Just as each of us have our own unique experiences with MS symptoms, we also have unique natural remedies that can help us fight off and reduce our symptom outbreaks. This extensive list of my top ten natural remedies to manage Multiple Sclerosis will combat a wide array of symptoms, so read more and let us know which one works best for you.
1. Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements are great for those of us who don’t necessarily like the taste of fish but want to reap the anti-inflammatory benefits of the omega-3s. Taking one dose per day is enough to keep inflammation at bay and reduce your symptoms, and you won’t have to worry about learning how to cook salmon steak.
2. Yerba Mate
One serving of yerba mate tea is chock full of your daily dose of B Vitamins, including B-12 which is especially important for those MS patients suffering from fatigue, memory loss, or other cognitive symptoms.
Yerba mate is also a natural antioxidant. As soon as you start drinking your mate, it will immediately start clearing the toxins out of your system. This will boost your immune system as well as your metabolism, which will set you up for a great day by reducing your symptoms and giving you a healthy boost of energy.
3. Acidophilus
These probiotics can be blended in fruit smoothies, mixed into your morning oatmeal, or taken in pill form. No matter how you take them, they will start working immediately to regulate your bowels and reduce any gastrointestinal symptoms you may be experiencing.
For women with MS, acidophilus can also reduce your risk of urinary tract and yeast infections. Taking acidophilus every day will also add strength to your immune system by reducing stress on your intestines, your bowels, and your bladder.
4. Ginkgo Biloba
Not only is ginkgo biloba great for helping with memory, it can also reduce fatigue and mental fogginess that can come from MS or any medications you are taking to combat your MS. And if you’re suffering cognitive symptoms, taking a small dose of ginkgo every day can improve your cognitive function when combined with your regular mental tests and activities.
Be aware that ginkgo biloba tends to thin your blood, which can have negative consequences when combined with certain medications. Talk with your doctor before adding ginkgo biloba to your natural routine.
5. Vitamin D
A lot of MS relapses are caused by a Vitamin D deficiency, which can easily be counteracted by adding supplements to your health routine. Have your vitamin levels tested regularly – I recommend 4 times a year – to make sure you are at a healthy level.
Should your Vitamin D levels drop, taking vitamin D supplements for a short period of time can reduce your relapses and your symptoms and return your levels to normal. Taking Vitamin D regularly can counteract your prescribed medications, so talk with your doctor about what amount is right for you add Vitamin D to your routine.
6. Chamomile Tea
A warm cup of chamomile tea before bed can reduce anxiety as well as any intestinal discomforts, including upset stomachs and diarrhea. If you suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms, a cup of chamomile tea can reduce your outbreaks and give you a full night’s rest. And the natural antioxidant components of chamomile will keep your body clear of toxins that can cause relapses.
7. Ginger
The delicious flavor of this root will not only sweeten up any recipe, it will also reduce your inflammation and joint pain caused by MS. It is a natural anti-inflammatory that also works to rebuild damaged nerves and reduce further damage, making it easier for you to live symptom free. You can choose to take supplements of ginger or simply start adding it to your daily meals in order to give your dinner another dimension of flavor.
Try out of my recipe for Baked Sweet Potatoes with Ginger and note how ginger reduces your swelling, numbness, and muscle pain, especially after a workout.
8. Magnesium
Deficiencies in this mineral could be the cause of your MS numbness, and taking supplements daily can reduce the numbness, tingling, and pain caused by MS. Current tests have shown that magnesium supplements can also slow down the progression of neurological diseases like MS by helping to strengthen and rebuild nerve endings.
Keep in mind that magnesium deficiencies are caused by increased intakes of salt, caffeine, and phosphoric acid, which is found in most sodas and other carbonated drinks. Steer clear of coffee and soda in order to reduce your numbness, and ask your doctor about magnesium supplements in order to bring your levels back up to normal.
9. Turmeric
This spice is responsible for the yellow color of curry, but it also works to reduce inflammation and clear toxins from the body. For those with MS, turmeric can alleviate all kinds of MS symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory nature, but if your body does not like spicy things, you may want to steer clear of the spice or use it sparingly.
When mixed with ginger, the two work together to repair damaged nerves. In fact, turmeric can be combined with many herbs to reduce symptoms.
10. Zinc
If your MS causes vision problems or pain and discomfort in your eyes, adding zinc supplements to your health routine can help reduce those symptoms. Our bodies only need a small amount of zinc to improve eyesight and fight off neurological degeneration, so check with your doctor to find the right amount for you.