sclerosis: treatment

A complete cure for multiple sclerosis is impossible, so therapy is aimed at stopping the progression of the disease, stopping exacerbations and increasing the time of remission.

To relieve an exacerbation, the following treatment is indicated:

• taking large doses of hormonal drugs;
• plasmapheresis.

To prolong remission use:

• agents that stimulate and normalize immunity (interferons);
• drugs that inhibit the work of immune cells that destroy their own myelin;
• drugs, structural analogues of myelin, which are designed to direct the body’s immune attack towards itself and thus protect the body’s myelin cells from destruction.

The following are used as symptomatic therapy for multiple sclerosis:

• drugs that reduce muscle tremors;
• means to reduce muscle tone (if it is increased);
• diuretics or drugs that control the functioning of the bladder (if the urination process is disrupted).

In our online store you can purchase the following products for the treatment of multiple sclerosis:

• Ginkgo biloba;
• Dimethylglycine;
• DMAE;
• IGF-1;
• Lecithin;
• Omega-3;
• Beta-Carotene;
• Valerie Plus;
• Secretagogue and a number of others.

More than hope

And although the development of multiple sclerosis is probably driven by more than one causative factor, the Epstein-Barr virus is the only risk factor known to date that is necessarily necessary for the manifestation of the disease. It has been proven that 100% of patients with multiple sclerosis have been exposed to EBV. At the same time, EBV-infected cells, especially memory B cells, which have become immortal due to viral infection, play, it is believed, a critical role in the immune cascade responsible for relapsing and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. The success of existing pharmacotherapy, which depletes the pool of all peripheral B cells, once again demonstrates the key position of these cells in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. The justification for continuing experiments with the treatment of multiple sclerosis using ATA188, cytotoxic T cells selectively targeted against EBV-infected B cells and plasma cells, both circulating in the body and persisting in the central nervous system, has been shown.

Some observations are that the effectiveness of ATA188 in improving disability status appears to depend on the initial EDSS score: the more advanced the disease, the less (or slower) the healing power of the treatment appears. Still, even a one-point improvement in the EDSS score is remarkable. After all, if the patient, for example, initially walked with a cane, then after ATA188 therapy he gained the ability to walk independently.

Clinical trials of autologous ATA190, which Atara abandoned due to manufacturing difficulties, highlighted the fact that in patients with severe neurological disability (baseline EDSS score 8.0), irreversible axonal degeneration and neuronal loss limit therapeutic options for improvement. even if autoimmune attacks on the central nervous system are prevented by EBV-specific T-cell therapy. Nevertheless, even in such advanced patients, treatment had a beneficial effect on the general condition, physical and cognitive abilities, as well as on the physiological plane, including bladder function, visual acuity, and spasticity.

Available medications can only slightly slow down the worsening of progressive multiple sclerosis—they cannot stop or reverse the disease. If ATA188 achieves this in a rigorously controlled Part 2 clinical trial, we are in for an evolution in the treatment paradigm for progressive and other forms of multiple sclerosis.