Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that damages the myelin sheaths of neurons located in the central nervous system. The name "sclerosis" refers to the associated scars visible in the brain and spinal cord.
It occurs most frequently between the ages of 20 and 50 and is twice as common in women than in men.
Multiple sclerosis can occur in isolation (relapsing) or worsen over time (progressive).
Symptoms may disappear completely between attacks, but the neurological lesions are definitive.
The causes of multiple sclerosis are not certain and it is likely that it is an autoimmune disease (evident from the activation of T cells) or caused by the malfunction of the myelin-producing cells.
The predisposing factors for MS are genetic and environmental (eg a "viral infection).
Diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical signs, symptoms and laboratory tests.
There is no definitive cure. Available treatments improve recovery after attacks and facilitate prevention.
Drugs can have very important side effects, while motor therapy tends to preserve functional capacity.
Life expectancy in multiple sclerosis patients is 5-10 years lower than in the healthy population.
In 2013, around 2.3 million people were affected by MS and 20,000 died compared to 12,000 in 1990 (statistics suggest a significant increase in diagnosed cases).
Diet
Diet appears to be partially involved in the onset of multiple sclerosis.
Evidence on the relationship between MS and nutrition varies according to the nutrient under consideration; sometimes they are scarce and unconvincing, while in others they seem more evident and objective.
Since the evidence to support nutritional treatments continues to be weak, the diet can be considered an alternative or at best complementary therapy system.
Today, more than 50% of people with multiple sclerosis also rely on alternative medicine (although the percentage varies depending on the method of classification of the protocols).
Of the many solutions, dietary supplementation, certain dietary regimens, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, self-infection with ankylosomes, reflexology, yoga and acupuncture are the most accredited.
As far as the "dietetic field is concerned, the following are most used:
- Supplement with vitamin D (calciferol).
- Supplement with antioxidants.
- Supplement with essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
