The Top Natural Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis

A Functional Medicine Doctor’s Approach to Natural Remedies for MS

Like many autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS) can be managed more effectively when you address the root causes. At Caplan Health Institute, we use a combination of diet and lifestyle changes to help relieve MS symptoms. This approach focuses on personalized treatment plans that aim to reduce symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

In this article, I’ll share some of the best natural treatments for MS. You’ll learn how a functional medicine doctor can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, covering diet, gut health, nervous system retraining, exercise, sleep, and my favorite supplements for MS.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that damages the protective covering around nerves, called the myelin sheath. In people with MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, just like in other autoimmune diseases. But in MS, the immune system targets the nerve coverings. When nerves are damaged, communication between the brain and body is disrupted.

The severity of the disease depends on how much nerve damage has occurred and where it’s located. MS often comes in cycles of relapsing and remitting, meaning symptoms may flare up and then subside before returning again.

Symptoms of MS can include:

• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Tingling sensations
• A shock-like feeling when moving the neck, especially when bending forward
• Coordination and balance problems
• Vision issues, including partial or complete vision loss, double vision, or blurry vision
• Vertigo
• Sexual dysfunction
• Problems with bowel or bladder function
• Fatigue
• Slurred speech
• Cognitive difficulties
• Mood changes

Conventional Treatments for MS

In some cases, MS symptoms are mild and don’t require treatment. However, during a relapse, corticosteroids like prednisone are often prescribed to reduce inflammation in the nerves. These medications can have side effects such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and sleep problems. If steroids aren’t effective, doctors may recommend blood plasma exchange, where plasma is removed and replaced with a protein solution.

To slow the progression of MS, doctors may prescribe medications that suppress the immune system. These include injectable and oral medications or infusions like interferons, monoclonal antibodies (such as ocrelizumab), or immunomodulating drugs (like dimethyl fumarate). While these treatments can help, they also come with side effects.

A functional medicine approach, on the other hand, focuses on investigating the root causes of MS and calming the immune system naturally, without relying on immune-suppressing medications. It involves diet and lifestyle changes that help the body heal itself. If you’re looking to manage MS without medications or their side effects, a functional medicine approach may be the right option for you.

How Diet Can Help Put MS Into Remission

As with many autoimmune diseases, a key part of treatment is identifying which foods are causing sensitivities. These foods can stress the body, trigger inflammation, and activate the immune system, keeping MS symptoms active.

In our approach, we work with patients on an elimination diet to remove foods that cause stress. After this, we focus on healing the body so that eventually, a broader range of foods can be reintroduced, providing essential nutrients and supporting gut health. Research has shown that an imbalance in the gut microbiome (called dysbiosis) may contribute to MS development, so nourishing the gut is a crucial part of managing the disease.

Natural Remedies for MS—Lifestyle Tips

Increase Neuroplasticity

In MS, the communication between neurons is often impaired. One way to help is by increasing neuroplasticity, which involves creating new connections between neurons. You can do this by engaging in new activities. For example, try different types of exercise, or change your daily routine, like taking a new route to work or brushing your teeth with your opposite hand. These small changes can help keep your brain healthy and improve neuron function.

Activate the Vagus Nerve and Parasympathetic Nervous System

Activating the vagus nerve, which controls the parasympathetic nervous system, is one of the best natural ways to manage MS and its symptoms. The parasympathetic system helps the body relax and recover by regulating functions like mood, immune response, and digestion.

Stress management is key to supporting the vagus nerve. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or journaling can activate the parasympathetic response and help reduce stress. Gentle physical activities like yoga, tai chi, or stretching can also promote vagus nerve health, as long as the activity is not too intense.

Other ways to support the vagus nerve include using soothing essential oils or sound therapy. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a therapy that involves tapping specific points on your body while repeating positive statements, is another tool that can help reduce stress.

Do the Right Exercises for MS

Exercise is important for people with MS, but it’s essential to keep it gentle. Overexerting yourself can worsen symptoms, so it’s important to find exercises that work for your body. Low-impact activities like using a recumbent bike or swimming can help improve balance and strength without overstressing your body. Working with a physical therapist can also ensure you’re doing exercises that are safe and effective for your condition.

Get Quality Sleep

Good sleep is crucial for MS management. It’s not just about the number of hours you get, but the quality of your sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, it’s important to figure out the underlying cause. It could be related to blood sugar imbalances or cortisol levels. Addressing sleep issues can have a huge impact on your overall health, as your immune system repairs itself during sleep.

Dietary Supplements for MS

One potential root cause of MS is poor mitochondrial function. Mitochondria produce the energy our cells need, and people with MS often need extra nutrients to support their mitochondria. These nutrients can come from a healthy diet, but supplements can also help.

I often recommend MitoCORE®, a multivitamin designed to support mitochondrial function, which contains ingredients like resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid, and green tea extract. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D are also essential supplements for most autoimmune patients, including those with MS.

For some MS patients, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can trigger the disease. In these cases, I recommend antiviral supplements like monolaurin, L-lysine, and cat’s claw to help address the viral component of the disease.

A supplement plan for MS should be personalized based on lab tests, so working with a functional medicine provider to determine the right regimen for you is essential.