When I decided against HSCT treatment, I was still very open-minded about exploring other protocols to help me halt MS and relieve symptoms that make everyday life difficult.
I am a great believer that when things serendipitously cross your path, it is a sign that you need to listen up!
Below I highlight those that I have tried and found to be useful!
THE ANN BORACH CANDIDA PROTOCOL
A protocol that has helped me on my MS journey comes from a naturopath, who has since sadly passed. While pursuing the Coimbra Vitamin D Protocol, a Facebook group led me to the discovery of ‘The Ann Borach Candida protocol’. I had heard of Candida but did not know much about it. I ignorantly believed it to be a sexually transmitted disease. My confusion stemmed from the fact that it is a yeast infection common in many women, which affects the vagina, although not a sexually transmitted disease.
Candida lives in small amounts in peoples mouths, intestines, and on their skin. At normal levels, the fungus is not problematic. However, when Candida begins to grow uncontrollably, it can cause an infection known as Candidiasis. The symptoms are unpleasant and can increase over time if they are left unchecked.
CANDIDA IS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Candida is the most common cause of fungal infections in humans. It is particularly destructive in those people who have compromised immune systems.
Candida is the most common cause of fungal infections in humans. It is particularly destructive in those people who have compromised immune systems.
Personally, it was a revelation reading the book and consequently embarking on the protocol. The first three months were not easy, but the improvements in my health soon began to manifest. Fatigue decreased, and I found I had more energy. I could stand up for more extended periods without having to sit down. My walking was more confident, and my balance noticeably better!
I am a massive advocate of this protocol and still follow the basic tenets of this diet today. I have developed a personal version of the diet that works with both the Keto diet with the Coimbra Protocol diet. Please do yourself a favor and take the time to read this book and especially, read the section explaining how Ann Borach cured herself of MS in four years.
OTHER PROTOCOLS: BIOTIN FOR PROGRESSIVE MS
When looking at other protocols, biotin is a very popular choice for people with MS, and it has solid science behind it. Many people have enjoyed improvements in their symptoms since adopting this protocol. Also known as Vitamin B7 or vitamin H, it is inexpensive and easy to take. A French study published in 2015 concluded that it is an effective therapy for progressive MS patients. I have added this to my daily regimen and enjoyed very positive results.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that the immune system attacks the central nervous system. Please see: What is MS. The results of this means that numerous symptoms begin to manifest, and loss of Mobility is in varying forms is common. These include fatigue, loss of bladder function, brain fog, and loss of cognitive function. Biotin for progressive MS has shown to mitigate these symptoms and offer relief to many people with MS.
OTHER PROTOCOLS: THE IMPORTANCE OF B VITAMINS
B vitamins are present in a variety of foods that we consume daily. These include nuts, egg yolks, Swiss chard, and other green vegetables as well as liver. Rich sources of vitamin D are Sardines and nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts) as well as cauliflower, bananas, and mushrooms. A more recognized form of B is brewers yeast.
Vitamin B-7 or vitamin H are other names for biotin. It forms one of the B vitamins that we need for optimal body function on a day-to-day basis. That said, the FDA’s recommended dose daily is only 30MCG’s per day.
The nerve cell metabolism in people with MS works better with higher doses of biotin. Myelin is the substance that covers and protects the nerve cells. Biotin works by activating key enzymes, which helps the body to produce more myelin.
Healthy levels of myelin allow nerve cells to communicate with each other more efficiently. Improvement in the communication between the nerve cells may reduce the level of disability in people with MS and also help protect against further damage. A new study confirmed that high doses of biotin, can reduce symptoms in people with progressive MS. Additionally people who took these high doses of biotin did not develop any significant adverse reactions. The study is here. Eyesight also improved in some patients.
OTHER PROTOCOLS: HOW BIOTIN HELPS MS
look at an excellent article on the mechanism of how biotin can help MS here. This study discusses the possibility that MS lesions may begin with a deficit of energy metabolism in neutrons and their Mitochondria (the energy powerhouses of cells, which we have discussed before). It highlights how mitochondria may play a key role in various stages of the disease.
Earlier observations thought that white blood cells (called lymphocytes) were responsible for attacking the body’s tissue. As a result, inflammation was responsible for the demyelination of the protective sheath surrounding the neurons or nerve cells.
LYMPHOCYTES AND MS
The presence of lymphocytes usually accompanies the onset of MS. However, in some cases, early demyelination takes place in their absence. Hypoxia or lack of oxygen causes this.
This new understanding points to the fact that high dose Biotin can stabilize and even reverse symptoms of progressive MS. Restoring energy metabolism and myelin in atrophied neutrons offers Neuro-protective properties.
A newer study from October 2018 presented at the 34th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, held October 10-12, 2018, in Berlin, Germany, showed positive results.
This study showed that 300 mg/day, a highly concentrated oral biotin formulation, is sufficient to reduce disability and improve walking ability in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
To sum up: In terms of other protocols, biotin is an easy one to add to your arsenal. I have found that biotin seems to give me more energy, and I do think it helps to improve my ability to walk. It also has a positive effect on bladder issues and reduces the urgency to use the bathroom.
Please join this Facebook group for further information:
COIMBRA PROTOCOL
If you have not yet checked out the Coimbra high dose vitamin D protocol, have a look. It has successfully stopped disease progression in 95% of autoimmune and MS cases. It is inexpensive and easy to follow.