Many millions of Americans have some form of chronic disease. Here, we continue with Part 17 of our Tracking and Treating Chronic Disease series with a look at multiple sclerosis.
A General Overview of Chronic Diseases
The prevalence of chronic diseases makes them a primary risk and concern for millions of Americans. Roughly 90% of the $4.9 trillion in annual healthcare expenses in the U.S. are spent as a result of chronic diseases. Many interventions exist to prevent and treat chronic diseases.
It is not just the chronic nature and widespread prevalence of these diseases that make them so consequential, but also the deaths that they can cause. For example, heart disease and stroke (often considered together) are the leading forms of chronic disease and death, with more than 840,000 Americans dying from them each year. Diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and many other conditions also lead to significant numbers of fatalities each year.
Within the large-scale phenomenon known as chronic diseases is a specific type: neurological diseases. These are conditions that affect the central nervous system (brain and spine) and/or the peripheral nervous system throughout the body. The nervous system regulates everything within the body, so these conditions are often uniquely difficult. Neurodegenerative diseases are neurological conditions that are incurable and tend to worsen over time.
Multiple Sclerosis Defined
One such neurodegenerative condition is multiple sclerosis (MS). It is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease in which a person’s immune system improperly attacks and deteriorates the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. The course of MS can vary. Most cases of MS lead to worsening of symptoms and complications over time, but some people experience long periods of remission. The effects of MS include weakness, disruptive and painful sensations, deteriorating mobility, and many more. Treatments to slow MS complications have improved in recent years.
Supplements for Someone with MS
At least a few dietary supplements have been shown to have meaningful benefits for persons with multiple sclerosis. Following is a look at four of the products most likely to support the well-being and longevity of someone with MS:
Vitamin D is one of the most studied nutritional factors for people with MS. Studies show that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased exacerbation of MS symptoms. This is evidenced in places where people tend to get less exposure to sunlight. The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 600 IUs, although MS patients need a lot more. Between 2,000 and 5,000 IUs of vitamin D each day is recommended for men and women who have multiple sclerosis.
Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil have been studied and found beneficial for reducing inflammation in those with MS. These natural fatty acids can reduce the proliferation of immune T-cells and other factors that contribute to acute inflammation. Studies have attributed particular benefits of omega-3s to those with MS, including improved quality of life, reduced fatigue, and a lower risk of relapse of severe symptoms.
A vitamin B complex supplement could be helpful, as different types of vitamin B have been shown to provide different benefits to someone with MS. Vitamin B7 has shown potential to improve energy production in neurons damaged by MS. Vitamins B12 and B9 have been shown to reduce homocysteine levels and even improve mental health status in those with MS.
Magnesium supplementation could be helpful because of the general benefits provided by this mineral. Deficiency in magnesium contributes to low-grade inflammation, often a contributing factor to multiple sclerosis. For this reason alone, it is potentially beneficial. Magnesium can also reduce weakness, fatigue, tingling, numbness, and other neurological symptoms frequently associated with MS.
If you or someone you love has MS, then exploring these supplement options are absolutely worth it. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for MS complications, as some of these can interact with particular medications.