In today’s world, multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. Recent estimates show that it affects over 2.5 million people around the world. This article will be the first of many addressing this incurable, complex disease as there is so much to cover regarding it. We are merely scratching the surface with this publication and there will be much more coverage in the coming months.

MS occurs when a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers of the central nervous system called myelin becomes damaged. When this happens, the brain cannot effectively send messages to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of MS include blurred vision, weak limbs, tingling sensations, unsteadiness and fatigue. Depending on the type of MS, people experience relapses and remission while it affects others through a progressive pattern.

The four types of MS are benign, relapsing remitting, secondary progressive and primary progressive.

MS affects women more than men. The ratio is currently 2:3. The diagnosis is generally between the ages of 20 and 40 and there currently is no cure for the disease.

There are however, a number of treatments. Some involve prescription drugs which I have no desire to research or recommend and some are all natural. I tend to be a lot more receptive to treatments that don’t involve man-made chemicals that have a slew of side effects attached to them.

Vitamin D for starters, is probably your best alternative for treating MS. A recent study was performed to see if MS is caused by a lack of sunlight which prevents the body from producing its own vitamin D. One aspect of this study concluded that women who take vitamin D supplements through multivitamins are 40 percent less likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) than women who do not take supplements. The findings appear in the January 13, 2004 issue of the journal of Neurology.

In studies conducted on animals, vitamin D has been shown to suppress the autoimmune response in rats with a disorder very similar to MS. Sufficient amounts of vitamin D keep cell growth and activity regulated. Deficiencies of vitamin D (who’s best best source is natural sunlight) can lead to the malfunctioning of cells resulting in multiplication that is abnormally rapid. Did you know that people living at higher latitudes (further from the equator) are at a higher risk of developing MS? Conversely, there is a reduced risk of MS in people who reside in a sunny climate where vitamin D can easily be absorbed.

Aside from vitamin D, I recommend supplementation with the following:

Fish Oil - (minimum of 5 grams daily) Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and are required for healthy nerve functioning. I personally recommend Carlson's brand fish oil and cod liver oil.

High Potency Multivitamin - Contains multiple nutrients that are needed for a healthy immune and nervous system.

Vitamin B12 - 1,000 mcg daily - MS is associated with a deficiency.

Vitamin B6 - 100 to 500 mcg daily.

Vitamin C - 1,000 mg six times daily.

Lecithin Granules - Minimum of 1 - 2 Tablespoons daily - Autopsies show that MS patients have significantly less lecithin in the brain, spine and myelin sheath than a normal person. Lecithin also contains choline, which aids in fat and cholesterol.