Good Job...Complimentary Medicine

As MS patients we have all gone into Neuro's office to review our lab tests and been told some of our levels are low.  For the majority of us it was probably Vitamin D...for others it could also be B12, Magnesium, or many others.

I know for myself when I was first diagnosed with MS in 2010 my Vitamin D level was a 4.  normal is 30-70.  Needless to say...i was SEVERELY low.  With a doctor monitored regiment of higher doses of vitamin D, my level today is around 36 and although its normal, we are working to get it higher.  my doc wants me closer to 60.

What are common Vitamin Supplements that we take as MS patients?

• Vitamin D3 - Vitamin D is thought to help reduce relapses and help slow progression of the disease.  If you have not had your Vitamin D level tested, ask your doctor.  Its a simple blood test that can be done
• Calcium
• Magnesium  - those with low magnesium can have troubles with spasticity.
• Omega 3's - these are great for the heart and immune system
• Vitamin A   helps rebuild a leaky gut.
• B12, B6, B1, B2, B3, B5, folic acid -
• The release of energy from food.
• The normal functioning of the nerves and brain.
•  Maintaining healthy skin, repair and maintenance of tissue.
• Needed for a healthy myelin sheath, nervous system and bone marrow. Lack of B12 can impair the processes of the immune system. People with MS may be deficient in B12 due to malabsorption in the gut or to a disorder in binding and/or transport of the vitamin.
• Vitamin C -  Needed for a healthy immune system, repair of tissue and production of collagen.
• Vitamin E -  Enhances immune response, slows down the degenerative process, regulates platelet aggregation.

• Mineral and Trace Elements
   
  • Zinc .
  • Copper
  • Selenium .
  • Manganese
   
• Antioxidants They are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals
• Grape Seed Extract/Pycnogenol (super antioxidants), - Helps deal with free radicals and strengthen the blood brain barrier.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid  - A very potent antioxidant which can travel across cell membranes to find free radicals both inside and outside cells.- this is a very costly antioxidant 
• Gingko Biloba - Helps maintain healthy peripheral circulation, including blood to the brain. Helps memory and cognitive functions.  Also has positive effects on platelet function. 

• L-Glutamine - helps protect against a leaky gut, which is common in MS. Glutamine is the most important nutrient and fuel for the mucosal lining of the small intestine and the colon. It is also essential to proper function of the immune system

HERBS

1. Ginger
2. chamomile
3. myrrh (its not just for Christmas)
4. cannabis (hope one days its legal in all states so everyone can benefit)
5. St John's Wart - depression -don't take if you will be outdoors and it could cause issues for those who have heat tolerance issues

 ***ALWAYS - TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE STARTING A VITAMIN or HERBAL REGIMENT TO ENSURE THEY ARE NOT HARMFUL FOR YOU OR THE MEDICATION REGIMENT YOU ARE ON.

Mindy Body and Soul

• Meditation (with aromatherapy) 
• Yoga
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Tai Chi

Exercise and Diet - regiments, no matter what they are should always combine a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.  For those with mobility issues, there are adaptive exercises or some use aquatic therapy to help.

There are many other Vitamins and minerals out there that I didnt list.

information in this blog provided by msrc.co.uk,  nih.gov, and mayoclinic.com