People who practice alternative, unconventional, natural, or holistic
medicine view
multiple sclerosis (MS) as a complex disease with
several different causes. They believe that making changes in diet,
environment, and lifestyle can ease the symptoms of MS and possibly even
reverse the course of the disease. However, medical research has been unable to show that alternative or nonmedical treatments influence the course of the disease. These treatments are not recommended.
People who practice alternative medicine believe one or more of the
following factors may increase the risk of having an attack of MS:
- Dietary deficiencies
- Sensitivity to
foods and environmental toxins (including mercury amalgam in dental
work)
- Sensitivity to stress and trauma
- Viral infection
while at a young age that causes a permanent, partial breakdown in the immune
system
Discuss your treatment options with your doctor before trying any type of unconventional treatment for MS. You can also
get reliable advice from an MS treatment center or the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society.
