Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Chronic Illness – Genetics, Environment, or Both?

The number of multiple sclerosis patients is increasing steadily. It has become commonplace to personally know more than one person suffering with this disease.

What causes Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? What makes some people more susceptible than others to this disease?

A number of resource sites theorize that along with genetics, there are environmental factors involved in the cause of MS. It makes sense that as environmental toxins increase, so will the number of people with MS. The evidence seems to be building: environmental factors play havoc on the autoimmune system; toxins can trigger and/or worsen MS; and even something as simple as where we live can increase our risk factor for developing MS. Let’s look at three sources that will help explain these current theories.

Genetics and the Environment Work Together to Trigger Multiple Sclerosis

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center:
A combination of environmental and genetic factors likely plays a role in causing MS. A current theory is that the disease occurs in people with a genetic susceptibility who are exposed to some environmental assault (a virus or a toxin) that disrupts the blood-brain barrier. Immune factors converge in the nerve cells, triggering inflammation and an autoimmune attack (a self-attack) on myelin and axons.

Cigarette Smoking and Multiple Sclerosis

A study from The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center sheds light on the dangers of cigarette smoking and MS:

Persons with multiple sclerosis who smoked for a little as six months during their lifetime had more destruction of brain tissue and more brain atrophy than MS patients who never smoked, a study by neuroimaging specialists at the University at Buffalo has shown.

Research published in the Aug. 18, 2009, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, showed that “ever-smokers” had more brain lesions and greater loss of brain volume, as well as higher scores on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), than MS patients who had no history of smoking.

“Cigarette smoking is one of the most compelling environmental risk factors linked to the development and worsening of MS,” said Robert Zivadinov, M.D., Ph.D., UB professor of neurology, director of the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC) where the research was conducted and first author on the study.

Climate, Environmental Factors, and Multiple Sclerosis

Research and observations by UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center show climate, diet, and sunlight may play an important role in MS:

The environmental theory proposes that an environmental factor triggers the symptoms of MS. Support for this theory includes the observation that multiple sclerosis is diagnosed more frequently in temperate than tropical or subtropical climates. A map of the United States shows that the prevalence of MS increases with northern latitude. For example, the prevalence of MS in North Dakota is approximately twice that observed in Florida. The prevalence of MS in northern California is 150 cases per 100,000 individuals.

The relationship between latitude and prevalence of MS is also evident in other countries throughout Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Investigators have explored the possibility that exposure to viral or bacterial infections, environmental toxins, duration of sunlight, changes in temperature and humidity, or diet might in some way produce or aggravate MS. To date, no specific environmental factor has been proven to cause MS.

What Conclusions can We Draw About the Causes and Increase of Multiple Sclerosis?

The research mentioned here, whether in fact or theory, points in the same direction: our environment plays a part in our health. The number of people with multiple sclerosis, lupus, chronic fatigue, autism, and a list of other disabling chronic illnesses and disorders is increasing year by year. It’s not difficult to take that logical step and determine there must be an environmental link contributing to this increase.

To learn more about Multiple Sclerosis you can visit:
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
http://www.nmss.com

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Until next time,

Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance writer,
Acquisitions Editor Intern for 4RV Publishing

http://KarenCioffi.com
http://DKVWriting4U.com
Karen Cioffi Writing for Children and More

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karencioffiventrice

Having never heard of body vibration for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients I was surprised to read that a new study found it doesn’t work, according to an article on MedilinePlus.com of the National Institutes of Health.

Apparently, the technology uses whole-body vibration to “stimulate muscles to become more efficient and to build bone,” and its use has been on the increase as a treatment “for muscle-related diseases such as MS.”

The Belgian study is the first long-term inquiry into whole-body vibration and MS. It investigated the “effect on various measures of muscle capacity in the upper legs, including strength, function, endurance and speed of motion in 11 men and women with mildly to moderately disabling disease.”

The participants exercised on a vibrating platform. There were five sessions every two weeks, and the study lasted for 20 weeks. The participants did a number of leg exercises, such as squats.

A second group of participants just went about their daily routines.

Both groups had basically the same leg weakness prior to beginning the study. After 10, and then 20 weeks of follow-ups, both groups still had the same weakness.

The researchers were surprised at the results; it has been established that regular exercise is beneficial for MS patients. There is much more research that needs to be done in this area.

According to Dr. LaRocca, vice president of health care delivery and policy research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “Exercise is really considered to be very beneficial for people with MS, particularly if they can avoid overheating.” He added that aerobic exercise builds strength, and there is “some evidence suggests that it may improve the immune system in MS patients.”

LaRocca also noted that “his group does not endorse particular technologies.”

As a patient with MS, I know my neurologist, Dr. Brian Apatoff, and my acupuncturist, Henry Zhen-Hong Lee, both stress the importance of regular exercise.

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Source:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_104170.html
(*this news item will not be available after 01/05/2011)

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Until next time,

Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Freelance writer, Reviewer, Acquisitions Editor for 4RV Publishing

http://karencioffi.com
http://dkvwriting4u.com

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Here is an article from Mercola.com about the possible benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid. Please note, I am not endorsing this treatment; I am merely bringing it to your attention. As with all health issues, you must talk to your doctor.

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This Antioxidant Can Smash Insulin Resistance and Autoimmune Disease

I first became aware of the alpha lipoic regimen by Dr. Burt Berkson in the late 90’s. Early on in his career, while an internist, he was given several patients who were expected to die from hepatitis C. His job was more or less to simply baby sit them in the ICU and watch them die.

But Dr. Berkson was a rebel at heart and he simply couldn’t do that. Instead he called an associate at the National Institutes of Health and found out how he could treat them. He learned that alpha lipoic acid had some impressive experimental support.

Remarkably, although these patients were expected to die within a few weeks, they all completely recovered!

However not all went well for Dr. Berkson as he made his superiors look foolish and they simply could not tolerate that so rather than embrace his findings, they actively suppressed the results and made his life miserable for showing them up.

This was a pivotal moment in Dr. Berskson’s career and caused him to make choices that eventually led to where he is at now. Since then, Dr. Berkson has lectured all over the world on this topic, and published a study on the use of antioxidants for the treatment of hepatitis C.

His first book, The Alpha-Lipoic Acid Breakthrough was published in 1998.

As many of you already know, I am not fond of recommending many supplements, but I do believe that antioxidants make sense for many of us.

Why You Need Antioxidants

Your entire body, including your DNA, is under endless, daily assault from a variety of sources, from poor diets to pollution. Think of your cells, including your brain cells, each getting hit by free-radicals thousands of times a day. This violent process is called “oxidation,” which damages your cells.

Enter antioxidants. They include vitamins and other nutrients that target free radicals.

Food, particularly fruits and vegetables, is a powerful source of these valiant protectors, and your body produces some itself.

Their role is to limit the damage to your cells, which can slow down disease and signs of aging.

In the case of alpha lipoic acid, your body does produce it in minute quantities, but most of it comes from your diet. Some of the best natural sources include grass-fed red meat and organ meats.

The Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) has many functions, but it’s one of the most effective free radical scavengers, and the only one known to easily get into your brain.

It also has the ability to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and glutathione. So, when your body has used up these antioxidants, if there’s ALA around, it helps regenerate them.

You may not know this, but glutathione is another very important antioxidant. You can get it from supplements, but the only form that works effectively is the reduced form, which is difficult to absorb when taken orally. It is much more cost effective to supplement with precursors, or items like alpha lipoic acid that regenerates glutathione.

Alpha lipoic acid also recycles coenzyme Q10 and NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

But, if that wasn’t enough, this powerful antioxidant is also:

• A great modifier of gene expression to reduce inflammation
• A very potent heavy metal chelator
• An enhancer of insulin sensitivity

The benefits of ALA can appear near miraculous. For example, according to Dr. Berkson, Russia has successfully used ALA intravenously to reverse ischemia reperfusion injuries by injecting it right after a heart attack or a stroke.

And people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome tend to do much better when taking lipoic acid, as it enhances insulin sensitivity.

There’s even been quite a bit of research showing it can restore T cell function. T cells are a type of white blood cells that are of key importance to your immune system, and are at the core of adaptive immunity, the system that tailors your body’s immune response to specific pathogens.

What Health Conditions Can be Treated With Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Clinically, alpha lipoic acid seems to be a useful supplement in treating hepatitis C. It can also be used for painful nerve conditions in diabetes, and may help slow down the aging process itself through its reduction in free radicals.

Dr. Berkson uses ALA along with low dose naltrexone (LDN) for the reversal of a number of more serious health conditions such as:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Dermatomyositis (an inflammatory muscle disease)
• Autoimmune diseases
Most of his patients normalize in about one month on this combination of ALA and LDN.

What is Low Dose Naltrexone?

Naltrexone (generic name) is a pharmacologically active opioid antagonist, conventionally used to treat drug- and alcohol addiction – normally at doses of 50mg to 300mg. As such, it’s been an FDA approved drug for over two decades.

However, researchers have found that at very low dosages (3 to 4.5 mg), naltrexone has immunomodulating properties that may be able to successfully treat cancer malignancies and a wide range of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, and Crohn’s disease, just to name a few.

As explained on the informative website www.lowdosenaltrexone.org, when you take LDN at bedtime — which blocks your opioid receptors for a few hours in the middle of the night — it is believed to up-regulate vital elements of your immune system by increasing your body’s production of metenkephalin and endorphins (your natural opioids), hence improving immune function.

Can Alpha Lipoic Acid Help Your Workout?

Alpha lipoic acid can be a potent aid when you exercise vigorously.

In my interview, Dr. Berkson gives an anecdotal story about a friend – an international weight lifting champion – who regularly uses ALA prior to meets.

Unfortunately, there are no set guidelines on dosage and timing. It can be highly individual, and is something that requires a little bit of trial and error in order to get it just right.

But if you suffer from any of the conditions listed above or diabetes it would certainly seem like a useful supplement to consider.

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Until next time,

Karen Cioffi

http://karencioffi.com

MS Awareness Month March 8-14 2010

For those with Multiple Sclerosis, this is the week to make everyone aware of it. It might be a good idea to let your local papers know about it and ask if they’d write something about it. Let your groups know, spread the word.

On a more personal note and the topic of the post:

I’ve been feeling awful lately. The MS is in full swing and usually when this happens it’s because I have an infection going on, or I am really over doing it and put myself in a bout. But, it’s funny, I can usually tell the difference and this time it felt like an infection.

For those who aren’t aware, this is true for anyone with multiple sclerosis – infections, bacterial or viruses, affect ms. This is just the nature of the beast – if you’re sick, your ms will worsen. That’s why it’s essential for ms patients to have infections treated promptly.

So, I went to my doctor today, pretty sure I had a UTI (urinary tract infection) and sure enough I do. My PCP is kind of afraid of me because of the chemical sensitivity (MCS). She once told me that when she enters the exam room and sees me there she takes a step back. Not too comforting, let me tell you.

Anyway, she put me on Macrobid, a ten day script. It’s the antibiotic that worked in December 08 when I started again with recurring UTIs (the last one was around 25 years ago). I was on and off macrobid for 3 months because the doctors didn’t treat me properly for cystitis. The normal protocol never works with me – my unique body I guess. I even ended up in the emergency room because of the infection. Finally I went to a urologist who actually listened to me and realized I needed a long term treatment and then maintenance.

So, tonight I start the generic to Macrobid.  My PCP wants me back in 14 days to see if the little critters are gone. But, if the infection is not, I will be back on the antibiotic again and the bacteria will have had a chance to reinforce during the lapse of Macrobid. I understand doctors are cautious with antibiotics especially with someone with MCS, but playing did it kill it or not isn’t very wise either.

I will also call my urologist and hopefully get an appointment as soon as possible. I know my body and what it usually takes to get rid of the UTI.

I’ve been very diligent in watching my diet to help avoid sinus infections. I avoid sugar and chocolate (two sinus infection instigators for me) and I’ve been trying to avoid processed foods and I stopped drinking my 4 ounces of diet pepsi a couple of times a week. And, I’ve been pretty good at staying away from any form of cow’s milk – that mucus causing enzyme is as bad as eating chocolate for me.

Sorry I’m ranting on here. The tip for the day: KNOW YOUR BODY! And, if you have MS, be sure to drink plenty of water because MS patients are prone to bladder problems and UTIs. And, as I stated above, have any infection treated promptly.

And, don’t be afraid to tell your doctor how you think you should be medically treated.

All my well intentions of posting regularly to this site have been governed by my well-being lately. I’m doing my best to overcome this. I’m listening to my Think Right Health Now cd, along with reading about the power of the mind.

In Excuses Begone!, author Dryer quotes from The Biology of Belief with the phrase: perception controls genes.

I’m working on it!

Until next time,

Karen

I know it’s been a while. I was hoping to post to this site at least 2 times a week, but as life will do at times, it had other plans for me.

I had a little episode that warranted me having to get an ekg, 24-hour heart monitor, blood work, and a sonogram of my abdomen. I’m happy to report all seems to be well.

Hey, you know what, I change that statement: ALL IS WELL! I’ve been reading three different books on well being and listening to Think Write Now, I Am Healed Now! every night. Sooner or later this positive thinking and empowerment will take root!

I would give you the link to I Am Healed Now!, but they don’t sell it any longer – I bought it several years ago. I’m not sure why they discontinued it, in fact I’m going to contact the company and ask.

I’ve been creating another website, my third Blue Host site. I also have 3 blogsites, two of which are active. And, I try to write for ezines such as Suite101 and EzineArticles as well as work on writing children’s books. So, I keep pretty busy.

Okay, down to business:

For those of you in the NY area and are able to or know friends, family, acquaintances who are:

The New York City – Southern New York Chapter will host Walk MS 2010 at 7 locations on April 17th and 18th in Manhattan and Staten Island, and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties.

Each location will feature a Walk MS festival including a fun zone for kids, food, and entertainment. It’s a great cause, raising critical funds in support of annual programs and services, and the Society’s research initiatives.

For more info visit: www.walkMSnyc.org

This information comes from the NMSS Connection Winter 2010 magazine (for NYC – Southern New York Chapter).

These Walks and Bike Rides actually do raise money for MS. The NYC Bike MS in October 2009, raised more than $3 million!

The NMSS provides a number of great support and help systems for sufferers of MS. If you aren’t a member, you should join your local chapter.

I hope to post more regularly.

Until next time,

Karen

Should you get the H1N1 Vaccine if you have multiple sclerosis?

This weekend, my local Duane Reed drug store had the H1N1 shot available and CBS FM was covering the event.

The only ones I know who actually got the shot so far are my grandsons (one and three-years-old), but that was before the controversy about its potential ineffectiveness.

I get the annual regular flu shot since I have a number of health problems and ALL my doctors, even my acupuncturist, recommends it, but I haven’t gotten the H1N1.

I asked my neurologist about the H1N1 vaccine and he said the determining factor was on an individual basis. He went on to discuss that those in the health field and others that deal with the public such as teachers would probably benefit from getting it. But, all in all, I got the impression he wasn’t recommending it for me. He did mention that they weren’t sure of the neurological benefits or drawbacks.

Next, I asked my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome specialist. She was to the point and just said, NO. I didn’t bother asking why since there has been so much controversy over this shot that I just assumed this was a factor in her advising her patients not to get the shot.

Then, I asked my acupuncturist, Henry Zhen-Hong Lee. I value his opinion because he is not only an amazing NYS Licensed Acupuncturist and NCCA DPL. Herbalogist, but he was also a medical doctor in China. He advised I should get the shot  because of my health problems.

Finally, I asked my allergist. She is a very knowledgeable doctor and I trust her advise. She advised that as long as my grandsons got the shot, I shouldn’t need to.

I am fortunate to have a great group of doctors who I respect and  feel confident with.

So…I don’t think I’ll be getting the shot this year. I’ll reevaluate next year.

To find out what the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has to say about the H1N1 vaccine and MS, read this article at:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/research-news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=2115

Please note, this is in no way intended as advise to anyone – it’s your responsibility to discuss your health plans or questions with your doctor.

Until next time,

Karen

Here is an interesting study on caffeine and Multiple Sclerosis.

Caffeine Could Help Prevent Multiple Sclerosis
January 6th, 2010

http://opposedmoney.bfora.com/caffeine-could-help-prevent-multiple-sclerosis/

A mod study is suggesting that having specific cups of coffee a day could halt the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The researchers made this discovery in a study with mice bred to develop an MS-like condition, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, or EAE.

Those who were fed the equivalent of six to eight cups of coffee a day did not develop EAE.

The scientists from the U.S. and Finland believe the caffeine affects a molecule called adenosine, which plays a role in sleep and energy production and when the mice were dosed with caffeine, adenosine could not link to a particular receptor on the surface of cells.

This appeared to have an indirect effect on the ability of immune cells to enter the nervous system at a part of the brain called the choroid plexus, and the mice did not develop EAE.

They hope that the finding may prove to be relevant for other autoimmune diseases, in which the body uses the weapons of the immune system against itself, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Professor Linda Thompson of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, says this is an exciting and unexpected finding which could be important for the study of MS and other diseases.

The study was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Jeffrey Mills and Dr. Margaret Bynoe of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, along with colleagues in Finland’s University of Turku.

According to Professor Thompson there is much more work to be done for the prevention of multiple sclerosis in humans and she says a retrospective study of people with MS to track their caffeine intake and the effects on the disease could be an important next step in the research process.

Professor Thompson says if a correlation between caffeine intake and reduced MS symptoms is then found, that would point to further studies in humans.

MS is a disorder of the central nervous system which causes weakness, numbness, a loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech and bladder control and it affects 2.5 million people worldwide.

Current treatments are limited only to slowing the progress of the disease once it is established.

Experts recommend no more than five cups of coffee a day.

The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Wow, wouldn’t that be a wonderful treatment! I wonder if tea has the same effect?

Although, MS has more physiological disorders than just sleep and energy. What about the pins and needles, vision disturbances, bladder problems, balance and mobility issues…

Most often when a patient is diagnosed with MS, the neurologist recommends one of the immunomodulating drugs (such as FDA-approved interferons or glatiramer acetate).

From personal experience, rather witnessing those I know on these drugs, these drugs do seem to afford the patient a much better quality of life. But, with any drug, there are possible side effects.

According to news from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), an Italian study concludes that:

 ”‘This large-scale study adds significant support to considering MS treatment as soon as possible following a diagnosis of probable or definite MS,’ commented John R. Richert, MD, who heads research and clinical programs at the National MS Society.”

I haven’t started a immunomodulating drug yet. My doctor recommended Co-Paxone, but because I also have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, I held off. I’ve been going to an acupuncturist for three years now and, thank God, have been holding my own. So, my doctor doesn’t insist I go on the medication.

If you’d like to read the entire story at NMSS, go to:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=2359

Quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia, is devastating for the patient and his family. Being a caregiver to a quadriplegic family member it is both physically and emotionally challenging.

Spinal cord injuries are most often the cause of quadriplegia, but it can also be caused by nerve diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease ). It is the paralysis of all four limbs (both legs and arms). According to Spinal Injury Network, quadriplegia can have different levels of functionality; the location of the injury on the spine will be the determining factor. Quadriplegia usually affects other bodily functions as well.

To read more go to Suite 101.

Along with writing health articles, I also write articles about writing and marketing. Within this genre, I write reviews for children’s books and non-fiction books.

My most recent review is a fiction children’s book that deals with a child learning her mother has MS. This is a must have book to help children gain an understanding of what MS is, how it’s diagnosed, and what to expect. It’s also full of great resources.

While it’s not available for sale yet, keep your eye out for it:

Title: Mom’s Story – A Child Learns About MS
Author: Mary Jo Nickum
Publisher: Chalet Publishers, LLC
ISBN: 978-098408365-7

Mom’s Story is a 74 page quick and easy read. It is a story about a nine-year-old child who learns that her mother has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The book delves into the processes involved from the first symptoms to a diagnosis, all while depicting the main character’s emotions and reactions as well as those of her siblings. The family goes from the initial fear that is common when a loved one is diagnosed with MS, to learning about the illness.  Knowledge about MS helps a great deal to alleviate those initial fears.

To read the entire review at BookPleasures.com, CLICK HERE.

Karen