Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is the demyelination of the fatty material that wraps around nerves, acting as an insulator, much like the covering on electric wires. Loss of the myelin sheath disrupts the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses.  The places where myelin is lost are called lesions and the identification of these scars is how MS is diagnosed.

Membrane Complex or 2-AEP (2-aminoethanolphosphate) is a primary treatment for MS.  2-AEP was discovered by the biochemist Erwin Chargaff in 1941 and was made famous by Dr. Hans Nieper of Germany. One study conducted by Dr. George Morrissette of almost 300 American MS patients that were treated in Germany with 2-AEP found that 82% had a positive benefit. That number rose to 92% for when treatment was done in the early stages of MS.

2-AEP protects cells by decreasing the cell membrane’s permeability to foreign substances. It does this by sealing the lipid cellular membrane pores which are prone to unwanted intrusion.  It also helps wash out the accumulated toxic debris jammed into cell membranes and it maintains cellular electrical charge. Most importantly it patches the erosion of the myelin sheath.

Many of the remedies we use to treat MS all are incorporated into cellular membranes: these include Membrane Complex, Phosphatidyl Choline, Phosphatidyl Serine, Krill Oil, and CMO.  Renewing the cell membranes is vital to repairing nerves. Phosphatidyl Serine also promotes nerve growth hormone which typically peaks at age two in humans. This is a basic reason nerve repair is so slow in adults.

Both Chlorella and Acetyl Glutathione are used for detoxification including for mercury accumulation. They also Tonify Blood which is another important TCM concept that ties in with Internal Wind. Nature abhors a vacuum and when Blood is Low, Internal Wind can arise. These two supplements are fabulous in that both detoxify as well as build strength. Glutathione is the antioxidant protection for red blood cells and it can increase blood counts quickly as the red blood cells live longer.

Many with Multiple Sclerosis have lesions on their spinal cord. If the neck is actually painful we use the Neck Formula. Neck Formula is from the Chinese hospital system and it has been tested on literally thousands of patients with serious neck issues. We also use it for disc degeneration.

The role of infection including that of Lyme Dx in MS is a very large and controversial topic. We keep it fairly simple in that if infection is a factor in neurological illnesses there will be the penetration of the blood brain barrier. This is easily ascertained in person in our clinical setting as the patient will show meningeal inflammation. The meninges are 3 layers of covering for the spinal cord and brain. Again in this area we see infection as a very big part of MS as Lyme Disease is very prevalent. We use Lithium Orotate to help tighten the blood brain barrier. This is another Dr. Hans Nieper treatment.

Many researchers have postulated other infections having a causative role in MS including HHV-6, which is a pathogenic member of the herpes family. HHV-6 levels are higher in people with MS, though many dismiss it as an opportunistic infection rather than a cause.

The distribution of MS worldwide has 2 major interpretations. One is that MS is much more prevalent in places of low sunshine. The other is that MS is much more widespread in places where large amounts of animal fats especially dairy are eaten and less common in areas where more fish is eaten.

We cover our bases recommending full spectrum wintertime lighting, Vitamin D3, and tropical winter vacations. Yes, you do need to go to Hawaii.

Eating a diet lower in dairy and other saturated animal fat has impressive long term research in the treatment of MS. Research from the Mayo Clinic with MS sufferers along with non MS control patients show higher cellular levels of saturated fats versus polyunsatured fats in patients with MS.

One European research contingent showed the benefits of replacing butter with flax seed oil for MS patients. We also suggest adding in Krill Oil as it is both an Omega 3 fish oil as well as being a powerful adaptogen for the nervous system.