Food Allergies
in MS
"There is a popular
theory that food allergies play a role in the progression and
treatment of MS. As mentioned earlier, the consumption of two
common allergens - gluten and milk - has been implicated in MS.
Small intestinal biopsy in a small group of MS patients indicated
an increased frequency of significant damage to the intestinal
lining. The damage was similar to that which occurs in celiac
disease and food allergies." (Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine,
1998, Michael T. Murray, N.D. & Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.)
"There is solid
evidence that MS is an auto immune disease which means it is the
result of the actions of one's own immune system on specific tissues
in the body. For example when the immune system attacks collagen
in the joints the auto immune disease is called rheumatoid arthritis.
MS is characterized by inflammation and damage to tissues in the
central nervous system (CNS) due to immune responses." (Van
Oosten et al., 1995)
"Diet can readily
affect the brain-blood barrier through the ingestion of allergenic
foods and large quantities of saturated fats. Diet is obviously
found throughout the world and it is specific enough to an individual
with very specific allergies to result in MS affecting only half
or less of genetically susceptible individuals.
Food allergies seem to
be very common and this is currently being demonstrated by ELISA
blood tests which test for allergenic reactions to 190 foods.
Currently all five MS patients who have had such a test have had
numerous, significant food allergies. Given that it is estimated
that between 1 in 50 to 1 in 100 people have significant food
allergies, if the MS and food allergies were not related, the
chance of a person having both would be between 1 in 50,000 to
1 in 100,000. Current data suggest at least 1 in 2 MS patients
has notable food allergies indicating that MS and food allergies
are definitely related." (MS - Probable Cause and Best-Bet
Treatment, by Ashton F. Embry, Ph.D., 06/15/96)
"It has been known
for centuries that OPC counteracts allergic reactions. Masquelier
explains the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity of OPC,
on the basis of their antioxidant activity...Free radicals activate
the release of histamine and other mediators and they are also
produced by these mediators. This is how free radicals form essential
components in the development and perpetuation of inflammations
and allergic reactions. (OPC in Practice, by Bert Schwitters in
Collaboration with Prof. Jack Masquelier)
Multiple Sclerosis and
the BBB
"Historically, it has been known that MS is caused by certain
white blood cells attacking the myelin surrounding the nerve cells
of a person's own central nervous system. How do the white blood
cells get to the myelin in order to attack it to begin with? Under
normal conditions the blood-brain barrier (BBB) provides an effective
separation between the blood cells and the myelin, such that it
would be irrelevant whether or not some of the white cells were
programmed incorrectly.
Strengthening the BBB
to the extent that no further breakdowns occur would indeed help
victims of Multiple Sclerosis. There are three related chemicals
which have been found effective in strengthening the blood-brain
barrier in animals. These are the anthocyanosides, proanthocyanidins,
and procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs). All three of these are variants
of a common class of chemicals called "flavonoids.""
(Multiple Sclerosis, The Blood Brain Barrier, and New Treatment,
by Timothy R. Stout)
"MS patients have
been shown to have an abnormal blood-brain barrier, presumably
as a result of excessive platelet adhesiveness and aggregation.
Damage to the blood brain barrier may allow the influx to the
cerebrospinal fluid of substances in the blood, such as bacteria,
viruses, antibodies, toxic chemicals and other compounds, that
are toxic to myelin. Lack of oxygen may also be a contributing
factor in de-myelination, by promoting both the release of cellular
enzymes and cellular suffocation (death)." (Encyclopedia
of Natural Medicine, 1991, Michael T. Murray, N.D. & Joseph
E. Pizzorno, N.D.)
OPCs' remarkable antioxidant
activity may help stabilize brain cells and improve their functioning
by neutralizing damage from free radicals.
OPC is expert at treating
vascular diseases because it actually increases the structural
strength of weakened blood vessels. It also has other biological
activity and is one of the most potent antioxidants known. Some
experts call OPC a superstar among botanical supplements, the
one with the most potential of all for benefiting human health.
