Some early studies suggest intermittent fasting might improve
Some studies on animal models of MS have suggested that various forms of dietary restriction, such as calorie restriction, intermittent fasting and the ketogenic diet, protect neurons and reduce inflammation. Studies have also shown that periodic fasting can improve cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress.
The researchers believe that the fasting mimicking diet works because it is conducted in cycles. This is because during the fast, the disease-causing immune cells are essentially stopped and killed off. When normal feeding is resumed, normal immune cells and the myelin-producing oligodendrocytes are regenerated.
While there is no cure for MS, various alternative treatments and Multiple Sclerosis natural treatments can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.
There's currently no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), but medicines and other treatments can help control the condition and ease some of the symptoms. Treatment for MS depends on the stage of the disease and the specific symptoms the person has. It may include: treating relapses of MS symptoms (with steroids)
Countless studies show a link between food and overall wellbeing. But there's no evidence to suggest that following a certain diet can prevent, treat, or cure MS.
Although there is no cure for MS, we can see a future where people can live free from its effects and not worry about their MS getting worse. There are now a number of health conditions - like rheumatoid arthritis or Type 1 diabetes – where there are no cures.
Lifestyle Factors and MS Progression
We know lifestyle factors such as eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, exercising regularly, and taking vitamin D are helpful for our overall health. Some, like exercise, can help with MS symptoms, prevent complications, and possibly be neuroprotective.
People who have MS and take vitamin D supplements may have symptoms that aren't as bad as they would be if they didn't take vitamin D. Also, symptoms may occur less often, which may improve quality of life. Taking vitamin D also may lower the risk of relapse and may decrease new scarring in the nervous system.
Nerve Regeneration and Repair: Intermittent Fasting May Help Heal Nerve Damage. Intermittent fasting may help heal nerve damage by changing the gut microbiome. Intermittent fasting alters the gut bacteria activity of mice and increases their ability to recover from nerve damage.
Potential promotion of neurogenesis: Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may promote the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with learning and memory. This could contribute to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Takeaway Points on Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting (i.e. alternating between periods of fasting and eating) has many benefits for your health. There's the benefit of fasting for cell repair, which involves the process of cell autophagy (where your body gets rid of old cells and replaces them with new ones).
Research shows that the keto diet decreases inflammation, increases mitochondrial biogenesis (the process by which cells produce new mitochondria), and reduces levels of oxidative stress, which may be beneficial in MS symptoms, Brenton says.
Autophagy plays a critical role in maintaining the functional stability of neurons and contributes to the development of MS [8]. Abnormal expression of autophagy-related markers and genes was found in T lymphocytes and tissues of MS and EAE.
The 16/8 Method. The 16/8 method means that you fast for 16 hours a day and eat for eight. This method allows you do to most of your fasting during sleep. For example, pick an eight-hour window like from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. where you can eat and then don't eat outside of it.
One study noted young people with MS who took a calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium supplement had a reduced number of relapses.
Protect nerves from damage
These include clearing up debris left over from myelin attacks, making sure nerves have the energy they need, and improving transport of important molecules in the nerves. By finding treatments that prevent nerve loss, we could slow or stop the progression of MS.
Vitamins that seem of particular interest to people with MS include vitamin D, the antioxidant vitamins, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Research shows that people with MS who eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have less disability and fewer symptoms like depression and fatigue than those who eat less of these healthy foods. Limit processed foods and animal fats like red meat and butter.
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, but various treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency of relapses, and slow disease progression.
The human body has an amazing natural ability to repair myelin and get nerves working properly again. Myelin is repaired or replaced by special cells in the brain called oligodendrocytes.
Some people have shared anecdotal experiences of an improvement of their MS symptoms with collagen supplements, but early research has not proven the benefit or supported the use of collagen for MS.
On average, the lifespan for people with MS is about five to 10 years shorter than for the general population, but this gap is getting shorter as treatments and care continue to improve.