Sunlight, Vitamin D, MS Prevention

Australia with its picturesque outdoors may have just also provided a benefit by decreasing rates of multiple sclerosis (MS). At least that is what research from the Australian National University is saying.

The Ausimmune Study organized by Associate Professor Robyn Lucas from ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, along with researchers spanning Australia. They had discovered people who are outside in the sun more and those with high levels of Vitamin D, may be at less risk to develop MS.

MS an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and has puzzled researchers who are still searching for its cause and cure. This study is published in today's issue of Neurology, a medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, took a step closer to the comprehension of risk factors that could lead to MS.

Professor Lucas stated many people who experience initial symptoms of the kind that occur in MS also called "first event" end up developing the disease. The study had discovered that the risk of having initial symptoms was lower in people with higher sun exposure over their entire life along with the months after the onset of initial symptoms, in comparison to those unaffected people of same age and sex and lived in the same Australia area.

People who had the highest levels of vitamin D had less risk for a diagnosis of initial symptoms in comparison to those with lower levels.

This is the first study to investigate sun exposure and Vitamin D status in people who had initial symptoms like those found in MS.

Previous studies had observed those who already had the disease. Dr. Lucas stated that it had made it hard to determine whether having the disease had caused them to alter their habits in sun or diet.

Professor Lucas notes the study had demonstrated for the first time within a human populace, that the results from sun exposure and Vitamin D act solely on their own and with each one providing benefits in lowering the risk for initial symptoms.

Dr. Lucas final notation is that more research should assess both sun exposure and Vitamin D to prevent MS.

There are alternative treatments in which can help those with MS, some included:

Chiropractic

Numerous musculoskeletal symptoms can be managed with chiropractic care. In a survey conducted in March 2009 among patients with MS using alternative treatments, those who opted for chiropractic care had stated they use chiropractic to manage their symptoms and would recommend chiropractic care to others who endure MS.

Montel Williams advocate for chiropractic care who also suffers from MS. Stated he had pain around the clock constantly, after receiving upper cervical chiropractic care had stated his pain was decreased, walking ability had improved, regained strength in leg and they are now both level in length. His pelvis which was previously tilted is now back. He is not stating it will work for all of those who endure the disease but it helped him greatly so it is worth the effort to seek chiropractic care.

The aim of chiropractic care is to decrease pressure on the nerves so the body can function normally.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatments have helped some patients with MS. It has given relief for some of its symptoms such as muscle spasms, bladder control issues and pain. Large studies have shown benefits for the use of acupuncture treatments for the relief of MS symptoms.

Massage Therapy

Many people who endure MS have regular massage treatments. These treatments aide in relaxation, decrease stress and depression. However, if you have osteoporosis check with your health practitioner first.

Sources:

Publications Medical Health

Medical News Today

Chiropractic Resources

Montel Williams Testimonial

Web MD