Alternative Therapies

Given that there is no cure for MS, there is no shortage of alternative approaches to the management of the disease.  Alternative therapies generally refer to non-establishment, non-traditional, and often non-medical treatments:  many of which are recommended without rigorous scientific testing and by paramedical personnel or zealous amateurs.

While some of the alternative approaches may do little harm and some even are beneficial, there is a need for people with MS to be cautious and discerning about claims that MS can be modified or cured.  Some of the more bizarre therapies are expensive, or even dangerous and hope "born of desperation" should not overwhelm common sense.  Many new treatments and "cures" are hyped in the media and press, and this source should never be considered reliable or responsible. Before considering any alternative therapy you are encouraged to make an objective assessment of claims and include information from your local MS Society and medical advisors.

The following are a small selection of commonly recommended alternative therapies:

Supplements and Vitamins

Adequate intake of vitamins is advised in all patients with MS, but there appears no scientific proof that supplementary doses of vitamins, or megavitamin therapy, alone or in combination, favourably affect the course of the disease.

Fatty Acids

Several clinical trials have shown that dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g. evening primrose oil) and fatty acids of fish oil appears to exert a modest effect in slowing progression and reducing the severity and duration of MS exacerbations without affecting their frequency.

Diets

There is no credible evidence that MS is due to poor diet or dietary deficiencies.  A balanced diet incorporating low-fat and high-fibre is recommended for most people and should be part of the general management of the disease for people with MS.  Within this framework, diets such as Swank's low-fat diet and the Kousmine diet are acceptable particularly as the possibility of a partial or incomplete effect has not been excluded.  Other diets such as Allergen-free diet; Gluten-free diet; Raw food, Evers diet; McDougal diet; Protein- and Fructose restricted diet; Cambridge and other liquid diets; Sucrose and Tobacco-free diets have not been substantiated as having any effect on the course of MS although their proponents cite much personal and individual anecdotal evidence. Many of these diets (and consultations) are expensive.  They can alter the normal nutritional balance and may prove unsafe and hazardous to health without medical and professional supervision.

Replacement of Dental Mercury Restorations (fillings)

The removal of amalgam restorations (which are composed of silver and mercury) from teeth is based on the unsubstantiated claim that MS results from mercury poisoning and that leakage from amalgam restorations damages the immune system.  There is no evidence to suggest that removal of amalgam is of any value in MS.

Acupuncture

There is no evidence to suggest that acupuncture has an effect on the disease process or symptom management.  However, acupuncture may serve a purpose for the relief of pain and muscle spasm.

Yoga & Meditation

Exercise and relaxation can be a valuable and enjoyable therapy for people with MS.  Yoga and meditation can improve the quality of life for people with MS, producing better social and physical functioning.  There are many organisations which run courses specially for people with physical disabilities.  Contact your local MS Society for appropriate recommendations and referrals.

Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO)

The breathing of oxygen under increased pressure in a specially constructed chamber hoping to arrest the course of MS and improve symptoms became popular in the 1980's.  Separate trials carried out in USA, UK, Canada, and the Netherlands were unanimous that HBO has no effect on any objective parameter of the disease process.