Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases that affect the central nervous system. Impacting more than 2.3 million people around the world, multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects muscle control, balance, vision, and basic bodily functions. Multiple sclerosis means “many scars,” and this term relates to the areas on the brain or spinal cord when myelin, which covers nerves and tissues, is damaged.

About World Multiple Sclerosis Day

World MS Day intends to bring global awareness via campaigning, events, and personal stories about living with the condition. Due to the fact that there is no cure for the condition, World MS Day activities and events aim to fundraise to support scientific research for a potential cure or treatment options. As with most conditions, funding is necessary for research and education.

MS and Natural Remedies

More and more people with MS have explored natural and alternative remedies to help relieve MS symptoms. Some people experiment with herbs, vitamins, and supplements, while others explore dietary changes to help improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no clinical evidence that suggests that these supplements or dietary changes are better than current treatment options for MS. That being said, many anecdotal reports claim that the following remedies can reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

A Quick Note: Before sinking your life savings into new alternative remedies, consult with your doctor to ensure that it is safe for you to try them. Caution is always necessary because a supplement, herb, or dietary change can possibly result in complications.

Discuss Vitamin D With Your Doctor

Research suggests that low levels of vitamin D in people with MS can lead to increased disability. Additionally, low blood levels of vitamin D increase a person’s risk of developing MS. According to Vijayshree Yadav, MD, associate professor of neurology and MS researchers at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, vitamin D is more important than any other supplement, especially for people with MS. She regularly assesses vitamin D levels in the blood of the MS patients and recommends a high-range supplement. Vitamin D supplementation is generally safe, but consult your doctor if you have concerns.

Consider Melatonin Supplementation

Many people use melatonin as a supplement to establish a healthier sleep cycle. It is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. One theory suggests that MS is linked to pineal gland dysfunction and below average levels of melatonin. This can disrupt the immune system, so some health experts propose that melatonin supplementation may protect MS relapses.

Ginkgo Biloba

Made from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, ginkgo biloba helps to improve brain function and memory. To this day, no clinical studies have proven ginkgo biloba’s effectiveness on treating memory in people with MS. While it may not be beneficial for memory, one study found that it was beneficial for fatigue. The study examined two groups of people with MS. One group took 240 milligrams of ginkgo biloba per day over a four-week period, while the other group took a placebo. The group that took the ginkgo biloba reported reduced fatigue symptoms.

There is limited evidence to support these treatments for MS. The best thing that you can do is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet that provides the body with essential nutrients. Additionally, be careful about taking supplements because some can be harmful when taken in excess. Finally, discuss treatment options with your doctor before experimenting with alternative treatments for MS.

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The idea that people can only find brain-boosting and depression-fighting compounds in meat or animal products is absurd. If you suffer from a neurological mental health disorder, there are many plant-based foods that contain amazing depression-fighting and stress-relieving properties. You can find three depression-fighting compounds, which people think are only found in meat, and how to get them into your system below.

Essential Item #1: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Numerous studies have found that omega-3s are essential for a healthy functioning brain and body. These healthy fatty acids help to lower cholesterol, decrease inflammation in the body, and help alleviate ailments such as arthritis and asthma. They are also essential for fighting the debilitating effects of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s, as well as fighting to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and tumors. They are also a key weapon in the fight against depression.

Most websites will tell you that the best omega-3 sources are fish, cod liver, or other fish products. Flaxseeds are high in omega-3s, but the omega-3s can be difficult to absorb because the body usually passes them before it can break them down. You could grind them, though. We also recommend eating chia seeds, hemp seeds, winter squash, beans, berries, or vegetables in the cabbage family. Some of the best vegan sources of long-chain fatty acids are plants from the sea, notably sea vegetables like seaweed and micro-algae. Sea vegetables contain less fat than most land vegetables and provide a significant source of meat-free omega-3s.

Essential Item #2: Probiotics

Your gut has plays a large role when it comes to your mental health. In fact, research suggests that 80-90% of serotonin—the neurotransmitter that helps to boost your mood in a happier direction—is manufactured within the stomach. Keeping your gut healthy is a fantastic step toward fighting depression, which is why some psychologists prescribe probiotics to their patients. While there are vegan probiotic supplements, there are many vegan sources of natural probiotics. Building good gut bacteria without meat is pretty easy when you regularly consume fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.

Essential Item #3: Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 helps to keep your energy levels up by supporting the transportation of oxygen throughout the whole body. Additionally, it activates several processes that keep the nervous system functioning within your brain and along your spinal cord, reducing your risk of depression. A study mentioned in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that nearly 30% of all women over the age of 65 were deficient in B-12, suggesting that a quarter of all cases of depression could be solved by Vitamin B-12 supplementation.

Unfortunately, B-12 is only available in animal products including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy, so the only way to get this essential ingredient is through fortified cereals or other non-dairy milk. When you opt to consume B-12 fortified foods, you are getting an essential nutrient without participating in the terrible, terrible world that is our animal farming industry.

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