Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition which causes a deterioration of the protective sheath (myelin) which surrounds neurons in the spinal cord and the brain. Myelin is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. MS comes in different forms, and its symptoms can vary in intervals and intensity: eye problems (including pain and blurred or double vision), fatigue, muscle weakness, stiffness and spasms, bladder and bowel problems, loss of balance, coordination and dizziness, pain, numbness or tingling of your skin, difficulty speaking and swallowing, feeling emotional, anxious or depressed are among the most common indications.
Arachidonic acid (AA or sometimes ARA) is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid which is present in the cell membranes of the human body, especially in the brain and muscles. It plays an important role in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis (MS). AA is a precursor for signalling molecules (e.g. prostaglandins) which exert complex control mainly over inflammation processes and immunity. The higher the AA levels in the body, the worse the degree of inflammation. Less AA, therefore, influences the inflammation process in a positive way. Supposedly, a reduction of AA in the diet of MS sufferers – in addition to conventional medication – could prove to be a progress in the fight against and successful therapy of the inflammation symptoms. Relapses are reduced and the progression of the illness brought to a halt. Similar discoveries have been made in connection with rheumatic inflammation symptoms.
Three fatty acids play a key role in the human body: linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. Both linoleic and linolenic acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids which have to be ingested through diet because the body is not able to produce them. AA is polyunsaturated, too, but it can be synthesized by the body. It can only be found in animal products. Vegetable foods are free of it.
Omega-3 fatty acids which are contained in cold-water sea fish seem to have a clearly beneficial influence on inflammatory processes. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and seem to elongate the periods between relapses of MS. First clinical tests suggested that MS patients who ingested more fish oil suffered less of the dreaded relapses, and noticed that their illness progressed much slower altogether. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty sea fish like mackerel, in lower quantities in wheat germ oil, soya oil and rape seed oil. Fish oil capsules can be bought in health food stores. However, make sure that the supplement is free of mercury which can be found in some concentrated fish oil supplements.
The diet in general should be organic (to cut out environmental toxins as much as possible) with lots of vegetables and fruit. Cow’s milk should be replaced entirely with rice or oat milk, and goat’s milk in moderation. Refined sugar and flour as well as junk food are a no-no. Avoid gluten (mainly modern wheat) and go for spelt, millet, rice, quinoa and buckwheat. Also cut down on saturated fats contained in red meat and dairy products. Go for herring, mackerel and salmon, ideally 3 times per week. Supplement your diet with a good Vitamin B Complex, organic lecithin granules with your breakfast cereals (e.g. organic muesli), Selenium 200mcg + A C E, as well as Magnesium (spinach is full of it!).
It is important to get lots of rest and relaxation and avoid getting too hot. Yoga exercise might help, as well as resolving repressed emotional issues - EFT or Psychological Kinesiology are perfect therapies.
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