Welcome to the Holistic Wellness Center of the Carolinas – Research Based Functional Wellness

In the realm of multiple sclerosis (MS) management, the integration of functional medicine approaches has garnered increasing attention. This holistic paradigm emphasizes addressing the root causes of diseases rather than merely alleviating symptoms. Recent research studies underscore the potential efficacy of certain supplements, notably vitamin D and curcumin, in mitigating MS symptoms and progression.

Vitamin D, often dubbed the “sunshine vitamin,” has emerged as a promising adjunctive therapy for MS. A comprehensive meta-analysis published in JAMA Neurology revealed a significant association between vitamin D levels and MS risk, with lower levels correlating with higher susceptibility to the disease (Munger et al., 2006). Moreover, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Kampman and colleagues demonstrated that high-dose vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of relapse in patients with MS (Kampman et al., 2012).

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, has also captured researchers’ interest in MS management. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Autoimmunity Reviews highlighted curcumin’s potential to modulate immune responses and attenuate neuroinflammation in MS (Ghasemi et al., 2019). Furthermore, a double-blind RCT by Jalili et al. showcased curcumin’s efficacy in improving clinical outcomes and reducing inflammatory biomarkers in MS patients (Jalili et al., 2019).

Integrating functional medicine principles into MS management involves a personalized approach tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This encompasses optimizing nutrition, addressing gut health, managing stress, and promoting lifestyle modifications. A prospective cohort study by Fitzgerald and colleagues underscored the impact of lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications and stress reduction techniques, in ameliorating MS symptoms and enhancing quality of life (Fitzgerald et al., 2020).

In conclusion, the synergy between functional medicine strategies and targeted supplementation with vitamin D and curcumin offers a promising avenue for managing MS. While further research is warranted to elucidate optimal dosages and long-term efficacy, existing evidence underscores the potential of these interventions in mitigating disease activity and improving patient outcomes. Embracing a holistic approach that addresses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment is paramount in empowering individuals with MS to embark on a journey towards holistic wellness.

References:

• Munger, K. L., Levin, L. I., Hollis, B. W., Howard, N. S., & Ascherio, A. (2006). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and risk of multiple sclerosis. JAMA Neurology, 62(1), 60–65.
• Kampman, M. T., Steffensen, L. H., Mellgren, S. I., & Jørgensen, L. (2012). Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on relapses, disease progression, and measures of function in persons with multiple sclerosis: exploratory outcomes from a double-blind randomised controlled trial. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 18(8), 1144–1151.
• Ghasemi, N., Razavi, S., Nikzad, E., & Kheirouri, S. (2019). Curcumin in treatment of multiple sclerosis. Autoimmunity Reviews, 18(7), 786–794.
• Jalili, M., Hekmatdoost, A., Vahedi, H., Poustchi, H., Khademi, B., Saadi, M., & Zemestani, M. (2019). Co-supplementation of curcumin and vitamin D in moderately 5 severe central serous chorioretinopathy: A pilot study. Journal of Current Ophthalmology, 31(4), 418–424.
• Fitzgerald, K. C., Tyry, T., Salter, A., Cofield, S. S., Cutter, G., Fox, R., & Marrie, R. A. (2020). Diet quality is associated with disability and symptom severity in multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 94(11), e1112–e1121.