Many people use complementary or alternative medicine as part of their MS management strategy, but it is wise to proceed with caution when exploring such therapies, since research is limited and some could potentially be harmful or interact negatively with medications already prescribed to them.
Cranberry juice may help prevent urinary tract infections in MS patients. Acupuncture has also been reported as being effective at alleviating pain and spasticity in certain instances.
Ginseng
Ginseng has long been used as a traditional medicinal herb. It is thought to provide numerous health benefits, including relieving fatigue and improving mental alertness, yet research on it remains limited; most studies use animal models instead. Recently conducted human trials have yielded promising results when used for MS patients to combat fatigue.
Fatigue is one of the primary complaints among those living with multiple sclerosis and can significantly impair quality of life. Fatigue may be brought on by various sources such as stress and depression; poor diet and lack of physical exercise are also major contributors. Luckily, alternative therapies such as supplements, exercise and meditation may help ease this condition.
Ginseng is one of the cornerstones of traditional Chinese medicine and has long been prized for its healing and tonic properties, which help dispel pathogenic factors and treat conditions like hypodynamia and lassitude as well as enhance resistance against disease processes. Ginseng may also possess antioxidant properties which may reduce cell damage oxidation as well as increase effectiveness of conventional treatments for MS.
While dietary supplements remain controversial, certain options can be beneficial in managing MS. Asian and Siberian ginseng have been shown to strengthen immune responses while other herbal treatments such as Rhodiola Rosea or Curcumin may reduce inflammation. It is advised that anyone experiencing MS consult their healthcare provider prior to trying any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.
Some dietary supplements may interact with medications prescribed to treat multiple sclerosis disease-modifying treatments, such as ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo can interfere with CYP1A2, an enzyme responsible for breaking down prescription drugs, leading to serious side effects including high blood pressure and insomnia.
Diet is essential for people living with MS, particularly those taking medication. A diet low in red meat and dairy can help prevent flare-ups while eating foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce symptoms. Incorporating regular exercise and meditation sessions can further boost immune systems while improving mental alertness.
Hawthorn plant
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) has long been used in traditional botanical medicine worldwide. Its berries and leaves offer multiple health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, improving circulation and heart health as well as being popular ingredients in jams and desserts. But it is important to be aware of potential side effects and contraindications when using hawthorn products.
Hawthorn plant berries contain flavonoids, known to protect against several diseases and enhance cardiovascular function. High in antioxidants, hawthorn berries have also been known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce oxidative stress levels and support cell health as well as ease digestive issues while increasing energy levels.
These plants have long been utilized as herbal medicines for treating ailments ranging from digestive distress and heart disease, to hypertension. Over the past 15-20 years, however, modern research has expanded upon and clarified these applications.
While hawthorn’s medicinal properties are typically associated with its berries, its leaves and flowers also offer many healthful properties. As these substances contain more flavonoids than its fruits, most preparations made today consist of leaves and flowers rather than their fruit counterparts. One study conducted by researchers demonstrated that extracts made of hawthorn leaves and flowers through ethanolic extraction proved effective at lowering levels of triglycerides while simultaneously improving ejection fractions; furthermore they inhibited production of thromboxane B2 and 12-Hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid which cause inflammation.
Hawthorn plant leaves contain many beneficial compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, that have an impactful positive effect on heart health. Furthermore, their leaves provide an abundant supply of Vitamin A and C – essential vitamins for good health in older individuals; additionally phenolic acids found within hawthorns help lower cancer risks as well.
Hawthorn trees are hardy, deciduous trees that grow throughout North America and Europe, often boasting dense canopies with attractive bark. Easy to maintain, Hawthorns require little care when planted either fall or spring for maximum sun exposure and stress-free growth.
Physiotherapy
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients can find relief in non-drug treatments like physical therapy, exercise, and massage to ease symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Such therapies may improve strength, balance, mobility, fatigue levels and sleep patterns while decreasing pain – key aspects for people living with MS. Furthermore, massage has also proven useful in relieving stress levels significantly – another crucial element.
A physiotherapist will evaluate your condition and recommend treatments to manage its symptoms. They’ll consider factors like what kind of MS you have, its progression and current level of activity; then design an individual plan tailored specifically to you that includes exercises aimed at improving balance, coordination and strength – maybe even suggesting wearing a brace to support posture if necessary! In addition, techniques may be suggested to ease spasticity, pain relief and fatigue.
A physiotherapy program’s primary purpose is to enhance quality of life for its participants while decreasing disability aid requirements. If you have progressive MS, starting therapy as soon as possible may help slow the disease’s progress and decrease risks of falls; additionally, therapy sessions can assist with managing relapses and postpone need for disability aids.
Physical therapy can also assist in altering lifestyle choices and increasing mobility. Physical therapists can teach strategies to manage fatigue, improve daily activities and discover more independence – as well as provide guidance to deal with depression or anxiety.
Telerehabilitation systems can be an efficient way of providing rehabilitation services for individuals living with MS. Telerehab allows patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their own home while being monitored by their therapist who can make necessary adjustments. Telerehab also serves to address gaps in service delivery in rural areas through doctors, hospitals, and community organizations collaborating together on service provision.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an alternative approach to multiple sclerosis treatment that utilizes changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that exacerbate symptoms, while at the same time alleviating depression and anxiety in those affected by MS. CBT sessions may take place either individually or as group therapy, often being provided by psychologists or psychotherapists for support and therapy purposes.
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom for those living with MS, and can have a severe impact on quality of life. It has many causes, including neurological changes, sleep difficulties, stress and depression or medication; although amantadine may help in some instances; other treatments include special fatigue management courses or therapy like CBT.
CBT is a proven, evidence-based psychological therapy that addresses the relationship between your thoughts, emotions and actions. This therapy has an impressive track record and is used to treat many mental health conditions – with particular success treating depression which is an integral component in MS disease progression and worsening symptoms.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for MS patients suffering from depression. CBT can be delivered remotely, increasing accessibility and eliminating barriers to care. An international team of researchers recently published in Lancet Digital Health an account of an accessible cognitive behavioral therapy program for MS patients diagnosed with depression.
This study randomly assigned 24 patients either to an online version of Beating the Blues program or treatment as usual (TAU), where participants completed it at home over 8 sessions of two hours each. Researchers observed improvements in MS-related quality of life as well as reduced fatigue.
Studies on both pharmacologic and lifestyle/behavioral interventions to treat sleep disturbances among people living with MS have been inconsistent; differing interventions, doses, outcomes measured, training/expertise of therapists involved and samples included makes interpreting data difficult.
