Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gary_P_Owen]Gary P Owen
It has long been thought that there is a link between deficiency of vitamin D and multiple sclerosis since the farther people live from the equator the more the incidences of MS rise. For those that live in northern regions it is common to have a vitamin D deficiency in the winter months, since the sun is a major source of our vitamin D. It is also interesting to note that MS relapses most often occur in the spring when Vitamin D levels are at their lowest.
An important nutrient, there are many reasons why we need vitamin D and multiple sclerosis is only one of them. Vitamin D deficiency has been blamed for osteoporosis, which is also very common in people with MS. In a study done on women with this disease, bone density and vitamin D levels were much lower than in those that were healthy, in addition 40% of these participants said they received little or no exposure to sunlight.
Other studies have showed that vitamin D and multiple sclerosis symptoms were directed related, if vitamin D levels were low, symptoms were more severe than those that had adequate levels of vitamin D. This leads researchers to believe the vitamin can help the immune system and mitigate the damage of MS. Vitamin D increase lymphocytes and reduces proinflammatory cytokines causing a reduction in autoimmune activity and inflammation.
Long term studies are currently underway for vitamin D and multiple sclerosis, already short term small studies have shown that people that take a combination of vitamin D, calcium, fish oil and magnesium show a reduction in relapses. Studies that have been conducted also show that Vitamin D may help in the prevention of MS although researches cannot yet say if increasing vitamin D supplementation will help prevent MS although it stands to reason that this may be the case.
Vitamin D is present in only a few foods such as eggs, liver and fatty fish and is added to other foods such as milk, cereals, and juice. Sun is the best source of vitamin D with 15 minutes a day of sun being plenty, but if you are unable to get enough sun you may want to consider supplementing.
I have benefited greatly from a book which has examined the link between what we eat and multiple sclerosis. If you would like to know what foods are attacking your body, what supplements you must take and how to create the energy that you need, then this book is a must read. [http://www.fighting-ms.info]Reverse Multiple Sclerosis
You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by having a look. [http://www.fighting-ms.info]Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis
I am not a doctor nor am I qualified in medicine in any way. These are things that have worked for me in controlling my MS. Before undertaking any diet or fitness regime you should always consult your physician first.
Thanks for reading
Gary P Owen.
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