Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Its effects range from minor physical discomfort to severe bouts and can affect various parts of the nervous system. This condition progressively affects the myelin sheaths which are fatty substances that insulate and cover the nerves that allow proper functioning and transmission of electrical impulses or the nerve signals. This disrupts the communication ability of the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The myelin sheaths normally can repair itself efficiently, but in this case, due to the constant inflammatory conditions scarring or sclerosis (lesion formation) take place making the healing process difficult. MS refers to these scars or lesions or plaques in the white matter of the brain and the spinal cord. The white matter of the brain functions primarily as a carrier of signals between the grey matter area and the rest of the body. MS is a result of inflammation of this protective sheath and causes disturbances in the flow of electricity.
It is a disease that can occur even in the young, teenage years where the symptoms may be mild and may disappear temporarily for some years with relapses in later years in more severe forms. Severity bouts resurface usually in persons between the ages of 25 to 40 years.
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary from individual to individual and are as follows:
- Tingling sensations like pins and needles
- Tightness around the limbs and the trunk of the body followed by weakness, stiffness and numbness in the limbs leading to a staggering gait
- Tremors, lack of balance or coordination of movement
- Dizziness, blurred vision and slurred speech
- Breathing difficulties and fatigue
- Bowel and bladder problems with incontinence
- Sexual impotency in men
- Emotional problems and depression
The benign or the mild attack, often seen in 20 percent of the cases, is characterized by numbness and temporarily blurred vision. Though the progressive relapses are less severe, the recovery becomes difficult. This is more common and accounts for 30 to 40 percent of MS cases. The next stage is the chronic progressive condition that becomes disabling with lasting damage.
MS is an unpredictable condition with its repeated bouts of symptom free and severe pattern. Women are more susceptible to this condition.
Causes:
There is insufficient data to pin point the causes. Most studies and research believe that the immune system plays a crucial role in its etiology. The triggers could be an autoimmune response to a virus, physical/emotional trauma or an inherited factor as these could affect the immune system.
Poor or wrong dietary factors could also play a role in its onset. Over consumption of foods high in saturated fats like dairy products, meats, preserved, processed or artificially coloured foods could play a role in its onset.
Environmental factors like pesticides, chemicals, lead, carbon monoxide pollution, fuel fumes etc have been listed as possible trigger causes.
Treatment
The difficulty in the treatment of MS is due to its diverse symptoms, relapses and remissions. Medicines are effective to a limited degree only for treating the symptoms as these can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses. Medications are directed towards treatment of muscle stiffness, fatigue, bladder and bowel problems etc. Alternate choice like acupuncture also helps to reduce limb stiffness and can act as a muscle relaxant.
Exercise And Lifestyle
Exercise plays a crucial role in reducing stiffness and to relax the limbs. Care must be taken to avoid exercises during the attack. Swimming, gentle stretching and yogasans are recommended. Yoga can be particularly effective as these stretches improve the nervous system stimulation which can slow the degeneration process. Yoga is curative and preventive. Regular practice of yoga and pranayam will help to liberate you from worries, tensions, fear and phobia. All exercises needs to done under supervision.
Diet And Nutrition
- A well balanced and low calorie diet is recommended.
- Avoid certain foods that can trigger allergies like milk and dairy products, caffeine, gluten found in wheat, barley, oat, rye etc.
- Avoid saturated fats, excess sodium and sugar. Use oils rich in poly-unsaturated fats like sunflower, safflower, olive, sesame etc.
- Include beans, millets, fruits and vegetables daily.
- Avoid sauces, preserved and canned foods.
Diets rich in antioxidants help to stimulate the immune system and pave the way for healing of the body and mind. A healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate rest and relaxation, deep breathing exercises and meditation are the best and the simplest solutions to help tackle or prevent any kind of degeneration.
