Q & A: Multiple Sclerosis

See the PDF version of this Q&A here
1. The causes of multiple sclerosis include, but may not be limited to:
a.) Genetics
b.) Infections
c.) Diet
Answer: All of the above. Genetics is an underlying factor, while toxins and infections for example may allow genetic predispositions
to manifest as disease activity.
2. True or false? The medications typically used in multiple sclerosis are well tolerated with a clear track record of benefi t
in multiple sclerosis patients.
Answer: False. Unfortunately, the medications used today for multiple sclerosis often carry such signifi cant side affects that
many patients choose not to use them.
3.True or False? Vitamin B12 and folic acid are commonly needed for those with multiple sclerosis?
Answer: True: Serum B12 and folic acid levels are useful as measures of need ONLY when the levels are low. High levels of
these nutrients may actually indicate intracellular (inside the cell) defi ciency of these nutrients. A homocysteine and methylmalonic
acid tests can indicate if these nutrients are being “misused” in the body or defi cient. Also, there are several different
forms of B12 and folic acid and the best choice needs to be determined (i.e., cyanocobalamine, adenosylcobalamine,
hydroxycobalamine, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate.
4.True or False? The use of a tri-peptide amino acid called n-acetyl cytokine (a.k.a NAC) potentially provides antiviral,
detoxifi fying, mucolytic and immune balancing effects in MS?
Answer: True.
5. True or false? Vaccinations are also considered causal factors for multiple sclerosis.
Answer: True. According to a study entitled, “Environmental Risk Factors in Multiple Sclerosis Aetology”, that appeared in
the Journal: Lancet Neurology in December 2004.
6. True or false? The best treatment for multiple sclerosis is the use of a clean organically-based diet along with the appropriate
nutritional supplements.
Answer: Neither True NOR False. Dietary therapies, plus others used in alternative medicine, are certainly essentially in our
opinion for both the prevention and treatment of multiple sclerosis. Careful laboratory assessments should be used by an
experienced practitioner for determining individual needs of nutritional supplements. For example, low vitamin D levels
are inversely related to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis and a downward spiral of the disease; sun exposure or taking
vitamin D supplements is no guarantee of correction.
7. True or false? The average neurologist does an excellent job at looking for the cause of multiple sclerosis.
Answer: False. Sadly, the typical neurologist makes very little attempt to look for the actual underlying causes of MS in
some individual. The medications approved for MS are quite clear to neurologists and these medications tend to be recommended.
Potential causes of multiple sclerosis involve exposure to toxins that may have occurred during any period of the
person’s life, various nutritional defi ciencies and other lifestyle factors such as stress.
8. True or false? A variety of nutritional factors have been well or reasonably well studied in multiple sclerosis and should
always be used given their long track record of safety and overall health benefi ts.
Answer: Absolutely True. Why not use natural therapies that can be used with complete safely if they offer the possibility
of a greater quality of life? Although many natural textbooks exist and information in the media is abundant describing
various natural approaches for MS, each individual is different. Trained health professionals that have both classic and
natural training in multiple sclerosis offer the best healing solutions.