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 In the US alone, 250,000 to 350,000 people have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While multiple sclerosis is not a life-threatening disease, with a mean age of 30 years after the onset of the disease, it is a serious condition that leads to several complications. Currently, there are no cures for multiple sclerosis. There are, however, many treatment options as well as herbal and dietary supplements that can help manage the problems associated with multiple sclerosis. Most feel that natural remedies are a better option when compared with medical options, as many of the drugs used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis have very serious and unpleasant side effects. It is estimated that about 65% people suffering with multiple sclerosis have opted for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for treating problems associated with the condition.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It affects the nerves of the brain and the spinal cord. Nerves are usually protected by an outer covering or sheath called myelin. This disease affects the myelin that surrounds the nerves, resulting in loss of communication between nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is an inflammatory disease,and it causes swelling of the myelin sheath, resulting in its damage. Multiple sclerosis can affect any part of the brain or spinal cord, and it is often called an unpredictable disease as the prognosis is uncertain.

Risk factors

• Hereditary: While not considered a hereditary disease, there is proof that if a person has multiple sclerosis, there is a 20% chance that other family members will have it too. With twins, if one person has multiple sclerosis, there is a 35% chance that the other twin could end up with it too.

• Location: Those farthest to the equator have a higher risk of multiple sclerosis.

• Sun exposure: Those exposed to low levels of sunlight, resulting in lack of vitamin D, are also at risk for acquiring multiple sclerosis.

• Stress

• Smoking

Other factors that are suspected to cause multiple sclerosis, but have not been scientifically proved include vaccinations, diet, exposure to toxins, hormone intake, and other infections.

Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis can spring up without any warning at all. However, in most cases symptoms start appearing between the ages of 20 and 40. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary from person to person depending on the severity. Listed below are some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Mild cases

• Blurred vision or seeing double
• Inability to differentiate between red and green
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or pins and needles sensation
• Poor abilities to concentrate
• Poor memory and judgment
• Tiredness
• An electrical sensation in the spine while bending the neck
• Sensitivity to warmer temperatures
  

Moderate cases

• Lack of coordination in muscles
• Loss of balance
• Acute or chronic pain 
• Tremors
• Dizziness
• Depression
  

Severe cases

• Partial or complete paralysis
• Loss of sight in one eye
• Speech problems
• Loss of hearing (rare)
• Higher risk of suicidal tendencies due to mood imbalances and extreme depression
  

Treatment

Steroids, antibody treatment, beta interferon, and synthetic myelin protein are used to control the number of attacks. However, many of these medications have serious side effects and are usually not administered unless absolutely necessary.While some feel that this disease is best left untreated, others feel that there are a number of natural remedies that can help manage this problem effectively. Listed below are some of the home remedies that are believed to be effective in treating multiple sclerosis.

Natural Cure

• Diet: Over the years, a number of diets have been advocated for multiple sclerosis such as gluten-free diets, tobacco-free diets, low-fat diets and sucrose-free diets. Some diets include certain unsaturated fats such as linolinic acid and vitamin B12.Vitamin C, as it can help relieve bladder infections that are common with multiple sclerosis,is also included. One study did show that in people with multiple sclerosis who had low vitamin D levels had more problems associated with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, daily supplementation with vitamin D is recommended for those with multiple sclerosis.

• Temperature control: Those with multiple sclerosis cannot tolerate heat very well. Using an air conditioner both at home and while traveling by car can help relieve this problem by a large extent. Using thick curtains and overhead fans will also help. Having a cool water bath is usually better or even spraying water on yourself periodically can help. Other cooling options include using ice pack and layered clothing to maintain body temperature.

• Exercise and yoga: Over 50% of people suffering from multiple sclerosis who practiced yoga claimed that this was very beneficial for them. Within 6 months, they were not as tired or as weak as they had been. Even those who had some amount of moderate exercise like bicycling on a stationary bike observed that they had more energy and strength than their non-active counterparts.

Even though there are a few very effective home remedies in the management of multiple sclerosis, there is no substantial proof that they do work. However, for those suffering from the disease, the alternative therapies seem to help them to lead a life with better quality on the whole.

References
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/multiplesclerosis.html
http://www.va.gov/MS/articles/Yoga_and_Multiple_Sclerosis.asp

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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