What are some promising new treatments for multiple sclerosis?

What are alternative treatments for multiple sclerosis?

• Answer:

  Bee venom has been suggested as a treatment for MS, but no studies or objective reports support this claim. In British studies, marijuana has been shown to have variable effects on the symptoms of MS. Improvements have been documented for tremor, pain,and spasticity, and worsening for posture and balance. Side effects have includedweakness, dizziness,relaxation, and incoordination, as well as euphoria. As a result, marijuana is not recommended as an alternative treatment. Some studies support the value of high doses of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements for controlling disease progression or improving symptoms. Alpha-linoleic and linoleic acids, as well as selenium and vitamin E, have shown effectiveness in the treatment of MS. The selenium and vitamin E act as antioxidants. In addition, the Swank diet (low in saturated fats), maintained over a long period of time, may retard the disease process. Removal of mercury fillings has been touted as a possible cure, but is of no proven benefit. Studies have also shown that t'ai chi can be an effective therapy for MS because it works to improve balance and increase strength. There are conflicting views about Echinacea and its benefit to MS. Some medicine books recommend Echinacea for people with MS. However, Echinacea appears to stimulate different parts of the immune system, particularly immune cells known as macrophages.In MS these cells are very active already and further stimulation could worsen the disease. Source: The Gale Group. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed.";