There are many alternative treatments for MS. Some include exercise, Acupuncture, Fish oil, and Honeybee venom. A doctor may give you a hard time and leave it up to you to choose the best medicine for your condition. Other alternative therapies include diet changes and acupuncture. These therapies are often prescribed along with conventional medicines. If you are looking for ways to improve your overall health, alternative therapies for MS may be for you.
Exercise
Research has shown that exercise as an alternative treatment for MS is beneficial for improving mobility and reducing disability. Nearly 50 percent of people with MS are dependent on an accessory device to move around, and many patients limit their activities due to fear of relapse. While physical activity may improve a person’s quality of life and mobility, this lack of activity may actually worsen the disease. Also, limited physical activity is associated with increased risk of comorbid conditions, such as hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and osteoarthritis.
Studies have shown that aerobic exercise can improve the physical and mental symptoms of MS. Regular aerobic exercise helps patients achieve greater endurance, improve cardiovascular fitness, and improve muscle strength and flexibility. Research has also shown that aerobic exercise reduces fatigue and improves cognitive and emotional health in people with MS. Exercise is also a great way to reduce the negative psychological effects of MS, such as anxiety and depression. This article reviews the evidence for exercise as an alternative treatment for MS.
Earlier treatment of MS has been shown to reduce inflammation and protect the brain and nerves. It also reduces the amount of damage to the body’s tissues. It is essential to consult your doctor before starting any new treatment. Always discuss any changes with your healthcare provider before starting a new regimen or changing the amount of prescribed drugs. Always remember to ask questions if your healthcare provider is unfamiliar with the new method. Some new therapies may have side effects that could cause more attacks.
Acupuncture
Although clinical studies of acupuncture for MS are lacking, several studies have shown that it is beneficial for patients suffering from MS. In a 2014 review of peer-reviewed articles, researchers reported that acupuncture has a positive effect on patients’ quality of life and well-being. However, the studies have significant limitations. Because acupuncture has been used for many centuries to treat conditions such as dizziness, fatigue, and depression, the benefits of acupuncture are still unproven.
One study evaluated the effects of acupuncture on fatigue in MS patients. This study included a fifty-year-old woman with MS who received twenty-minute acupuncture treatments once a week for seven weeks. Researchers found that subjects had improvement in three measures of fatigue after acupuncture treatments. Unfortunately, the study did not include any statistical analysis or patient descriptions beyond the fatigue scales. However, the results are promising.
In the 2017 study, researchers compared the effects of true and sham acupuncture on people with MS. Using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), neurologists evaluated changes in MS patients’ symptoms. In the true acupuncture group, EDSS scores decreased at three and six months after treatment. However, the changes did not persist 12 or 24 months after treatment, indicating that acupuncture is not a proven method for slowing down the progression of disability.
Fish oil
Researchers in Norway published a study on the benefits of fish oil as an alternative treatment for multiple sclerosis. In this study, 13 neurology departments from different hospitals participated in the trial. The findings, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine and Journal of the American Medical Association, contribute to the body’s knowledge about MS and diet. This study is considered gold standard in clinical medical studies. It follows two previous studies that showed a positive relationship between fish oil and MS.
A diet high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables contains high levels of antioxidants. People with MS who eat a diet rich in these foods report fewer symptoms than those who do not. Another study showed a link between high dairy consumption in adolescence and later MS development. It is believed that dairy products may contribute to inflammation, particularly those with high fat content. In addition, people with MS can experience changes in mood, anxiety, and stress due to the disease.
Research conducted in 1989 showed that omega-3 fatty acids improved the symptoms and severity of MS in people with the disease. In contrast, a placebo group took olive oil. The 1989 study was large (with 312 participants), poorly designed, and failed to reach statistical significance. Still, the results highlighted the need for more well-designed clinical trials. There are more than 5,000 research papers that discuss fish oil as an alternative treatment for MS. The results from the trial suggest that fish oil is beneficial for MS patients and may even decrease the disease’s relapse rate. The omega-3 fatty acid supplement can also reduce the levels of inflammation markers in the blood, which can help improve MS symptoms.
Honeybee venom
Apitherapy, or alternative treatments involving bee venom, was once a secret only known to rural populations of the United States. Pat Wagner, a musician and multiple sclerosis advocate, was among the many patients who tried this treatment. Today, it is being used by 10,000 people with MS, either as an injectable solution or live bees. Interest in apitherapy among people with incurable diseases has recently increased.
As an alternative treatment for MS, bee venom is an effective therapy for neurological diseases with neuroinflammatory components. Several studies on animal models have demonstrated its effectiveness in a variety of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis. There are also promising results in humans, although most studies are inconclusive. In addition to treating MS, bee venom has also been used for other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Although bee venom is safe for people without allergic reactions, it is not suitable for those with bee venom allergies. Moreover, bee pollen is a rich source of nutrients and may cause a severe allergic reaction. In addition to the risks of bee venom, bee pollen is also dangerous. As a result, patients with bee venom allergies should be careful before using bee venom.
While bee venom is safe for MS patients, research suggests that it may be marginal. Two reviews of bee venom for MS summarize relevant findings. The researchers interviewed 154 MS patients and found that 61% were using complementary and alternative medicine, and the majority of them were doing so in addition to conventional allopathic therapies. Interestingly, 65.8% of the interviewees reported some improvement.
Vitamin E
While there is no cure for MS, many people with the disease may find some relief from taking antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamin E. These vitamins help the body fight off free radicals and boost the immune system. However, high doses of these vitamins can cause side effects, including the thinning of the blood. Some doctors recommend lower doses of these vitamins for people with MS. For this reason, you should check with your doctor before starting any supplements.
Many alternative practitioners are still prescribing ginkgo biloba and fish oil as alternative treatments for MS. However, clinical trials of these supplements have shown mixed results. Other alternative therapies include vitamin E as a supplement. This supplement may help with eye health, reduce pain, and reduce flare-ups. Before starting any natural treatment, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider and keep a journal of your symptoms.
Another alternative treatment for MS is Vitamin D supplements. Research has shown that people with MS are at a higher risk for bone loss due to reduced sunlight exposure and corticosteroid use. Fortunately, Vitamin D supplements can help with this problem. And if you’re already taking vitamin D supplements, you can add them to your regimen. You may find that they help you to feel better and stay active.
ginseng
A natural additive can improve cognitive and motor functions, which are common symptoms of MS. Ginseng, a type of Asian ginseng, has antioxidant properties and may counteract the fatigue associated with MS. Ginseng should not replace prescribed medicines. Although the herb is safe for most people, it may interact with some medications. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can increase the body’s immune system.
Despite the fact that it has a long history, research hasn’t yet proven ginseng’s effectiveness as an alternative treatment for MS. Currently, there are no scientific studies examining ginseng’s effect on fatigue in people with MS. However, the herb does have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. Several studies have demonstrated that ginseng can improve quality of life and increase mental alertness, but their effects on MS are still unknown.
Although ginseng has not been proven to alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, some research suggests that it may be an effective treatment for the condition. In addition to ginseng, St. John’s wort, a plant in the Caprifoliaceae family, may be a useful treatment. Valeriana officinalis contains a compound called valerenic acid that helps relieve fatigue associated with MS.
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