Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive and degenerative nerve disorder that follows a highly variable course. It often strikes young adults. Damage to the optic nerve or nerves in the brain and spinal cord may lead to difficulty seeing or walking, slurred speech, loss of bowel or bladder function, clouded thinking, and paralysis. But many of those with MS experience years' long remissions and minimal disability.

Many experts believe MS is an autoimmune disorder, in which the body's immune system attacks its own nerve tissue. What triggers this reaction is unknown. It may be a virus-perhaps even a common one, such as measles or herpes simplex-that's been dormant for years.

Supplements and herbs

Supplement therapy should start as soon as possible. It has several goals: to enhance antioxidant activity and protect nerve cells from the highly reactive chemicals called free radicals; to boost the production of fatty acids and other substances that build up nerves; and to decrease nerve inflammation. All the supplements can be taken together, and with conventional prescription drugs. It may take a month to notice benefits.

Vitamins C and E are valuable in treating MS because of their antioxidant properties. Vitamin B complex, plus extra vitamin B12 and folic acid, are important as well because they play a role in maintaining nerve structure and function. Some studies show MS patients have low levels of vitamin B12 or have problems processing it well.

Another supplement that may help is the amino acid-like substance NAC (N-acetylcysteine). an antioxidant that may protect nerve cells; every other day, alternate NAC with a combination of zinc and copper to help reduce inflammation. It's also important to get extra essential fatty acids, such as flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil; they reduce inflammation and, over time, help build healthy nerves. Finally the herb ginkgo biloba may be beneficial because it acts as an antioxidant and improves blood flow to the nervous system.

What else you can do

• Avoid overheating. Sunbathing, heavy exertion, and very hot baths can all make symptoms worse.
• Ask your doctor about nutritional therapies. Some special diets have been developed that may slow the progress of MS.
• Exercise gently to improve muscle strength and flexibility-but not during an attack.
• Investigate telecommuting or part-time status if your full-time work schedule is physically difficult.

How much to take

Vitamin C / Vitamin E

2,000 mg of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin E a day.
Vitamin C helps boost the effects of vitamin E.

Vitamin B complex

1 pill twice a day for flare-ups; then reduce to 1 pill each morning as maintenance.
Look for a B-100 complex with 100 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin; 400 mcg folic acid; and 100mg all other B vitamins.

Vitamin B12 / Folic acid

1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 and 400 mcg folic acid a day.
Take sublingual form for best absorption.

NAC

500 mg 3 times a day, every other day.
Take between meals. Alternate with zinc/copper.

Zinc / Copper

30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper every other day.
Add copper only when using zinc longer than 1 month.

Flaxseed oil

1 tbsp 1l4grams) a day.
Can be mixed with food; take in the morning.

Evening primrose oil

1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Can substitute 1,000 mg borage oil once a day.

Ginkgo biloba

40 mg 3 times a day.
Standardized to have at least 24% flavone glycosides.

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