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

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It is a disease that causes inflammation, demyelination, and scarring in the brain and spinal cord. MS is a complex disease with no known cure, and its symptoms can vary from person to person. Traditional medicine treats the symptoms of MS but fails to address the root cause of the disease. In this article, we will explore functional medicine approaches to addressing the root cause of multiple sclerosis.

Functional Medicine:

Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that aims to address the underlying cause of a disease rather than just treating the symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners take a holistic approach to treatment, examining the patient’s lifestyle, environment, and genetics. By identifying the root cause of a disease, functional medicine practitioners can create personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient.

Multiple Sclerosis and Root Causes:

MS is a complex disease with many potential root causes. In some cases, MS is caused by genetics. In others, environmental factors like exposure to toxins or infections can trigger the disease. Additionally, lifestyle factors like diet and stress can also play a role in the development of MS. Functional medicine practitioners aim to identify and address all of these potential root causes to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Diet:

Diet plays a significant role in the development of MS. Functional medicine practitioners often recommend a diet that is high in whole foods and low in processed foods. They may also recommend an anti-inflammatory diet that avoids foods that can trigger inflammation, such as sugar and processed foods. Research has shown that a Gluten and Dairy free diet, also which is high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of MS.

Stress:

Stress is a significant contributor to the development of MS. When the body is under stress, it produces cortisol, a hormone that can trigger inflammation. Functional medicine practitioners often recommend stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to help patients manage their stress levels.

Toxins:

Toxins in the environment can also contribute to the development of MS. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend that patients avoid exposure to toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents. They may also recommend detoxification techniques like sauna therapy (especially full spectrum infrared since it is not too hot) , which can help to remove toxins from the body.

Infections:

Infections can also trigger MS.  They may also recommend supplements like vitamin D and probiotics, which can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infections. The question is not the infection itself but why cant the patient prevent or manage the infection in the first place?

Genetics:

Genetics play a significant role in the development of MS. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend genetic testing to identify potential genetic factors that may contribute to the disease. They may also recommend targeted supplements and treatments based on a patient’s unique genetic profile.

Conclusion:

Functional medicine provides a comprehensive approach to treating MS by identifying and addressing the root causes of the disease. By taking a holistic approach to treatment, functional medicine practitioners can create personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient. By focusing on diet, stress, toxins, infections, and genetics, functional medicine can help to improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with MS, consider working with a functional medicine practitioner to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the disease.