Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects an estimated 350,000 Americans. Symptoms can range from fatigue, weakness visual problems to paralysis. According to a new study published last Thursday in Cell Reports, research suggests a diet that mimics the effects of fasting may reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Researchers discovered that a fasting-mimicking diet triggers the killing of autoimmune cells by the production of cortisone. As a result, this leads to the production of healthy new cells.

This new study included mice and human patients who have multiple sclerosis. For the first part of the study, results demonstrated that the fasting-mimicking diet reduced disease symptoms in all mice with all autoimmune disease with a complete recovery in 20% of the mice. As a result, increased levels of corticosterone, a reduction in the inflammatory cytokines, improvements in T cells as well regeneration of the myelin were seen.

Furthermore, researchers also checked the safety and efficacy of the diet on people who have multiple sclerosis through a pilot study including 60 participants with MS. Eighteen patients were put on the fasting-mimicking diet for a seven day cycle and then on a Mediterranean diet for the following six months. In addition, twelve patients were on a controlled diet, and the remaining 18 participants were instructed to follow a ketogenic diet.

Those who followed a fasting mimicking diet cycle followed by the Mediterranean diet and those on a ketogenic diet noted improvements in their quality of life and improvements in their overall health.

The results of this study look optimistic as part of an effective treatment for those suffering from MS and other autoimmune disorders.

I also shared last week several key nutrients such as curcumin, n-acetyl-glucosamine, and ParActin that have the synergistic ability to modulate cytokine and chemokine production as well as balance Th-1 and Th-2 responses.

In addition, as with all autoimmune disorders it is important to optimize vitamin D and address intestinal barrier dysfunction. There was a study published in September 2014 in Plos One in which researchers published new research findings on the role of the intestinal barrier in the autoimmune disease MS. The researchers stated, “they believe that future drugs to treat MS should not only focus on the central nervous system, but also on repairing and restoring the intestinal barrier. They hope for the development of a better treatment that looks at the intestinal barrier as a new therapeutic target.”

Dietary approaches provide the most effective means to returning balance and dysfunction with the gastrointestinal system. Patients may need antimicrobials, botanicals, enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, and glutamine to optimize the gastrointestinal environment. Integrative health care practitioners can offer hope to these patients. Diagnostic considerations include a comprehensive digestive stool analysis, organic acid testing, food antibody testing, as well as gluten sensitivity testing or elimination of gluten from the diet.

Vitamin D also plays a significant role in autoimmunity. Research has demonstrated that the highest levels of inflammatory inhibition occurs at 50 ng/ml. Optimal vitamin D levels are typically achieved anywhere from 4000 – 10,000 IU daily.

By Michael Jurgelewicz, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, CNS

Source: In Young Choi et al. A Diet Mimicking Fasting Promotes Regeneration and Reduces Autoimmunity and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms. Cell Reports, May 2016 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.009

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