BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis affects the cells (called neurons) in the areas of the brain and spinal cord known as the white matter. These cells carry signals between the gray matter areas (where the processing is done) and muscles and organs in the rest of the body.
Many neurological symptoms can accompany the disease, among them extreme fatigue, changes in sensation, visual impairment, muscle weakness, depression, difficulties with coordination and speech, cognitive dysfunction, problems with balance, urinary difficulties, constipation, sexual dysfunction, spasticity and pain.
Orthomolecular medicine has treated multiple sclerosis with success, through dietary revision and specific vitamin and mineral supplements.
ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH
Orthomolecular practitioners will typically treat multiple sclerosis with dietary restrictions and high doses of vitamins, one of the most important being vitamin D (the "sunshine" vitamin).
Recently it has also been shown that vitamin B3 (niacin) decreases the damage to nerve fibers. Additionally, B-12 help repairs damage to the myelin sheath, caused by MS.
Some of the dietary restrictions you'll want to discuss with your orthomolecular practitioner include avoiding caffeine, dairy products, and artificlal sweeteners such as aspartame.
Orthomolecular treatment of multiple sclerosis could include the use of the following supplements:
Vitamin B3 Niacin
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Vitamin B complex
Essential Fatty Acids
Zinc citrate
B-12
* A customized program must be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Articles and Resources
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, October 4, 2006. VITAMINS FIGHT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v02n08.shtml
Saul AW. Hidden in plain sight: the pioneering work of Frederick Robert Klenner, M.D.. J Orthomolecular Med, 2007. Vol 22, No 1, p 31-38. http://www.doctoryourself.com/klennerbio.html
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. "The Megavitamin Revolution." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.
Kunin, Richard. "Principles That Identify Orthormolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)
Harnett, Cindy. "Victoria MD wins prize for theories on megavitamins" Times Colonist November 3, 2007
Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.
Pauling, Linus. How to Live Longer and Feel Better. Corvallis: First Oregon State University Press, 2006.