Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Reduce Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms With Alternative Remedies







Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by a progressive degeneration of the nerves of the spinal cord and brain. While researchers have speculated that multiple sclerosis may be caused by a virus or by genetic factors, no specific cause has been agreed upon. Symptoms of MS include muscle spasms and weakness, loss of balance, fatigue, vision problems, difficulty speaking, shaking, numbness and problems with performing normal physical activity. In the beginning stages of multiple sclerosis, an attack of symptoms may come on suddenly and then disappear within a month, not reoccurring for as long as decades. Later on, symptoms may return and more physical deterioration may be experienced. If malignant multiple sclerosis occurs, it could have fatal results. Your doctor may want to put you on a number of prescription drugs to make your MS symptoms more manageable, but there are also alternative remedies that may help ease your condition and help keep you in remission longer.


Instructions


1. Avoid emotional stress. Getting upset or having anxiety may bring on symptoms of your disease, so you need to do whatever you can to remain calm. Try using relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises to help relieve stress. If you find yourself in a potentially agitating situation, walk away and find someplace quiet where you can gather your composure.


2. Take 200 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 daily to bolster your immune system. Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is a substance contained in all human cells, but it may become depleted, due to age, use of certain prescription medications or because of disease. A supplemental form of CoQ10 is used to re-supply your body with this needed substance. You should consult your doctor before taking CoQ10, if you are taking chemotherapy medications, blood thinners or Warfarin.


3. Eliminate saturated fats from your diet, as well as sugar, coconut oil, fried foods, processed foods, chocolate, rye, barley, wheat, dairy products, refined foods, meat, spicy foods, coffee, food additives and alcohol. Going vegetarian is the best way to go, if you suffer from multiple sclerosis.


4. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin K. If you have multiple sclerosis, the likelihood is that your blood has trouble clotting, but vitamin K can aid in remedying this. Some examples of foods that contain vitamin K are onions, olive oil, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, okra, raw parsley, kale, turnip greens, lettuce, collards, brussel sprouts, alfalfa and cabbage. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or take Warfarin, Phenytoin, Doxorubicin, anti-convulsants or antibiotics, you should speak to your doctor about the safety of eating vitamin K-rich foods, as vitamin K may have interactions or side-effects.


5. Take valerian to help your nervous system relax and to help you sleep better. Valerian comes from the root of a fragrant perennial plant with white flowers that originated in Asia and Europe. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. You can get it in capsule, tincture or tea form. Take the dosage indicated on the product you choose. When taking valerian, you should not drink alcohol, drive or operate heavy machinery, as this herb will cause drowsiness. Valerian should be avoided if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, suffer from a nervous disorder or are on prescription antidepressants or sedatives.


6. Consider going to a massage therapist. Massage can aid in maintaining your muscle function and can help you achieve relaxation. Regular massages can help to put many multiple sclerosis symptoms in remission

Tags: multiple sclerosis, foods that, multiple sclerosis, pregnant breastfeeding, suffer from, vitamin have