Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Natural Remedies and Treatment Options

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare, debilitating autoimmune disease. There are up to one million adults diagnosed with MS in the United States. While it’s typically not fatal, it can lessen a person’s life expectancy by a few months and significantly reduce the quality of life.

People with (MS) wonder if there are natural remedies for multiple sclerosis. MS is a disease of the central nervous system where the immune system attacks the fatty, protective sheath (called the myelin) covering nerve fibers. This damages the way the body communicates with the brain and causes symptoms like:

• Loss of vision
• Fatigue
• Impaired coordination
• Emotional distress associated with the condition
• Tingling and numbness in the body
• Difficulties walking

There is no guarantee all MS patients will experience each of these symptoms; it depends on the individual and how their disease progresses. Similarly, the rate at which these symptoms advance is different among MS patients.

Underlying Causes and Triggers of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition. Thus, like most other autoimmune conditions, the exact cause is not known. Experts do have some theories as to what causes it, but none can be considered concrete answers.

We know certain triggers, like stress, might exacerbate multiple sclerosis symptoms, but that doesn’t necessarily mean stress causes MS. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, some contributing factors to multiple sclerosis might include:

• Geographic location: MS might occur more frequently in places further from the equator
• Vitamin D: Research shows low vitamin D might play a role in multiple sclerosis
• Obesity: People diagnosed with obesity might be at a higher risk of developing MS

Multiple Sclerosis Natural Treatments

There is currently no known cure for multiple sclerosis; natural therapies may help treat the symptoms of this condition to improve quality of life.

Medical Cannabis and CBD

Multiple sclerosis is a qualifying condition for medical cannabis in many US states. According to Multiple Sclerosis News Today, almost half of the MS patients surveyed said they consume cannabis to reduce nerve pain and improve sleep. The great thing about cannabis is its versatility. Thanks to the endocannabinoid system, a biological system found in every human being and animal, cannabis can target multiple areas of our body and help improve a variety of symptoms. 

If you’re interested in trying medical cannabis for MS, sign up with Heally to connect with a physician in your state. A physician can provide a medical cannabis recommendation to get you one step closer to getting an MMJ card. 

If MS isn’t a qualifying condition in your state, consider CBD products for symptom relief instead. CBD products are legal nationwide and can be delivered straight to your door.

Recommended CBD Products for MS

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to stay limber, mobile, and uplifted. It can also reduce stress and improve your sleep. If possible, try to find activities you like doing.

It can be as simple as dancing in your kitchen for 30 minutes or going for a short walk. Just make sure you try to break a sweat. Other exercise ideas include:

• Strength training to maintain healthy muscles
• Balancing exercises to combat loss of coordination
• Walking outdoors in the sunshine. Try to expose your bare skin so you can absorb the sun’s vitamin D.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been shown to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. If your doctor approves you for bodywork, consider implementing regular massage therapy into your wellness routine. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends massage and bodywork therapy for muscle spasticity, pain, poor circulation, and pressure sores.

They suggest massage might be unsafe in certain scenarios, however, including edema, osteoporosis, and an enlargement of the liver or spleen. Consult with your doctor to be sure.

If you’d like to learn more about managing multiple sclerosis with integrative wellness techniques, sign up with Heally. We offer virtual healthcare for natural health and wellness.